3-day Fire Detection and Alarm System, 3rd Party Certificate Course
Incorporating the Irish National Standard I.S. 3218:2013
PCCE Course Reference (F2)
Latest Course revisions: This course is updated regularly. New sections are added and updated on a regular basis.
Recent updates:
- Voice Evacuation
- Tactile Devices
- VADs and Strobes
- Sound and Sounder design
Introduction:
This course is developed to take attendees through the Theory and Design of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS). While it includes a thorough review of the National Standard the course extends well beyond a review of this Standard such that it will benefit persons with both limited knowledge and those with previous or extensive experience.
The Third-party Certified Theory/Design course (3 x 1 day sessions) is developed to NFQ Level 6 (Special Purpose) and will take participants to a stage where they have an in-depth knowledge of the process of Fire Detection and Alarm system design; correct installation methods and procedures; the commissioning and handover process; the responsibilities of all parties involved in the process; the User actions and the actions relating to the Service and Maintenance of Fire Alarm systems.
The course has now been updated to take account of the changes in the I.S.3218:2013 Standard which was released in December 2013.
Certificate Theory/Design Course Learning Objectives:
This Theory/Design Course will equip participants with the knowledge and the demonstrable ability to contribute to the Fire Safety Strategy, Design, Installation, Commissioning and Servicing of Fire Alarm System.
These course objectives are to equip successful participants with a clear understanding of the following:
The Fundamentals of Fire Safety
The Characteristics of fire
The theory of Fire Detection and Alarm systems
Understanding the Irish Standard I.S.3218:2013
The Fire Alarm System Process – design, installation, commissioning, handover and service/maintenance.
The theoretical aspects of system components (alarm, detection, control and ancillary)
A detailed review and analysis of the principals of fire detection and alarm system design
Requirements for residential Fire Alarm systems
The principals of installation. (The course will not cover the details of electrical wiring systems or power systems connections)
The Limitation of False Alarms
The Commissioning of a Fire Alarm system
The responsibilities of Users
The Service, Maintenance and Verification of Fire Alarm systems
Certification.
This course will benefit both experienced Designers and those with limited prior learning.
Course Outline:
Module 1_Foundation Module
The fundamentals of Fire Safety
The Characteristics of fire:
Heat (fire) transfer to adjoining areas
Cold smoke
Stratification
Inversion
Module 2_I.S. 3218 2013 Scope and Legislation
Legal Status of the Irish Standard
Legislative need for FDAS Design and Maintenance
NEW Standard: ISEN16763: EU Standard for Providers of all Services (Design; Commissioning; Maintenance) of FDAS installations
Recent Standard: ISEN 54 part 23: VADS
Amended Standard: ISEN 54 part 13: System Compatibility
Module 3_FDAS System Design and Implementation Process
Design, installation, commissioning, handover and service/maintenance with emphasis on the responsibilities of all parties.
Fire Safety Certification
Role of Fire Consultants
Legislative responsibilities of ALL parties– User; Designer; Contractors, etc.
Designing for Safety in Construction overview
Safety Health and Welfare as applicable to FDAS installation and Service/Maintenance
Module 4_Automatic Fire Detection Devices
Module 5_Alarm Devices
Modules 4 and 5 address the range of devices in each of the following areas. Module 8 addresses the application of these devices into FDAS Design:
In-depth review of a broad range of device types
Device characteristics
Device advantages and disadvantages
Visual Alarm Devices:
Traditional and VADs (ISEN54-23)
Devices and impact on existing/new installations
Tactile alarm devices
PAVA devices
Module 6_FDAS and CIE Systems
Conventional Systems
Addressable Systems
Open and Closed Protocols
Radio-based systems
Networking
Module 7_Installer Activities – Materials and Workmanship
Module 8_Detailed Design Stages
A detailed review and analysis of the principals of fire detection and alarm system design including: (This section of the course takes up 1 of the 3 days):
Design coordination
The Fire Safety Certificate
FDAS Categories of protection and selection criteria
Dealing with existing systems
Choosing a system type (conventional/addressable/radio etc.)
Zone Design and management
Interface Matrix and ‘Cause & Effect’ design and specification
Sounder design/PAVA
Device placement and designing with extended spacing and coverage
MCPs design
Alarms and VADs
Areas of high risk
Access issues
Perforated ceilings
Honeycombed ceilings; beams and joists/ corridor spacing
Module 9_ Limiting False Alarms
Design responsibilities in respect of Limiting False Alarms
Causes and analysis of False Alarms
Response to faults/alarms
Module 10_ Residential
Residential application including:
New Community PG
Apartment buildings
Car-parks
Module 11_ Commissioning
Review of the Commissioning Process
Interface Matrix and Cause & Effect
Testing and Certification
Responsibilities of all Parties
Module 12_ User Responsibilities
Module 13_ Service and Maintenance
Modules 12 and 13 include:
- User Responsibilities
- Importance of Specifications
- Contractor Records
- User Records
- Log Book entries
- Contractor qualifications and competence
Who Should Attend?
This course is aimed at all parties in the FDAS process who wish to attain a high level of knowledge and expertise in this area. It provides an excellent, high-level basis to develop existing skills and experience.
The course has attracted almost 300 attendees to date from all areas in the FDAS spectrum including Fire Officers; Designers; Contractors and Users. The course feedback has been excellent, and some parties are using the successful completion of this course as part of their benchmarking for the competence of those offering services to them.
Those who have achieved the 3rd party Certification award are included on the PCCE website www.pcce.ie
Course Evaluation/Examination:
The Certificate Theory/Design Course will have a 2.75-hour examination and participants will be allowed to refer to the I.S.3218:2013 Standard for portions of this exam.
Other sections of the test will be ‘closed book’.
The exam will take place after the course has been completed to allow attendees to study their notes and the Standard in advance and in their own time. Course achievement levels for Theory examinations are:
Pass: 60% – 74%
Merit: 75% – 89%
Distinction: 90% – 100%
Course Developers and Tutors:
Paul Condron – EurIng, BE, CEng, MCIBSE, FConsEI, M IEI,
Chartered Engineer
Registered Consulting Engineer
Registered Training Provider for Engineers Ireland
NUI Galway certified course developer and training provider
Over 40 years experience in the Building Services Design
Member of the NSAI WG3218 working committee for the I.S.3218 Standard
Member of the NSAI WG3217 working committee for the I.S.3217 Standard
Frank Pierce – Tech IEI:
Almost 40 years experience in the Fire Industry
Experienced Course developer and training provider
Previously Consultant to Apollo Fire in Ireland
Member of the NSAI WG3218 working committee for the I.S.3218 Standard
Irish Representative for the EN54 European Committee