Advanced

Build your fire safety expertise with our free CPDs, covering everything from legislation and industry standards to the latest technologies and best practices. Delivered by industry experts, they provide practical knowledge you can apply with confidence.

A guide to meeting BS 8629

BS 8629 is the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by the fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats. This CPD provides an overview of the main clauses. It covers the scope and definitions of BS 8629 and explains evacuations alert zones, the siting of devices, the requirements for evacuation alert control and indicating equipment, the responsibilities of the installer, and commissioning and handover.

Managing false fire alarms : tools and techniques

Almost 40% of incidents attended by the fire and rescue services in England in 2022/23 were false alarms , with associated costs estimated at over £1 billion.

In this CPD you will learn tried and tested techniques that help put an end to this pernicious problem. You will hear about the common causes and effects of false and unwanted alarms and gain deeper understanding of the strategies you can put in place to effectively manage and radically reduce them.

Introduction to Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

This CPD is a comprehensive introduction to the key principles behind Fire Detection & Alarm (FD&A) systems, including system types, relevant standards and legislation, design and installation considerations, and best practices for effective implementation and maintenance. It’s ideal for anyone involved in specifying, installing, or maintaining fire alarm systems.

Whether you’re new to FD&A systems and looking to build foundational knowledge, or an experienced professional seeking to refresh your understanding of BS 5839 and BS EN 54, this session offers practical, real-world guidance to support your work.

Smoke Control Systems: Principles, Pitfalls & Protection

Smoke remains the leading cause of fire‑related deaths, making effective smoke control critical to safe evacuation and firefighting access. This CPD explores how smoke control systems support life safety, compares natural and mechanical approaches, and explains how to apply the UK regulatory framework in real‑world projects. Drawing on common design, installation and maintenance pitfalls, the session provides practical insight into delivering compliant, reliable smoke control systems that perform when it matters most.