2021 Directory

Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme The objective of the Approved Hose Assemblies Mark certification scheme is to assure customers/end-users they have received hose assemblies from a supplier who has been inspected and awarded the Approved Hose Assemblies Mark by the BFPDA. The award certifies that at the time of inspection by the BFPDA inspector the supplier demonstrated that it is producing hose assemblies generally to the requirements set out in the document BFPDA/D8 published by the BFPDA. Full quality assurance programme Although certification is not a quality certificate or guarantee of the hose assembly, it does certify the procedures and practices of the hose assembly producer’s workshop. It indicates that the hose workshop has the equipment, resources and skilled personnel, and maintains a full quality assurance programme in its hose assembly production as approved by the BFPDA. Companies in the BFPDA Approved Hose Scheme who have been inspected and approved may use the Approved Hose Assemblies logo on their advertising, stationery and promotions, in addition to the BFPDA or BFPA logo as appropriate. Certification is not transferable. Certification, which is valid for a two-year period, is currently for the workshop only, but will encompass mobile vehicles from January 2022. There are a series of strict requirements for the scheme applicants. These include:  As a BFPDA Certified hose workshop, quality is the key objective. This is to ensure that all hose assemblies supplied to the customer/end user are manufactured to a quality standard; that all manufacturers’ recommendations, tolerances and procedures are followed; that all Health and Safety regulations (including CEN standards) are adhered to and the procedures set out in BFPDA/D8 are generally followed.  The practice of ‘mix and match’ is unacceptable, i.e. the hose and fittings for an assembly must be compatible by design, size, type and manufacture. The mixing of inserts and ferrules from different, or unknown manufacturers, or the use of unmatched hose and end fittings, is potentially dangerous and is therefore unacceptable.  The use of unbranded or unmarked hose is forbidden.  The use of re-ended hose is also forbidden.  The practice of reworking used hose is potentially dangerous and it is banned by International Standard BS EN ISO 4413:2010. Any components found with damage or that may be suspect, should not be used again. Inserts from swaged hose couplings should not, under any circumstances be re-used.  The BFPDA recommends that all hose be blown through with a filtered airline before and after assembly to remove all loose particles.  One or more of the hose assembly company’s operators may be requested to make-up a test hose assembly during the inspection, so that the inspector can witness the producer’s procedure in operation. Validation for mobile vehicles The remit of the Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme is constantly expanding. For example, it now will also cover companies who provide mobile vehicles that meet the quality control procedures set out in the BFPA document D12. Introduction of complaints procedure As the scheme continues to grow in membership, the BFPA will undoubtedly from time to time have some potential issues relating to scheme members not operating in accordance with the schemes Quality Control Procedures (BFPA D8). To enable us to address any such issues we have devised (and trialled) a complaints procedure, which has proven to be successful in alerting the BFPA of a company alleged to be in breach of the scheme’s standards. The incident reporting procedure is as follows: 1. Contact the BFPA and request an incident reporting form. This form will be required to be completed with as much information as possible regarding the alleged incident. 2. The BFPA will be obligated to make contact with the Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme member that is alleged to have breached the D8 standards for the purpose of establishing clarification on the reported alleged breach. 3. The BFPA will (in the case of re-ending or using incompatible product) make contact with the company/customer who was alleged to have had their hose product reworked/repaired for the purpose of informing them of the dangers associated with having hose and fittings re-worked. 4. If the alleged incident cannot be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, then evidence of the issue will be presented to the Hose Scheme Working Governance committee for resolution. If a company is found to be in serious breach of the scheme requirements, then it could be removed from the Approved Hose Assemblies Accreditation Scheme. Let’s all continue to raise the profile and credibility of the Approved Hose Assemblies Mark certification scheme by assuring customers/end-users receive hose assemblies from a supplier who has been inspected and awarded the Approved Hose Assemblies Mark by the BFPDA. Maintaining standards 28 www.bfpa.co.uk