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New Certification Scheme Helps Demonstrate Competence In Smoke Control System Maintenance

Kiwa has launched a new third-party certification scheme for organisations delivering the service, maintenance, and repair of smoke control systems, providing independent verification of competence at a time of increased regulatory scrutiny across the built environment.

The IFC Certification unit of Kiwa has developed the new SMR 01 certification to assess the competence of businesses responsible for maintaining smoke control and smoke ventilation systems in all buildings, particularly high-rise and higher risk. The scheme is designed to support clients, duty holders and Responsible Persons seeking assurance that maintenance work is being carried out to recognised industry standards.

Its launch follows significant changes to the building safety landscape, including the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act, which have strengthened responsibilities for the management of fire safety systems in higher-risk buildings. These reforms place greater emphasis on demonstrating competence and verifying that those carrying out safety-critical work are appropriately qualified. Third-party audits can support this.

SMR 01 provides ongoing independent assessments of certified organisations, combining a business management audit with site inspections of service engineers carrying out service, repair and maintenance work. The number of engineer assessments is proportionate to the size of the workforce, enabling ongoing verification of competence in live working environments.

The certification scheme has been developed in line with guidance from the Smoke Control Association and relevant British Standards. It covers four key categories of smoke control systems:

Single-zone ventilation
Multi-zone natural ventilation
Multi-zone mechanical ventilation
Pressure differential systems, including stairwell pressurisation systems

Olly Lucas, Scheme Manager for SMR 01 Certification at Kiwa, said: “The introduction of the IFC Certification SMR 01 scheme provides a structured, independently audited certification programme designed specifically for organisations responsible for maintaining smoke control and smoke ventilation systems.

“Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the industry has seen an increased focus on competence, accountability and third-party assurance. Alongside the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety Act 2021, there is now greater emphasis on ensuring that life safety systems are maintained correctly throughout a building’s lifecycle.

“SMR 01 allows organisations to demonstrate that both their management systems and on-site maintenance activities have been independently assessed against recognised industry standards. It also provides building owners and property managers with greater confidence that smoke control systems are being maintained by competent providers.”

By providing independent verification of competence, Kiwa says the scheme will help support improved standards across the smoke control sector while offering reassurance to building owners, facilities managers, residents, and other stakeholders responsible for fire safety compliance.

For more information about the SMR 01 certification scheme, visit: https://www.kiwa.com/gb/en-gb/services/certification/smr-01-smoke-control-service-maintenance–repair/