Tech Directions - November 2007 - (Page 28)

career directions FIRE SAFETY TECHNICIAN Fire protection is one of the most important considerations in the construction and operation of industrial plants and commercial buildings. Fire insurance rates are determined by fire probability factors, such as the type of construction, ease of transporting personnel, and the quality and quantity of fire protection equipment available. And, increasingly, synthetic materials are used in building construction, decorative drapes, floor coverings, furnishings, and even clothing. These synthetic materials have made fire protection more complicated due to the toxic fumes they produce when burned. Because of all of these factors, an increasing number of welltrained fire safety technicians are being hired to prevent loss of life and property. The need for carefully planned, well-organized fire protection is more important today than ever before. Description Fire safety technicians work to prevent fires. Typical duties include conducting safety inspections and planning fire protection systems. In the course of their jobs, technicians recognize fire hazards, apply technical knowledge, and perform services to control and prevent fires. Technicians also work with developers and planners to check and approve plans for new buildings. Training High School ● Personal Skills/ Characteristics ● ● English/writing courses ● Technology education ● Chemistry ● CAD ● Physics ● Hydraulics ● Mathematics, especially algebra and geometry Postsecondary Two-year fire science programs are offered at many technical institutes and community colleges. Typical courses include math, communication skills, fire technology, fundamentals of fire suppression, chemistry (the combustion and chemistry of materials), hazardous materials, fire administration, and applied physics and economics. Throughout their careers, fire safety technicians must attend seminars and classes to keep abreast of new technology in fire detection and prevention, and equipment and instruments. Observant Patient ● Excellent oral and written communication skills ● Possess a natural curiosity ● Systematic and objective thinker ● Analytical ● Commitment to continuing education Wages $$$$ Earnings vary depending on size of employer, location, and experience level. In general, entry-level fire safety technicians tend to earn more than other entry-level technicians due to the shortage of qualified personnel in the field. Licensing and Certification The Board of Certified Safety Professionals offers associate safety professional (ASP) and certified safety profession (CSP) certifications. Those wishing to advance in the field should obtain these designations. Approximate starting wages—$20,500 to $22,000 With some experience—$33,000 to $44,000 Fire safety engineer—$41,300 to $52,500 Those in positions with great responsibility may earn upwards of $60,000. 28 techdirections ◆ NOVEMBER 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - November 2007

Tech Directions - November 2007 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Video Game Programmers Learn to “Pitch” Project Teaches Students to Diagnose an Ailing Windows OS See the Math with Your Binoculars! Fire Safety Technician ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo Hands-On Activities More than Fun

Tech Directions - November 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.