Memorial Fixing Qualifications

NAMM Guidance

The safe erection of memorials is a task that demands a thorough understanding of manual handling ‘safe systems of work’ and the appropriate knowledge of various materials and fixing methods. Due to the potential risks involved, only individuals with the requisite knowledge and experience should proceed to formal assessment.

British Standard 8415:2018

British Standard 8415:2018 outlines the following:

• Qualified Personnel: The selection of components, design, and construction of monuments should be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced individuals, with work carried out under the supervision of suitably qualified personnel.
• Health and Safety Obligations: The procedures required by this standard may pose health risks if adequate precautions are not taken. Compliance with technical suitability does not exempt users from legal health and safety obligations. Special attention must be given to the risks associated with lifting components and equipment, and all involved individuals must be fully aware of these hazards.

Qualifications

To be listed on the Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers (RQMF), fixers must hold an industry-recognised memorial fixing qualification. The RQMF accepts the following qualifications:

• NAMM City & Guilds NPTC Qualification Fixing Monoliths & Lawn Type Memorials
• NAMM City & Guilds Assured FASM
• QCF194/VR194 unit of NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Fix and Secure Memorial Masonry

NAMM City & Guilds Assured Lawn Memorial Fixer Training and Qualification

Assessment Criteria

The qualification assessment is aligned with BS8415 and is specifically designed for experienced memorial fixers who:

• Have been instructed and demonstrated competence in manual handling ‘safe systems of work’ related to memorial movement
• Possess required knowledge of the various materials and appropriate fixing methods to ensure compliance with BS8415 and the NAMM Code of Working Practice (CoWP)

Although attendance at the NAMM City & Guilds Assured Training Course is not mandatory before the assessment, it is strongly recommended.

Eligibility

Non-NAMM members and fixers whose company is not RQMF registered must:

• Ideally have at least two years of memorial fixing experience
• Provide personal references from two Burial Authorities confirming that they have fixed memorials in their burial grounds without issue
• Demonstrate knowledge of all manual handling ‘safe systems of work’ related to memorials

All applications are considered on an individual basis. Note; If a memorial fixer has been previously removed from the RQMF or similar memorial fixers register they may, depending on the circumstances of their removal be required to be re assessed by a NAMM City & Guilds NPTC qualified assessor inn order to confirm current standards of memorial fixing are met. Any additional information to support the applicant’s suitability for registering with the RQMF may be included with their application.

Ground Anchors

NAMM recommends that all NAMM-accredited ground anchors are fitted by suitably Qualified Memorial Fixers and must be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.