A Gloucester firm has achieved an industry first by completing an expert qualification in fire safety.

Adrian Smith (pictured), managing director of composite panel specialists ISD Solutions, is one of only 17 people worldwide to have passed the new Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

The qualification puts Mr Smith at the pinnacle of his industry for fire safety expertise, being the first construction contractor to have sat and passed the course.

The course, developed in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), contains modules on regulation, fire strategy, active and passive protection, testing and certification, building performance, human behaviour and fire science.

With Brett Harrington, manager of ISD Solutions' firewall division, aiming to complete the same IFE qualification, and two of the company's project managers undergoing courses in specific fields of fire protection, ISD can boast genuine industry-leading expertise in passive fire safety.

Mr Smith recently compiled a White Paper on the cultural impact on passive fire safety, following the Hackitt Review into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

He said: "ISD has been installing composite firewalls and associated fire protection systems for 19 years. We recognise the importance of fire safety and the challenge the construction industry faces in ensuring a consistent and thorough approach to maintaining standards.

"In light of the recent Hackitt Review following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and with changes in legislation shifting the onus of responsibility for fire safety on building projects, the construction industry needs to be aware of the broad spectrum of factors which create a truly safe end project.

"If we at ISD Solutions can help lead the way in raising standards, while offering a service which is of benefit to architects, specifiers, building consultants and designers, then we are happy to do so.

"The course was extremely thorough and gives us some great knowledge, which we can apply to passive fire protection measures for things like structural building frames, fire retardant coatings, walls, floors, ceilings and fire-retardant glazing, fire stopping, penetrations seals, cavity barriers, ductwork and dampers, fire resisting doors, industrial shutters and hardware."

Vicki Ball, head of education at the IFE said: "The IFE Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection is a new qualification which was developed in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) and which is offered on an international basis. The examination was available for the first time in October 2018. We are delighted with the support the qualification has received from the industry.

"It is always challenging to prepare for an examination, but preparing for one that has never been offered before is particularly difficult. We would like to congratulate Adrian on his achievement."

For more information on ISD Solutions please visit https://isd-solutions.co.uk/ or call 01452 520649.