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Location:  Publications > Guidelines > Qualifications for Service Company Personnel

Office of the Fire Marshal	OFM-TG-03-2000
QUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE COMPANY PERSONNEL	O F M GUIDELINE
November 2000

SECTION

Abstract

2.0Background

5.0 Role Of Owner

Appendix A

This guideline sets out certain criteria to use in assessing the qualifications of service company personnel and delineates the roles of the municipal fire department, owner and service company personnel to help achieve this goal.

1.0 SCOPE

This guideline provides criteria that should be considered in determining the competency of maintenance personnel and service companies and the roles of the local fire department, owner and service company in relation to the requirements of the Fire Code.

2.0   BACKGROUND

The Office of the Fire Marshal has become aware of inconsistencies in the application of some of these standards in various municipalities. Specifically, these inconsistencies relate to the requirement for qualifications and training of persons involved in the maintenance and installation of systems covered under the standards.

By using this guideline, it is anticipated that a more consistent application of the Fire Code will be achieved.

3.0   CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTABILITY

The following list of criteria should be taken into consideration when determining whether or not a person is properly trained or qualified, with no single factor being determinative. The sample checklist included in Appendix A can be used to compile the information and serve as a record of the evaluation.

3.1   Manufacturer's Authorization

It is not intended that a certificate of authorization from the manufacturer be required for compliance with the Fire Code.

3.2   Past Experience and Training

3.3   Competence of Service Personnel

3.4   Performance Record of Service Company

3.5   Demonstrated Competence

3.6   Qualifications of Personnel

3.7   References

4.0   ROLE OF FIRE DEPARTMENT

Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), assistants to the Fire Marshal, who usually are the local fire prevention officers, are responsible for enforcing the Fire Code within their jurisdiction. In many codes and standards, they would be considered as the authority having jurisdiction.

Upon inspection of a premises, the fire prevention officer (inspector) may ask to see the maintenance and test records for any fire protection systems or equipment required under the Fire Code. Under Article 1.1.2.1., building owners are required to keep records of tests and corrective measures for a period of two years from the time any work was performed or tests were conducted. Upon request, these records are required to be made available to the Chief Fire Official.

Where the records are not kept up to date or the owner has not carried out the required maintenance or testing, the inspector has authority to take action under the Fire Code by requesting that the maintenance or testing be carried out or where the work has been done, the records be brought up to date. Failing this, the inspector can initiate prosecution under the FPPA.

For persons carrying out tests or work on fire alarm systems, the Chief Fire Official may request a copy of the certificate or document attesting to the person's qualifications under Article 1.1.5.3. For other systems, the inspector is not specifically required to verify the credentials of the service personnel.

If the records appear to be incomplete or the system does not appear to be maintained properly, then the inspector should indicate this matter on an inspection report for the owner to follow up on and correct.

5.0   ROLE OF OWNER

Under Article 1.1.1.1., the owner is responsible for compliance with the Fire Code. In entering into an agreement with a service company to carry out testing and/or maintenance, the owner should ensure that the company is qualified to do any work that may be required to keep the fire protection system in good working condition and include specific obligations for the company to satisfy the Fire Code requirements. It is important that the owner retain the service company's qualifications for future reference.

The owner may refer to the previous section to determine the service company's qualifications. In most cases, regardless of who performs the work, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the systems are in operating condition.

There is one exception under Subsection 1.1.5. where the Fire Code sets out qualification criteria for persons performing annual tests or maintenance on fire alarm systems. In that instance, the Fire Code places obligations on the persons doing the work in addition to the general obligations placed on the owner.

6.0   ROLE OF SERVICE COMPANY

For fire alarm systems, the service company personnel must be able to provide proof to the owner or Chief Fire Official of the qualifications required under Subsection 1.1.5. of the Fire Code [see Clause 1.1.5.3.(1)(b)].

In all other cases, the service company should provide sufficient evidence, using some or all of the criteria identified in this guideline to give the owner assurance that the company is capable of performing the work required in order for the owner to achieve compliance with the Fire Code.

APPENDIX A

Service Company Name:  

Name:     Date: 

Manufacturer's Authorization

Certificate of authorization from distributor or manufacturer

Past Experience and Training

Fire protection system industry experience Suitability of service facility test equipment Approved materials and components inventory

Competence of Service Personnel

Demonstrated knowledge in testing and repairs Current manufacturers' maintenance manuals

Performance Record of Service Company

Prompt response to service calls Customer satisfaction

Demonstrated Competence

Demonstrate abilities through daily activities

Qualifications of Personnel

Certificates, degrees, diplomas, courses

References

Current and past service contracts

Other

APPENDIX B