Neil Heffernan
Great Kingshill,Buckinghamshire
Summary
I am confident, hardworking individual with just short of twenty years of continuous experience in the Fire Protection Industry within several different areas. I have a proven track record whilst using a methodical and planned approach to product development, testing and certification. I am self-motivated individual and a team player.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Testing– Divisional Head
Polyseam Ltd
07.2023 - Current
- Continuation of the Testing and Certification duties as per the Polyseam position below with managing a larger team and budget in excess £1m per annum.
- Overseeing all new product certification file preparation, testing in line with EAD, UKCA/TA and TPC requirements.
- Managing ongoing day to day testing requirements for the company’s existing and new product range.
- Managing and setting daily test build requirements for the companies’ team of product installers.
- Liaising with in-house CAD technician to design and build product tests in line with testing standard requirements.
- Overseeing and maintaining departmental costs and budgets.
- Over seeing of physical tests to ensure that test standards requirements are met by the testing laboratories.
- Analysing and reporting of test results to the company CEO.
- Testing programs and extended scope for products tested but not limited to EN1366-1 Ventilation Duct, EN1366-2 Dampers, EN1366-3 and UL1479, Penetrations Seals, EN1366-4 Linear Joint Seal, EN1366-12 Non-Mechanical fire Barriers. EN13381-4&8. Structural steel protection. EN1634- and BS476-20/22 Doorsets EN1364-2 Ceilings, EN1364-1 Internal Partitions. EN 1364-6 & TDG19 Open state Cavity Barriers
Consultant/Director
Fire Test Consultancy Ltd
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Guidance for passive fire protection manufacturers on the requirements for product fire testing, including project management, planning, procurement and installation of fire tests.
- Training of staff and assisting with UKAS accreditation for new fire test facilities.
- Consulting on testing and certification of new and existing products for blue chip manufacturers of fire protection and construction products.
- Consultation and project management of retrospective testing, certification and approval of installed systems but out of manufacturer scope for Tier one contractors on large infrastructure and private development projects.
- Auditing of installers and inspectors for Third Party UKAS accredited schemes of passive fire protection, including surveying of fire doors and penetration seals, including report writing (iauditor).
Product Testing and Certification Manager
Polyseam Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2021
- Supporting the technical team on product performances and specifications of passive fire protection with the company product range.
- Implementation of product testing schedules including fire (resistance and reaction), acoustic, impact, air permeability, VOC, identification and finger print testing.
- Setting up, maintaining and updating of certification of fire protection products including CE/ETA, third party certification (UL-EU, Certifire, UAE/Dubai Civil Defence), Local National Assessment Type approvals.
- Administration of new and existing white label client’s applications of mirror certification, assessments and approvals.
- Research and development for new and existing products from concept through to testing, certification/approval to market launch.
- Test standard committee member for fire testing of products to European and UK standards. Including TC127 Duct and dampers, linear joint seals, penetration seals, partial penetrations and air transfer grills. Previous member of FHS/24 UK steering committee for fire testing of building products.
Senior Technical Officer
BMTRADA/Chiltern Fire (now Warrington Fire)
11.2006 - 02.2014
- Determining client’s product testing requirements to the correct or required fire test standards.
- Project management of client’s fire testing project from concept, testing to reporting.
- Understanding and implementing of various fire test standards.
Owner
Landscape Construction
04.2003 - 11.2006
- All aspects of landscape projects management and construction.
General Builder
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Assisting with all aspects of onsite construction works.
Education
BA (Hons) - Business Studies with Tourism
Staffordshire University
01.2001
Advanced GNVQ - Leisure and Tourism
Chalfont Community College
01.1997
Nine GCSE’s -
Chalfont Community College
01.1995
Hobbies and Interests
- Cycling
- Running
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Gardening
- DIY
References
Available on request
Timeline
Head of Testing– Divisional Head
Polyseam Ltd
07.2023 - Current
Consultant/Director
Fire Test Consultancy Ltd
03.2021 - 06.2023
Product Testing and Certification Manager
Polyseam Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2021
Senior Technical Officer
BMTRADA/Chiltern Fire (now Warrington Fire)
11.2006 - 02.2014
Owner
Landscape Construction
04.2003 - 11.2006
General Builder
01.2001 - 01.2003
BA (Hons) - Business Studies with Tourism
Staffordshire University
Advanced GNVQ - Leisure and Tourism
Chalfont Community College
Nine GCSE’s -
Chalfont Community College