The importance of IFC SDI-19 Certification for Smoke Vent installation and Maintenance
Why certified expertise is essential for building safety, compliance, and cost efficiency.
Why Smoke Ventilation Matters
Smoke ventilation systems play a vital role in protecting lives, property, and businesses during a fire. Controlling smoke spread, systems ensure safe evacuation routes, reducing fire damage, and supporting firefighter access. Poorly maintained or incorrectly installed systems can fail when they are needed most, putting lives and assets at risk. This is why choosing a provider with IFC SDI-19 accreditation is essential for any property manager, housing association, or council.
What is IFC SDI-19 Accreditation?
The IFC SDI-19 accreditation is a certification developed by the Smoke Control Association (SCA) in partnership with IFC Certification. It sets a rigorous standard for the design, installation, servicing, and maintenance of smoke ventilation systems. The certification ensures contractors have the necessary expertise to:
- Install systems in compliance with BS7346-8 and other relevant standards.
- Perform accurate diagnostics and proactive maintenance.
- Provide long-term safety, compliance, and cost savings for clients.
The IFC highlights the risks of untrained contractors:
“Incorrect installation or servicing can lead to system failure in a fire situation, compromising life safety and building compliance.”
The Dangers of Using Non-Certified Installers
While the use of uncertified installers for new installations has decreased, many repairs and servicing tasks are still handled by contractors without the required expertise. This poses significant risks:
Non-Compliance
Uncertified contractors may not adhere to critical standards such as EN12101-9 and EN12101-10. These standards are integral to supporting the Golden Thread of information, ensuring that every aspect of a building’s safety strategy is documented, maintained, and aligned with best practices. Failure to meet these standards can lead to legal liabilities, failed inspections, and compromised building safety.
Missed Issues
Without a deep understanding of smoke vent systems, untrained engineers often fail to identify underlying problems. For example, our team frequently identifies patterns in recurrent call-outs, such as repeated vandalism to open windows. These issues could often be mitigated with the installation of a comfort switch and clear signage, reducing misuse and minimising future disruptions. Additionally, a contractor may verify that a system opens and closes without understanding the conditions it’s designed to operate under, known as the cause and effect. For example, a contractor may verify that a system opens and closes without understanding the conditions it’s designed to operate under, known as the cause and effect.
Increased Costs
Poor diagnostics and incomplete servicing lead to recurring issues, costly repairs, and extended system downtime. This not only increases financial strain but also impacts operational efficiency, as unaddressed issues often escalate into larger, more expensive problems over time. Additionally, untrained contractors may overlook opportunities to optimise system performance, resulting in higher energy consumption and reduced system longevity, further compounding costs for property managers and stakeholders.
Safety Risks
Improperly serviced systems may fail to control smoke spread effectively, putting building occupants at greater risk during a fire. Additionally, unaddressed issues such as entrapment risks from improperly secured windows or loose actuators can create physical hazards. Critical elements of the system, such as mechanisms to account for wind and snow loads, may not be fully tested, leading to failures during adverse weather conditions. These oversights compromise the overall integrity of the smoke control system and increase the likelihood of serious safety incidents.
How IFC SDI-19 Accreditation Benefits Clients
Choosing an accredited smoke ventilation contractor ensures safety, compliance, and long-term value. Here’s how:
What Makes Kilpatrick Blane Services Different?
For over 27 years, Kilpatrick Blane Services has specialised exclusively in smoke ventilation, earning a reputation as trusted experts in the field. Here’s what sets us apart:
Holistic Approach
We balance safety, compliance, and budget constraints to deliver tailored solutions.
Proactive Maintenance
Our servicing aligns with BS7346-8, ensuring every element of your system is inspected and properly maintained.
Client Support
We educate residents on system functionality and provide detailed reports, helping you plan for renewals and remedials sensibly.
Team Excellence
Our engineers enjoy a balanced 34.5-hour work week, allowing them to bring their best to every job. We also lead the industry in gender and age equality.
Case Study: The Value of Certified Expertise
When a housing association experienced persistent failures in their smoke ventilation systems, they turned to us for a solution. Their previous contractor had only performed surface-level checks, ensuring vents opened and closed without investigating deeper issues. During our assessment, we identified a critical wiring fault previously overlooked, leading to recurrent failures. Instead of recommending an unnecessary control panel replacement, we resolved the issue directly, saving the client £3,000 and restoring system functionality.
In a separate instance, we worked with a client whose properties faced recurring vandalism and misuse of their smoke control systems. Drawing on our expertise, we identified patterns of damage and proposed a tailored solution: installing comfort switches and clear signage. This intervention reduced misuse, minimised future repair costs and extended system lifespan.
In both cases, our detailed reports provided clients with actionable insights, enabling strategic planning for maintenance and remedial work. These examples underscore how certified expertise goes beyond troubleshooting—it delivers tailored, proactive solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and long-term cost savings.
Why IFC SDI-19 Accreditation Should Matter to You
Certified expertise isn’t just a box to tick; it’s a commitment to safety, quality, and value. By choosing Kilpatrick Blane Services, you can:
Ensure compliance with industry standards.
Extend the lifespan of your smoke vent systems.
Minimise long-term costs through accurate diagnostics and proactive maintenance.
Provide safer environments for residents, tenants, and building occupants.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Ensuring the safety and compliance of your building’s smoke ventilation systems is essential. Reach out to learn how our certified expertise and tailored solutions can protect your properties, meet regulatory standards, and deliver long-term value.
