Strengthening Fire Safety Expertise Through Training
At TP Fire & Security, ongoing training and professional development are central to delivering the highest standards in fire safety. As legislation evolves and industry expectations continue to rise, ensuring our fire risk assessors remain at the forefront of best practice is more important than ever.
We recently spoke with Joe Treece, our experienced Fire Risk Assessor, following the completion of his Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment qualification. In this interview, he discusses his journey within the industry, the value of continued learning, and how advanced qualifications help strengthen the service and expertise we provide to clients across the UK.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at TP Fire & Security and how long you’ve been working in fire safety?
I have worked as a Fire Risk Assessor at TP Fire & Security for the past nine years. I began my career in the fire safety industry in a trainee role, supporting experienced fire risk assessors while undertaking relevant qualifications to develop my competence. I successfully completed my training and became fully competent around eight years ago, and I have continued to build my experience in the field since then.
What motivated you to pursue the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment qualification?
I was motivated to pursue the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment qualification because I wanted to deepen my technical competence and ensure my assessments are fully aligned with current legislation and best practice. As my responsibilities grew, I recognised the importance of having a nationally recognised, in-depth qualification that demonstrates both practical experience and a strong theoretical understanding of fire safety principles. Also with the new benchmarks set out in BS8674: 2025 we as a company wanted to ensure we achieve an advanced level of competency.
Why do you think ongoing professional development is important in this industry?
Ongoing professional development is a main cornerstone on how fire risk assessors keep up with their competency. The requirement to know new standards and legislations and refreshing existing knowledge is key for any competent fire risk assessor. It also shows professional bodies and clients that we take our responsibility seriously. It builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and high standards.
What does the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment involve, and how does it differ from previous qualifications you’ve completed?
It involves a deeper, more detailed understanding of fire risk assessment processes, particularly in more complex environments such as large buildings, industrial sites, or mixed-use developments. It also covers in detail high-risk buildings and the changes in law which have happened since the Grenfell Tragedy.
What was the most challenging part of the course for you?
Finding time to complete the required coursework was challenging due to the consistently high demand for fire risk assessments at TP Fire & Security.
Was there anything that surprised you during the training?
Nothing came as a particular surprise; however, it was valuable to complete the course alongside other professionals in the industry, as it allowed us to discuss and share experiences of challenges we have encountered in the field.
How has completing the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment qualification changed the way you approach fire risk assessments day to day?
It has led us to refine certain questions within our fire risk assessments, helping to ensure they address more specific areas of fire safety.
In your view, how does having Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment qualification strengthen TP Fire & Security’s service offering?
The qualification is a recognised standard that signals to clients that myself and the company has the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to assess fire risks accurately. This adds credibility to their service, helping clients trust that the assessments are thorough and in line with the latest fire safety regulations.
How does this qualification support compliance with current fire safety legislation and best practice?
It supports compliance with BS8674: 2025 and the advanced tier within the standard. It also covers as a refresher of all fire safety legislation and guidance documents, ensuring we apply the correct guidance for the buildings we risk assess.
How has the qualification helped your confidence when dealing with complex or high-risk environments?
The qualification has significantly improved my confidence when working in complex or high-risk environments by giving me a deeper understanding of fire risk principles, legislation, and practical assessment techniques. It has strengthened my ability to identify and evaluate more challenging risks, apply appropriate control measures, and make informed decisions in a wide range of scenarios. It has also improved my understanding of where to access specialist guidance and industry standards when dealing with unique or uncommon situations, ensuring assessments remain thorough, compliant, and proportionate to the level of risk involved.
How do you see this qualification shaping your future career within TP Fire & Security?
This qualification helps my future by ensuring my knowledge is as good as it can be for the company and with our increased workload look to manage a team of fire risk assessors going forward.
Would you recommend the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment to others, and why?
Yes, it is a good way of achieving compliance with BS8674: 2025, a good way to refresh any existing knowledge, achieve your CPD for the year and to meet new persons within the industry.
At TP Fire & Security, investing in advanced training and competency development ensures our clients receive knowledgeable, compliant, and high-quality fire risk assessment services. Qualifications such as the Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment support our commitment to best practice, helping businesses stay compliant while improving fire safety standards across their premises.
If you’re looking for expert fire risk assessments, fire safety advice, or support navigating the latest legislation, the team at TP Fire & Security is here to help.
Get in touch today to speak with one of our fire safety specialists.
