International Institute of Risk & Safety Management

The International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) is a professional membership body for safety practitioners worldwide. It is registered British Charity (number 1107666) and UK Company limited by guarantee (number 5310696).^[1] IIRSM have two main membership streams. A “health and safety practitioner stream”, for those qualified or studying to be health and safety practitioners, and a “specialist stream”, for those who are qualified to degree or NVQ level 4 (or equivalent) and above, in a profession associated with health and safety practice but who hold no health and safety practitioner qualifications. In addition, companies or other organizations may be corporate members.^[1] Alongside other Health and Safety bodies, IIRSM assisted with the Occupational Safety & Health Consultants Register (OSHCR).^[2] Over the last three decades IIRSM has grown from a collective group of UK health and safety professionals to a thriving International Institute spanning over 70 countries.^[3]

Levels of membership

Student

Applicants following a recognised course of study in preparation for qualifications in health, safety or risk management. Applicants in full-time education or the Armed Forces, who are considering a career in Safety Management.

Affiliate

Applicants who are involved in accident prevention and occupational health and safety but who do not qualify for a designated grade of membership. Applicants whose interest in accident prevention and occupational health and safety is likely to assist in the development and interchange of information of a scientific, technical, promotional or educational nature.

Associate (AIIRSM)

Applicants with relevant experience who hold:

•British Safety Council Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health

•NCRQ Level 6 Certificate in Applied Health and Safety

•NEBOSH National and / or International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety

•NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health

•NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Health and Safety

•Or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Membership Committee

Member (MIIRSM)

Applicants with relevant experience who hold:

•The British Safety Council Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health

•NCRQ Level 6 Diploma in Applied Health and Safety

•NEBOSH National and / or International Diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety

•Post-graduate Diploma in Health and Safety

•NVQ Level 4/5 or a recognized degree in Occupational Health and Safety

•Or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Membership Committee

Fellow (FIIRSM)

IIRSM's highest award, there is a required 5 consecutive years at full member (MIIRSM) and proof that you are participating in CPD. To apply or upgrade you will need to complete a petition and provide the office with specific supporting documents i.e. degree level qualification/s, letters of support, significant achievements etc. Those applying for Fellow status have their initial petition carefully examined by the IIRSM committee, the petition must include notable evidence of pro bono or safety related charitable work. Fellows must also be able to prove they have achieved the highest standards of professionalism in their sector and show they have upheld the institute's core values and strict code of conduct.^[4]

Nota bene: FIIRSM is widely regarded as the CMIOSH equivalent^[5]

Specialist levels

Specialist Fellow (SFIIRSM)

You can apply for this level of membership after 5 consecutive years at Specialist member (SIIRSM) level or via the like-for-like scheme and can prove that you are participating in CPD. To apply or upgrade you will need to complete a petition and provide the office with all supporting documents.

Specialist (SIIRSM)

The requirement for Specialist's is NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) and above in a health and safety related profession such as Enforcement, Engineering, Law, Fire, Estates and Facilities Management, Occupational Health, Construction, Environment. At least 15% of a Specialist's working time must be spent on health and safety issues.

Recognised Safety Professionals (RSP)

•The Institute awards the designation "Recognised Safety Professional" to recognised safety practitioners who demonstrate ongoing evidence of good Health & Safety practices and training (in their own field of business) through IIRSM continuing professional development programme(CPD).^[6]

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The Institutes's CPD cycle lasts for 3 years. In order to maintain your RSP status you must bank a minimum of at least 30 credits over the 3 year period. The 30 credits must be spread across the following 3 sections (each section will require a minimum of 5 points):

• Maintenance of Skills;
• New Professional Skills; and
• Transferable-Management Skills^[7]

IIRSM Awards

• ASI Awards^[8]
• Lewisham College Awards^[9]
• Robert W. Campbell Award^[10]
• SGUK Awards^[11]

References

External links

• http://www.iirsm.org/
• http://www.oshcr.org/Page/IIRSM
• http://rospaworkplacesafety.com/2012/10/20/what-is-nebosh/