The conversation around competence in building services has moved on. It is no longer enough to say a product meets a standard or that a system has been designed to a specification. The expectation now is that competence is demonstrated, evidenced and repeatable.
That shift is reflected in the April issue of CIBSE Journal, in a column by BSB Engineering Services’ Managing Director, David Fitzpatrick, where the focus turns to how manufacturers prove their products are suitable for specific applications, not just compliant on paper. It is a simple idea, but one that carries real weight in life safety.
For manufacturers, achieving certification is only part of the picture. The testing behind it has to reflect real-world applications. A product used in different wall types, installation methods or system configurations may need to be assessed multiple times, not just once in ideal conditions.
Independent, third-party testing sits at the centre of this. It removes subjectivity and ensures that performance is consistent, not assumed. Just as importantly, it is not a one-off exercise. Regular re-testing confirms that what is being manufactured today performs in the same way as what was originally approved.
That continuity matters. Without it, confidence quickly erodes.
The same thinking is extending beyond products and into design and installation. The Building Safety Act has sharpened the focus here, with increasing emphasis on proving that those responsible for life safety systems are competent for the specific application in front of them.
There is a strong case for applying similar independent assessment to system design and installation as we already do to products. If a fire or smoke control solution is designed for a high-rise residential building, for example, the competence behind that design should be assessed and evidenced in a structured way.
It is a practical step that would bring greater consistency and clarity to how life safety systems are delivered.
For contractors, consultants and clients, this all points in one direction. It is no longer sufficient to accept claims at face value. The right questions need to be asked, early and with intent.
How has this product been tested for this application? Is that testing independent and repeatable? Does the installation approach match the tested configuration? Who is taking responsibility for demonstrating competence at each stage?
These are not administrative details. They are central to how life safety systems perform when they are needed most.
At BSB Engineering Services, this approach underpins how we design, test and support life safety systems. We work within certified frameworks, but real assurance comes from how those systems are applied in practice.
That means aligning design intent with tested performance, supporting installers with clear, application-specific guidance, and ensuring that what is delivered on site reflects what has been proven in testing. It is a more rigorous way of working, and one that reflects the direction the industry is now taking.
If you are reviewing how your current systems demonstrate performance and compliance in real applications, it is worth considering whether that link between testing, design and installation is as clear and evidenced as it needs to be.
You can discover more on David’s article by registering for the CIBSE Journal online here: https://www.cibsejournal.com/cibsejournal-magazine/?issue=cibse_journal_april_2026
