Fibre Optic ISP Hyperoptic Gains Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installation Cert

Broadband ISP Hyperoptic, which is currently deploying 1000Mbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks around 12 UK cities, has today become the first such provider to be awarded the Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installation certification from local and international body BM TRADA.

Generally any owner of a Multi-Dwelling Unit (apartments) or office block has to comply with various fire safety rules, which means they’re legally required to ensure that commercial premises have suitable and sufficient fire protection measures in the property and that these are properly maintained.

However there’s always a risk that those systems could be compromised by the installation of a new broadband or telecoms service. As such Hyperoptic has moved to ensure that their engineers are fully trained to work with related fire protection systems, which should give building owners additional confidence and speed up the FTTP installation process.

Stuart Foster, Hyperoptic’s Quality Assurance Boss, said:

“We are constantly looking for ways to differentiate and enhance our proposition. Being able to demonstrate our understanding of the important role that fire protection measures play and help to ensure that they are safeguarded when telecoms are installed means we can reassure our customers that their building and escape routes should remain safe for its occupants in the event of a fire.”

Simon Beer, BM TRADA, said:

“The addition of telecommunications to a building will compromise the fire performance if not done properly. It is good to see a broadband provider taking these steps to ensure that they maintain the fire resistance of compartment walls when carrying out their services. Anyone thinking of having electrics, telecoms or plumbing fitted to a building should check that those doing the work can demonstrate that the fire resistance performance of all compartment walls and floors will be maintained.”

Apparently Hyperoptic’s engineers had to go through various training exercises and a final exam in order to obtain the qualification. In addition, BM TRADA audited a number of live FTTP site installations to ensure that the integrity of existing fire protection measures were correctly maintained.