CERTIFICATIONS
IN MANY PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES, LEGISLATION HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE FIRE LIFE SAFETY DAMPERS ARE INSPECTED, MAINTAINED AND REPAIRED ON A REGULAR BASIS BY A SKILLED, TRAINED, CERTIFIED WORKFORCE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE TO KEEP These Systems Running as they were designed.
The following certifications, offered by the International Certification Board (ICB), provide building owners, safety professionals and stakeholders with assurance that the people doing this job are qualified at the highest level.
Fire and Smoke Damper Technician
Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor
Smoke Control Systems Technician
Smoke Control Systems Supervisor
Fire and Smoke Damper Contractor
A technician must be aware of the requirements for installation, testing and maintenance of fire and smoke dampers or smoke control systems as specified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. A supervisor has this knowledge, along with the skills to plan and direct testing and maintenance and coordinate the work of technicians.
The ICB is a platform for industry-recognized certifications which meet some of the highest standards for technical excellence and expertise in the industry. Certifications are designed to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity Assessment, which ensures all certification activities are consistent and reliable, eliminating all conflicts of interest. This helps the ICB protect its integrity and ensure the validity of its program.
When a technician or supervisor earns a certification through the ICB, there is another trusted organization standing behind the skills and knowledge it took to earn that certification: The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
ANAB is the largest accreditation body in North America. As a non-governmental organization, it provides accreditation services and training to public- and private-sector organizations, serving more than 75 countries.
Certifications, particularly those accredited by an unbiased, independent, third-party organization such as ANAB, ensure the certified professional possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the work. Fire life safety is public safety, and proper certification shows authorities having jurisdiction the technician is at the top of their field and can be trusted with life-saving fire protection systems.
The ICB is the first fire life safety entity in the HVAC industry accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by ANAB. A certification through the ICB is a statement that the technician, supervisor and/or contractor demonstrate the highest level of Fire Life Safety expertise. The ICB has been accredited since 2008.
UMD Research Study
NEMIC, in conjunction with the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering, set out to study the reliability of smoke control systems and life safety dampers installed in HVAC systems.
Dr. James Milke, professor and chair of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, and Ph.D. candidate Robert Ayoub conducted the study to create awareness of the importance of periodic inspection of fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems.
The principal approach for the research study included collection of data from inspections and post-incident investigations of the performance of fire dampers, smoke dampers, and smoke control systems. A survey was distributed to contractors, engineering consultants, and government agencies who conduct such inspections.
The results of the survey identified that issues for FLS dampers in existing buildings were widespread and that FLS dampers in new buildings were not immune from showing evidence of problems. The issues for smoke control systems were more prominent in new buildings than existing buildings.