Assistant Editor , SHP

October 3, 2024

Anticipate London

Competency and third party accreditation – SHP speaks to Andrea White

In a new series, SHP interviews speakers featuring at our partner show, Anticipate London – combining Safety and Health Expo, FIREX, Facilities Show and IFSEC for cross-industry sharing, between 2-4 December 2024.

In this article, we spoke to Andrea White, Fire Engineer and Managing Director at A W Fire, ahead of her session ‘Centre stage: 2025 and the fire risk assessor spotlight’ at Anticipate London. 

Andrea White

Andrea, your session will focus on the fire risk assessor spotlight, and we’re seeing buildings become more complex in design, sustainability and construction. How crucial are fire risk assessors in leading the way?

AW: You’re absolutely right – our buildings have become much more complex.  Fire risk assessors need to understand those complexities in order to be able to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

That demands higher levels of competence and requires us to have a wider knowledge base.

There’s also been issues such as lithium-ion battery fires and skills shortages highlighted in the fire industry. But what do you think will be the biggest challenge for fire risk assessors over the next year?

AW: I see the biggest challenge that fire risk assessors will face is the drive towards ensuring adequate levels of competence amongst those undertaking fire risk assessment work.  We have a new British Standard being drafted on this subject – BS 8674 – and it will become increasingly important for fire risk assessors to be able to demonstrate their competence through third party accreditation.

Anticipate London will have a focus on role convergence; How far is cross-profession learning important within the fire sector?

Anticipate London logo.AW: As someone who is both a Chartered Safety professional, a Fire Risk Assessor and a Fire Engineer, my knowledge in related disciplines enables me to provide higher-quality, more informed advice to clients.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s FIREX at Anticipate London?

AW: I’m looking forward to hearing some of the discussions on the Expertise & Guidance Stage and the chance to chat to exhibitors – it’s a great opportunity to ask them technical questions.  I’m also looking forward to the Tall Buildings High Rise Fire Safety Conference.

To sign up to attend Anticipate London and see Andrea White at ExCel London on 2 December, click here.


Read more from Andrea on SHP here: Mind the fire safety gap – complexity versus competence

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