TROX UK celebrates IFE Exam Success

Three TROX product specialists have been awarded Level 3 IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers) qualifications as part of the company’s major commitment to fire security training.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) delivered the training course for the TROX delegates in preparation for the Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection exam, developed by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). The content and structure of the qualification has been established to reflect best professional practice and covers key knowledge and understanding required by those working in the passive fire protection industry. The qualification involves around 350 hours of study and is divided into two sections: Fire and Fire Protection and Installation of Passive Fire Protection Measures. It culminates in a three-hour examination.

Mike Gosling, Technical Director of TROX UK, explained why this training is so important for members of its fire protection products team: ‘The Building Safety Act has brought about fundamental changes in the way that fire protection of buildings in the UK is managed. It focuses heavily on the competency of organisations and individuals involved in Building Safety, including those designated with responsibility for the building itself, as well as those involved in assisting with fire protection arrangements as external suppliers and advisers. As a major designer, manufacturer and supplier of fire protection products, TROX takes its responsibilities extremely seriously, and a key part of that is the ability to provide evidence of competency in addition to offering building owners and occupiers breadth and depth of technical advice. An important element of this is our on-going investment in facilities for R&D and testing that are capable of meeting the very highest regulatory requirements. In addition, we are investing in the kind of intensive training that can enable all of the members of our fire protection products team to understand the TROX product range, how they are tested, and how they are applied.’

TROX’s investment in facilities for development of fire protection products is extensive and long-standing. TROX has one of Europe’s most modern fire protection laboratories, the TROX International Centre Fire Protection Technology (ICB)*, where fire testing is conducted, primarily for fire protection classification of building products for ventilation and air conditioning in accordance with national and international standards. It incorporates a test furnace for combined wall, ceiling and duct tests, certified by IBS Linz in Austria with the OiB (Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering).

To extend this expertise, key product specialists from TROX UK began studying towards the IFE3 certificate during 2023. Mike Gosling, Technical Director, was successful in being awarded the IFE3 certificate in March 2023, and has led the way for two of the company’s Technical Sales Managers, Leanne Morgan and Liam Nevins, who have now passed IFE3 and have received their certificates in February 2024.

Leanne Morgan commented: ‘When it comes to fire protection products, these are almost always installed as part of a ‘system’, comprising products from other manufacturers, for example, a certified wall system and a penetration seal. It is therefore imperative that, as part of any competency pathway, a level of knowledge and understanding of these products and how they are applied as part of this system is obtained.’

Liam Nevins added: ‘The advantage of the IFE Level 3 exam is that it provides a solid base level of knowledge across a broad spectrum of passive fire protection topics that, whilst outside of the specific remit of the manufacturer, are essential as under-pinning knowledge for anyone involved within fire protection / building safety.’

In addition to Mike Gosling, Leanne Morgan and Liam Nevins, eleven other members of the TROX team are currently involved in IFE training. Another of TROX’s Technical Sales Managers is currently working towards IFE3, whilst ten personnel from the external sales/customer support teams are tackling the training modules for the IFE2 certificate.

Mike Gosling commented: ‘Engaging with a manufacturer who is able to demonstrate competence, not only in relation to their products, but of the components that form the certified system required to achieve compliance, is key to ensure the correct design, selection and installation of compliant fire protection products.’

For further information on TROX FIre Protection and Smoke Extraction contact TROX on tel: 01842 754545 or email us.

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Notes to editors:

*The International Centre for Fire Protection (ICB) is a testing, research and development centre at the TROX International Headquarters in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany, for greater safety in the area of smoke and fire protection technology.

The Centre also conducts basic research and materials testing and works closely with universities and research establishments throughout the world. In this way TROX can respond faster to specific customer requirements and technical challenges. TROX customers gain new competitive advantages.

For more information, please contact:

Neil Bond, Marketing Manager, TROX UK

Tel: 01842 754545 Email: NBond@troxuk.co.uk

Debbie Giggle, Lighthouse PR

Tel: 01847 831609 Email: Lhousepr@btinternet.com

About TROX GROUP

TROX is a global leader in the development, production and sale of components, units and systems for the ventilation and air conditioning of rooms. With 33 subsidiary companies in 27 countries on five continents, 20 production facilities, and importers and representatives, TROX is present in over 70 countries. Currently, the TROX GROUP has around 4,950 employees worldwide and generates annual revenues of about EUR 725 million.

About TROX UK

TROX UK was established in 1962 in London, UK, as the first international subsidiary of TROX GmbH, and since 1971 has been based at its manufacturing facility and offices in Caxton Way, Thetford, Norfolk, currently with approx. 150 employees, with a regional office in London. TROX UK is a manufacturer of air conditioning, ventilation and fire safety products and has the most efficient and flexible range of air distribution systems in the UK market. Working closely with architects, developers and consultants, TROX UK has supplied its products and services to many of the UK's most prestigious buildings and commercial developments.