Myth 18: Third party certification (TPC) schemes are only suitable for large firms and not, for example, sole traders
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08 December 2015
There are no obstacles within TPC schemes for small firms. Even sole traders can, and regularly do, obtain certification under relevant certification schemes. With regard to fire risk assessors in particular, the BAFE SP205 scheme is specifically written to enable even a sole trader to achieve certification, subject to proper organisation of their company and appropriate management systems. The SP205 register already contains companies that are sole traders. Similarly, the SP101/ST104 scheme for fire extinguisher maintenance contractors permits very small firms with one maintenance technician to achieve certification. It is a further popular misconception that ISO 9001 certification (which is required for certification under SP101) cannot be achieved by small companies this is simply incorrect ISO 9001 sets out good management practice for a firm of any size.