SE Controls has achieved a groundbreaking approval under the new SDI 19 certification scheme.

The company has become the first to be approved under the new Smoke Control Association (SCA) scheme.

SDI 19 was developed in a collaboration between SCA and IFC Certification and has been introduced to help raise standards across the industry.

Developed to ensure a suitable level of competency is maintained in all aspects of smoke control systems, the scheme also covers a contractor's ability to provide appropriate levels of service and maintenance following installation and commissioning, in line with a building's type, size and use.

Such is the importance of the recently introduced initiative that it is now mandatory for any SCA member involved in the installation of smoke control systems to achieve the accreditation as a condition of membership.

To become certified under the scheme, businesses must demonstrate their experience in fire strategy verification together with the design, installation and commissioning of smoke control systems in accordance with the relevant standards and industry guidance documents, including Approved Document B and BS7346 Parts 4, 5, 7 and 8. SE Controls is the first company to complete the IFC SDI 19 certification process including detailed internal office and external site audits.

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SCA Chairman, David Mowatt, explained: "The independent review of building regulations and fire safety supports clear cultural changes in the procurement, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and building systems in order to deliver safer buildings. Contractors should be responsible for the systems they install and end users should always look to use a capable, experienced contractor."

IFC Director of Certification, Ian Woodhouse, said: "Since the launch of this scheme in June of 2018 we have already received a number of applications and companies are currently progressing through the certification process. This is not only encouraging, but also underlines the importance that the industry assigns to raising competency standards and improving the quality of companies involved in installation activities. We're proud to be a key part of this initiative in partnership with the SCA."

Will Perkins, Group Managing Director of SE Controls, added: "As a long-standing member of the SCA, we have always maintained high quality standards in all aspects of our business, as well as supporting the SCA's efforts to raise the standards across the industry. This new scheme raises the bar for the smoke control industry and ensures that competence, credibility, quality and skill levels are not only improved, but recognised through the auditing and certification process.

"For over 35 years we have been at the forefront of our industry. Our expertise combined with our range of 'Tested Solutions' enables us to provide compliant products and solutions to the highest level, whilst also underlining our commitment and responsibility for the reliability of our life safety systems. Helping to improve industry standards has been a long-term commitment for us so it seems fitting that SE Controls has become the first company to achieve IFC SDI 19 and we hope many more will follow."