How Does HydroChute Ensure Contractor Competency?

When it comes to fire safety, particularly in high-rise buildings, contractor competency isn’t optional—it’s essential. But how do you prove it?

At HydroChute, we’ve put a huge amount of thought and effort into this very question.

In our latest Q&A explainer video, Riley Smith explains how we’ve tackled the issue of competency head-on—and what sets us apart in the industry.

The Problem: A Lack of Specific Training

Before the Grenfell tragedy, there was no formal training dedicated specifically to refuse chute fire safety, servicing, or maintenance. While there were general courses available for fire safety and construction, nothing existed that addressed the unique requirements of chute systems.

The Solution: Working with the Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Rather than accept the gap, we took action. We approached the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and asked how we could develop proper training and certification standards for chute-related work.

Together, we created a dedicated course designed to equip our engineers and operatives with chute-specific fire safety knowledge. This training covers:

✅ Refuse chute fire safety principles

✅ Correct servicing procedures

✅ Installation and maintenance best practices

✅ Certification upon completion

The Result: Competency You Can Trust

Every HydroChute engineer and operative undergoes this specialised training and achieves certification. This forms part of what we call the “golden thread”—a consistent, traceable link from product manufacture through to installation and service.

For clients, this means peace of mind. You can be confident that anyone working on your HydroChute system is not only qualified, but specifically trained in the safety, maintenance, and servicing of chute systems.

🎥 Watch the Video
Hear directly from Riley Smith as he shares the story behind our collaboration with BRE and how it helps raise the bar for fire safety in buildings.

 

Have Questions? We’d Love to Hear Them
If you’d like to discuss contractor competency or have technical questions about refuse or linen chute fire safety, get in touch with our team today.