Following a review of passive fire installation works, a rigorous assessment process for applicators and suppliers has been established by Canterbury District Health Board. Potter Interior Systems are proud to be appointed as the preferred primary distributor of passive fire products to the Canterbury DHB Programme.

GHD OLSSON FIRE & RISK was engaged in mid-2016 by Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) to review some post-earthquake passive fire installation works. The inspection revealed basic installation mistakes and showed some of the personnel used were untrained. During a meeting, it was discussed how CDHB could gain greater certainty over the quality of installation.

The first step to improving quality was to reduce the number of manufacturers whose products were being fitted throughout the CDHB properties, which numbered over 10 across the years. A questionnaire and procurement process was put in place, asking manufacturers to provide tested solutions only. This reduced the number of manufacturers from 10 down to two, and they provided over 90% of the solutions using tested products. The manufacturers also committed to providing ongoing training to CDHB-approved applicators.

Installation staff had to undergo in-house CDHB-supervised training with a written test after they had been accepted and before starting any works. If they passed, their practical ability was then assessed at a test facility purpose-built in Christchurch to assess the applicators’ installation team’s practical ability to work under time constraints and provide compliant installations.

The installers had to demonstrate a knowledge of QA procedures and produce the necessary QA reports. These installations were then taken apart and checked against the test standard, and marks were awarded for accuracy and compliance. At that point, if the applicator passed, they were issued with an approval.