Qualification Purpose: The ABBE L3 Award in Inspection & Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems relates to the inspection and commissioning of commercial fire sprinkler system design in accordance with the LPC Rules including BS EN 12845. 

This course and qualification is referenced as the Bafsa Competency Exam 'Unit 6' in the LPS1048 Issue 6 Scheme document 'GN13 Competency Requirements’ and replaces the LPCB Inspection Module 1&2 Competency Exam. This qualification is required to demonstrate LPS1048 Issue 6 Scheme competency compliance for Final Inspection and Commissioning verification practice for Category B, C, D, E & G sprinkler works, and Final Inspection only verification practice for Category F sprinkler works.

Eligibility criteria: Candidates must have a minimum of three years experience in the fire sprinkler sector covering the disciplines listed below:

• · Inspection of pump-house installation
• · Inspection of wet and dry installation control valves
• · Inspection of sprinkler pipework, hanger positions and head    spacing
• · Commissioning of pump-house
• · Commissioning of wet and dry installation control valves
• · Commissioning of monitoring systems
• · An understanding of maintenance is advisable but not essential

Duration of learning programme :This programme is self paced with approximately 60  hours learning delivered via 48 online modules.  Candidates are able to access the modules and assessment at their convenience and are allowed 12 months from the time of enrolment (Day 1) to complete their programme including (to include time for the online final exam to be undertaken and submission of post course work (video evidence).

Enrolment Requirements : Non Members AND BAFSA Members MUST REGISTER on the BAFSA e-portal  individually prior to booking any course. ALL Registrations require a NAME AND PERSONAL email address.

Photographic ID is to be provided by the candidate prior to course access. 

 Unit content:

• storage configurations
• inspection of the system during and at the end of the installation
• the commissioning of the system
• understanding of the required ongoing maintenance of the system.

Delivery & Assessment: Units are delivered via online modules with a multiple choice test at the end of each module. Candidates must achieve a pass in each module.

Good quality video evidence covering the practical elements required of the programme is essential and the key to success, so it is important that a candidate reads and understands the requirements of the activity (Full guidance on the assessment criteria is provided).

In respect of the assessment of the Practical Unit  all written and practical evidence (video) must be provided within the timelines identified in the Candidate Induction Guidance. ( A course brief is available on this e-portal and a full qualification specification is available on the BAFSA Training Centre webpage ) It is important to allow time for tutor assessment and resubmission of any video evidence not found to suitable or fails to meet the assessment criteria. 

Personal Protective Equipment where required and appropriate must be worn during the video session if the activity being undertaken requires it.

Candidate progress is monitored by an assessor who expects regular participation in the programme.  Learners receive regular reminders of their time on programme. 

Candidates will require access to a hard copy of LPC Rules (BS EN 12845:2015) marked with references/bookmarks. Notes and worked examples are not permitted. 

Final Exam: Once all online modules have been completed candidates will be expected to pass a final online exam. Full instructions regarding the requirements and protocols for the exam including how to book the exam are contained in the online programme. Results will be issued electronically witiin 4 weeks of the4 exam date. Should a candidate not achieve a pass in the  final exam there is an opportunity to book a resit. Resits attract a fee per discipline (Inspection, Maintenance, Commissioning).

ISSUING OF A QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE :
Following completion of the online modules and practical evidence by the candidate there is further activity required which is undertaken by an independent verifier and the Awarding Body (ABBE) before any certificate can be awarded. This process can take up to 45 days. This activity is required to ensure that the candidate evidence demonstrates Validity,
Reliability, Comparability, Manageability and Minimises Bias and the qualification remains robust.

A certificate will reflect the pathway chosen by the candidate:
• L3 Award in Inspection & Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

BAFSA has no influence in these steps. A candidate Record of Achievement (evidence of completion) is put forward by their assessor for internal verification by an independent verifier. If any evidence is missing or not meeting the specification, it is returned to the to the assessor for remedial action. Once internal verification is complete, the record of achievement (evidence of completion) is provided to ABBE (Awarding Organisation) for verification and certification. If any evidence is missing or not meeting the specification, it is returned to internal verifier for remedial action.

Skillcard: An Industry Skillcard (blue skilled worker card - Commercial Fire Sprinkler Engineer) has a requirement that above mentioned qualification, ie the Level 3, Inspection & Commissioning qualification is held.  An SSTSM or SSSTS certificate is also required. 

Please note: This online programme is non transferable and non refundable.