The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has launched a new online learning programme, The Role of Sales and Distribution: Passive Fire Protection Fundamentals, developed specifically for professionals working in sales, distribution, merchanting and customer-facing roles.
The course is designed to provide a practical introduction to passive fire protection (PFP) and the critical role it plays in safeguarding buildings, protecting lives and supporting regulatory compliance.
As awareness of fire safety responsibilities continues to grow across the construction supply chain, there is an increasing need for those involved in specifying, selling and supplying fire protection products to understand the fundamentals behind the systems they represent. This new course has been designed to meet that need, “equipping learners with the knowledge required to provide informed and responsible product guidance within the scope of their role.”
Adam Shipstone, ASFP Head of Training, commented: “I am pleased to introduce our new course, The Role of Sales and Distribution: Passive Fire Protection Fundamentals, in support of our competency framework for this important area of the industry. We developed this course following direct feedback from industry and through the collaborative work of our specialist working groups, who have played a key role in shaping the competency framework for professionals operating in sales and distribution.
“The course provides learners with an understanding of passive fire protection and its importance within the built environment. Designed specifically for sales, distribution and customer-facing professionals, it introduces the fundamentals of fire behaviour, fire development and the principles of passive fire protection.”
Adam continued: “Learners will gain an understanding of how passive fire protection systems help control the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, maintain structural stability and support overall building safety. The course also explores common passive fire protection products and systems, including firestopping, fire-resistant boards, intumescent coatings and fire doors, together with the importance of testing, certification and manufacturers’ technical documentation.
“Upon successful completion, learners will be able to provide informed, responsible and technically sound product guidance within the scope of their role.”
The course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:
Builders’ merchants
Distributors and stockists
Internal and external sales teams
Customer service advisors
Technical support personnel
Account managers
Specification sales professionals
Individuals who are new to passive fire protection
Delivered online through the Nucleus Technologies learning platform, the flexible programme can be completed in approximately 1.5 to 4 hours, making it accessible for busy professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of fire safety principles.
The course takes learners on a structured journey through the fundamentals of fire science and passive fire protection, covering both technical knowledge and practical considerations relevant to sales and distribution environments.
By completing the course, learners will be able to:
Explain the basic science of fire and combustion
Understand how fires start, develop and spread
Identify common causes of fire in buildings
Distinguish between passive and active fire protection measures
Recognise key passive fire protection systems and products
Understand compartmentation and fire resistance principles
Appreciate the importance of testing, assessments and certification
Interpret key information contained within manufacturers’ technical documentation
Recognise the risks associated with providing incorrect product advice.
The programme concludes with a short online knowledge check, enabling learners to demonstrate their understanding and reinforce key learning points before completion.
The launch of this course reflects ASFP’s continued commitment to raising competence standards across the construction and fire safety sectors, with the association emphasising that by “extending passive fire protection education beyond installers and specialists to those responsible for advising customers, specifying solutions and supplying products, the course supports greater knowledge, understanding and accountability throughout the supply chain.”
The course is also eligible through the CITB Employer Network, helping organisations invest in workforce competence while supporting wider industry objectives around building safety and fire protection.
For organisations looking to improve fire safety knowledge among sales, merchanting and distribution teams, this course provides an accessible, practical and valuable introduction to one of the most important aspects of modern building safety.
Visit the ASFP Academy for further information.
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) was formed in 1975 in recognition of a need to bring together passive fire protection manufacturers, contractors and testing/certification bodies to encourage, develop and give guidance on essential standards in passive fire protection.
The ASFP serves and represents the needs of its members and the wider passive fire protection industry, by raising standards and competence through training, testing, certification and quality of installation and maintenance.
It aims to advance knowledge and guidance on all aspects of ‘built-in’ fire protection; provide technical support and impartial advice; lead regulatory and behavioural change as an independent authority; and improve competence and quality through training.
