I.S.3218 2-Day Service Provider Course (F3)

Course Outline

Course Reference: PCCE Training_F3
Course Title: I.S.3218:2013 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, 2-day Service Provider Course.
Developed by and copyright Paul Condron Consulting Engineer Ltd (PCCE).
Tutors: Paul Condon; Frank Pierce; Liam O’Keeffe

 

Overview:

I.S.3218 the Irish National Standard for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Buildings - System Design, Installation, Servicing and Maintenance was updated in 2009 and most recently in December 2013. Both revisions to the original 1989 document include significant changes.

 

The Fire Alarm process has been overhauled and now requires a fundamentally different approach to the design and implementation process. Fire Alarm systems are now designed with Life Safety as the primary objective.

 

As part of these changes, there is now a very strong emphasis on FDAS Service and Maintenance. I.S.3218:2013 now dictates very specific requirements and obligations on Service and Maintenance providers.

 

Course Aim:

From experience PCCE in both our Training and Consultancy roles, have seen the impact of poor Service and Maintenance and the impact of this on both the FDAS operation and equally on the competent Service Providers who are often excluded from contracts by virtue of their attempts to carry out the works in accordance with the Standard.

Our objectives with this course are:
Develop the expertise of participants through a well-developed and presented Course.
Provide a full update on the I.S.3218:2013 requirements for a Service Provider.
Clearly define the roles of ‘Service’ and ‘Maintenance’ providers.
Provide sufficient FDAS theory to allow successful participants to carry out their duties under the Standard
Provide hands-on Practical and generic FDAS training. NOTE: Specific product training is not included.
Have participants carry out both Theory and Practical tests which will be graded and success rates recorded.

 

Course Programme:

 

Part 1: Theory

 

These modules will specifically reference the elements of the standard that must be understood by Service Providers.
Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: Design Basics
Module 3: Limitation of False Alarms – Service party responsibilities
Module 4: Installation, Commissioning
Module 5: Service and Maintenance
Module 6: User Responsibilities
Module 7: Residential Applications
Further details on Learning Outcomes are available

 

Part 2: Practical Application

 

Module 1: Course Objectives and Service Preparation
Module 2: Practical review of type of systems
Module 3: Trigger and Alarm Devices
Module 4: Service Methods
Module 5: Service equipment
Module 6: Service Records
Further details on Learning Outcomes are available

 

Course Evaluation:

There will be two tests on this course:
Theory: an open-book written test on Part 1 of the course
Practical: assessment-based practical tests on Part 2 of the course
Both tests must achieve PASS in order for the participant to be awarded a course ‘PASS’ result

 

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at contractors who are carrying out or intend to carry out either
Service work on FDAS installations. The course will address some elements of the Maintenance operations but will not provide sufficient system-specific training that is needed for Maintenance operations. Such training can be obtained from system providers/manufacturers.

 

Registration of Successful Participants:

PCCE Training is actively promoting the Registration of all parties involved in the FDAS process. We are therefore including a Registration section on our PCCE website that will reference all successful participants – i.e. those who attain PASS or higher grades in the course tests.

 

Registration of Successful Participants:
PCCE Training is actively promoting the Registration of all parties involved in the FDAS process. We are therefore including a Registration section on our PCCE website that will reference all successful participants – i.e. those who attain PASS or higher grades in the course tests.
PCCE is in discussion with and has received preliminary agreement for the current 3rd party registration bodies to accept this course as an acceptable entry requirement to a 3rd Party Service Register that they will establish. Further developments in this regard will be announced soon.
PCCE believes that a 3rd party Service Provider Registration process is essential to establish competence in the FDAS Service process and to provide a standard against which all Service providers will be benchmarked.

 

Tutor Profiles:

Paul Condon: Chartered Building Services Engineer; Registered Consulting Engineer. Almost 40 years experience in the design and specification of fire Alarm systems. NSAI Fire Safety Standards committee member. Course developer and presenter.
Frank Pierce: Over 35 years experience in design, installation, systems development, commissioning and service/maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems. NSAI Fire Safety Standards committee member. European (I.S.EN 54) Irish Representative. Course developer and presenter.
Liam O’Keeffe: Over 30 years experience at all levels of installation; commissioning and design.

Learning Objectives:

 

Part 1: Theory

 

Module 1: Introduction:
Legislative Status
Relevant Definitions
Reference documents

Module 2: Design Basics – will detail the following as required by Service/Maintenance providers:
The FDAS Implementation Process which now forms the basis for the application of the Standard.
FDAS system Categories
FDAS zoning
Spacing and siting of devices
System protocol
Certification
Will includes Workshops to emphasise practical aspects of the design process

Module 3: Limitation of False Alarms:
Analysis of the Standard
Review the obligations and responsibilities of Service/Maintenance providers which are significant.

 

Module 4: Installation, Commissioning
Reviews the main elements of Installation and Commissioning.

Module 5: Service and Maintenance
Obligations of the Provider Information needed to tender or cost a project
Defining a scope of Service
Role in Limitation of False Alarms
Analysing Fire Log/Fire Register entries
Record keeping

Module 6: User Responsibilities
Overview of User obligations and the interface with the Service/Maintenance Provider.

Module 7: Residential
Brief review of Service and Maintenance of Residential systems

 

Part 2: Practical Application

 

Module 1: Course objectives & Service preparation
Terms & Definitions
Preparation & consequences of poor records
Procedures
Health and Safety (H&S)

Module 2: Practical review of:
Conventional Systems
Intelligent Addressable Systems
Wireless or Radio Systems
Detection in Fire Suppression Systems
Network Systems
Communications, Open & Closed protocols

Module 3: Trigger and Alarm Devices
Sensors and input devices
Outputs and Third Party devices
Voice Alarm Equipment
Hazardous Area Equipment

Module 4: Service Methods
Service Vs Maintenance
Service and Test equipment
Avoiding False alarms, things to watch for
Cause & Effect Program
Analogue Readings
Practical and hands on session

Module 5: Service Records
What to record
How to record it
Annexes