The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has launched a new online learning programme designed to strengthen passive fire protection knowledge across sales and distribution roles.
The “Role of Sales and Distribution: Passive Fire Protection Fundamentals” provides a practical introduction to passive fire protection (PFP) and its role in protecting buildings and lives while supporting regulatory compliance.
The course has been developed for professionals working in sales, distribution, merchanting and customer facing positions.
Fire safety knowledge strengthened
ASFP said increasing awareness of fire safety responsibilities across the construction supply chain has created a greater need for those specifying, selling and supplying fire protection products to understand the systems they represent.
The programme aims to provide learners with the knowledge required to offer informed and responsible product guidance within the scope of their roles.
Passive fire protection covered
The course introduces fire behaviour, fire development and the principles of passive fire protection.
Learners will explore how PFP systems control the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, maintain structural stability and support overall building safety.
It also covers common systems and products including firestopping, fire resistant boards, intumescent coatings and fire doors.
Testing, certification and manufacturers’ technical documentation are also addressed, alongside the risks associated with providing incorrect product advice.
Adam Shipstone, ASFP Head of Training, said: “I am pleased to introduce our new course, The Role of Sales and Distribution: Passive Fire Protection Fundamentals, in support of our competency framework for this important area of the industry.
“We developed this course following direct feedback from industry and through the collaborative work of our specialist working groups, who have played a key role in shaping the competency framework for professionals operating in sales and distribution.
“The course provides learners with an understanding of passive fire protection and its importance within the built environment. Designed specifically for sales, distribution and customer-facing professionals, it introduces the fundamentals of fire behaviour, fire development and the principles of passive fire protection.
“Learners will gain an understanding of how passive fire protection systems help control the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, maintain structural stability and support overall building safety.
“The course also explores common passive fire protection products and systems, including firestopping, fire-resistant boards, intumescent coatings and fire doors, together with the importance of testing, certification and manufacturers’ technical documentation.
“Upon successful completion, learners will be able to provide informed, responsible and technically sound product guidance within the scope of their role.”
Flexible online training
The course is suitable for builders’ merchants, distributors, stockists, internal and external sales teams, customer service advisers, technical support personnel, account managers and specification sales professionals.
It is also intended for people who are new to passive fire protection.
Delivered online through the Nucleus Technologies learning platform, the programme can be completed in approximately 1.5 to four hours.
Learning outcomes outlined
Participants will learn about the basic science of fire and combustion, how fires start, develop and spread, and common causes of building fires.
The programme also covers the differences between active and passive fire protection, compartmentation and fire resistance principles, testing, assessments and certification.
Learners will develop their ability to interpret information contained within manufacturers’ technical documentation and recognise the potential consequences of providing incorrect product advice.
A short online knowledge check concludes the programme, allowing participants to demonstrate their understanding and reinforce key learning points.
Supporting industry competence
ASFP said the launch reflects its continued commitment to raising competence standards across the construction and fire safety sectors.
By extending PFP education beyond installers and specialists to professionals responsible for advising customers, specifying solutions and supplying products, the association aims to encourage greater knowledge, understanding and accountability throughout the supply chain.
The course is also eligible through the CITB Employer Network, supporting organisations seeking to invest in workforce competence and wider building safety objectives.
