Get to know: Edward Yordanov
We spoke to Tenmat’s Technical Advisor, Edward Yordanov, to find out what his role entails, what a typical day at Tenmat looks like, and what he enjoys doing when not working!
Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?
I’ve been working in construction and more specifically in the façade and curtain walling industry for over 25 years, having started on the tools as a curtain wall installer. I changed direction towards the fire protection industry (namely Passive Fire Protection – cavity barriers) just over 3 years ago and am currently working as a cavity barrier Technical Advisor for Tenmat.
I am married with two grown up children, which gives me plenty of time to enjoy my hobbies of playing and recording music, exploring the countryside on one of my two motorbikes, and editing the videos I take whilst exploring.
What does your job involve?
As a Technical Advisor I visit construction projects where Tenmat cavity barriers are being used and do site-based training on the installation of the barriers. Following that I carry out further regular visits at the client’s request to assist with resolving any installation or technical challenges particular to that site.
These inspection visits are usually followed by an inspection report which is issued to the client for their records.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It’s difficult to list everything but I suppose one of the main things is that the role gives me the opportunity to help towards creating homes which are safer from a fire safety point of view…and that is a good feeling.
Another important point is that in day-to-day activities I get to learn a lot about an industry which until not so long ago was unfamiliar to me.
And last but not least, I get to visit different places, projects, and in the process meet different people of all levels of the construction hierarchy, which is always interesting and educational.
What does a typical day look like for you?
After making prior contact with the site team I’ll be visiting that day, upon arrival and introduction we gather together with the people who will be involved in the training or the inspection.
If we are training, we go through all the standard installation details relevant to the specific type of cavity barrier they have, and then spend as much time as needed to answer any questions. I sometimes try to help with resolving specific installation challenges they might be facing on site with alternative ways of installing the cavity barriers. At this point, if I can’t answer a question directly on site I would gather and collate all the questions and relevant information and relay it to the Tenmat technical team.
If the client has already installed cavity barriers I will check the installation areas and offer comments and potentially offer ways of correcting any installation issues. Finally, I will agree a time and date with the site team for a follow-up visit/inspection.
What makes Tenmat a good company to work for?
Mainly it’s the opportunity to learn about the passive fire protection industry (mostly cavity barriers) due to the vast amount of test data Tenmat has accumulated and the massive pool of experience which can be found within the company.
Also, the teamwork is great, and everybody is more than willing to help. This industry requires very strong teamwork and without team work we couldn’t support our clients adequately.
Another good thing is the opportunity to manage my own time and the very good life/work balance, which in turns helps with achieving the more important goals of my role.
And finally, what are the best takeaways from your role?
Knowledge.
Better understanding of the passive fire protection industry.
The assurance that I have helped create a better home for the individual or family who will be occupying the dwelling we’ve helped make safe.
