Tech Directions - November 2007 - (Page 29)

The Job Fire safety technicians perform various tasks, depending on their employer. Those working in industry inspect areas for possible fire hazards and formulate procedures in case of fire. They make periodic inspections of fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers, fire doors, alarms, and sprinkler systems. Most important, they hold fire prevention seminars to keep department heads alert to potential fire hazards in their areas. Because of the large number of people occupying their facilities, many restaurants, large hotels, and entertainment and recreational facilities employ fire safety technicians. There is a great hazard of fire in kitchens, in laundries where lint could catch fire, and in rooms where sparks could ignite drapery or bedding. Technicians employed by government agencies inspect buildings, property, and storage handling systems. They also arrange for installation of adequate alarm and sprinkling systems, and other fire-protection devices. Many technicians work with the public through schools, businesses, and service clubs and organizations to heighten the awareness and understanding of the dangers of fire and methods of protection and prevention. Entry-level positions include: ● Fire insurance inspector and/or adjuster—inspect buildings and offices and make recommendations for protection and safety conditions; determine losses due to fire and compute rates for adjustment and settling claims. ● Fire protection engineering technician—draft plans for installation of fire protection systems in buildings and structures. ● Fire inspector—check fire-fighting equipment and report any potential fire hazards; recommend changes in equipment, practice, materials, or methods to reduce fire hazards. Working Conditions Most duties are performed in clean, comfortable offices; however, fire safety technicians may experience danger when assisting or observing fire fighting or when inspecting and analyzing structures damaged or destroyed by fire. Floors, walls, even entire buildings can collapse at any time. Technicians may also be exposed to smoke, fumes, chemicals, and gases. When performing routine inspections, workers must follow safety regulations and wear protective clothing when appropriate. Technicians must be observant and understand how human factors of carelessness, thoughtlessness, fatigue, or haste may cause fires. One of the greatest challenges is to learn how to teach people to avoid the mistakes that cause fires, and to establish safety procedures that prevent them. Employment Outlook Technical careers in fire prevention and control are predicted to grow more rapidly than the average, with the greatest increase in the industrial field. Graduates of two-year fire science programs usually secure jobs before they graduate. They are frequently hired by company recruiters sent to school placement offices. Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) Technicians who earn an engineering degree can advance to one of the most important and lucrative emerging occupations of the decade—fire protection engineer. Similar to opportunities available to fire safety technicians, employers and personnel recruiters consistently report that job opportunities far exceed the number of fire protection engineering graduates each year. Fire protection engineers use engineering and management skills to perform a broad range of jobs, including fire protection design—creating systems that automatically detect and suppress fires; and designing fire alarm, smoke control, emergency lighting, communication, and exit systems. These engineers also perform fire safety evaluations of buildings and industrial complexes to determine not only the risk of fire and explosion, but also how to best prevent them. Other FPEs perform research on the behavior and control of fire. Many are involved in process risk assessment and management across a wide range of industrial applications. Still others investigate fires or explosions, preparing technical reports or providing expert courtroom testimony on the facts of the incident. Beginning wages for FPEs, on average, are approximately $10,000 more than fire safety technicians. Where the Jobs Are ● ● Fire departments Insurance agencies ● Industrial organizations ● Government agencies ● Fire-protection/detection equipment businesses ● Consulting services Professional Associations Society of Fire Protection Engineers 301-718-2910 ● www.spfe.org Board of Certified Safety Professionals 217-359-9263 ● www.bcsp.com National Fire Protection Association 617-770-3000 ● www.nfpa.org www.techdirections.com CAREER DIRECTIONS 29 http://www.spfe.org http://www.bcsp.com http://www.nfpa.org http://www.techdirections.com

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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

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