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What does a Fire Safety Officer do?
A fire safety officer inspects commercial and industrial buildings to determine if the sites are in compliance with fire prevention codes. He is also traditionally required to investigate origins and reasons for fires at homes and businesses. A significant part of his job is public education. This requires him to create fire safety teaching programs appropriate for presentation to schools, community organizations and the general public.
Inspecting buildings for compliance requires a fire safety inspector to be proficient at reading and interpreting blueprints and building plans. The plans may be for newly-built structures or blueprints for older buildings. He is generally required to have the knowledge to spot infractions and inconsistencies in the buildings related to electrical safety standards, sprinkler systems and fire safety codes. Issuing compliance permits for fire suppression, sprinkler and alarm systems is a common responsibility for a fire safety officer.
After a fire occurs, the officer is frequently called upon to inspect the remains to determine the cause of the fire. This normally entails checking electrical systems for shorts and overloads and looking for evidence of candles or other objects that produce heat or flames that may have started the fire. Determining if smoke alarms or sprinkler systems were functioning is also commonly part of his report.
A significant part of a fire safety officer’s job involves oral and written communications. He is typically expected to be comfortable speaking to large and small groups and efficiently answering questions regarding fire safety and prevention. Professional fire associations may also require him to make presentations and participate in educational seminars. He may regularly communicate with engineers, architects and contractors on fire code requirements. Detailed written reports of his inspections and investigations are frequently required as well.
In addition to communication and inspection duties, a fire safety officer is often required to establish policies and procedures for fire department personnel. These guidelines are normally based on directives developed by local and regional fire code and fire prevention agencies. The fire safety inspector’s job regularly requires him to ensure the employees understand and are performing their jobs in compliance with these guiding principles.
Applicants for this position are normally required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Completed classes in fire sciences or related subjects are often a prerequisite for consideration. Three years experience with a fire department in either a paid or volunteer capacity is a common requirement. Passing written and oral tests as well as obtaining certifications is ordinarily required to become a fire safety officer.
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![Fire safety officers may be responsible for checking if smoke detectors and other fire safety devices are in working order.]()
By: SerenethosFire safety officers may be responsible for checking if smoke detectors and other fire safety devices are in working order. -
![Passing written and oral tests and obtaining certifications is typically required to become a fire safety officer.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungPassing written and oral tests and obtaining certifications is typically required to become a fire safety officer.
Discussion Comments
I would like to know which officer from FS can come and check a woodburn smoke odor inside private property and give a testimony if required?
A fire safety officer is a very important person in a building or in an industrial facility. Yes, it's a waste of money but if the structure catches fire by a fire because of the absence of fire safety officer, more damage will occur.
@Truman12 - It might be unnecessary for an company that small to pay a dedicated fire safety officer but they should certainly nominate someone in the office to check for fire hazards, carry out regular fire drills, and to take the lead if a fire should break out. It might seem like a waste of time, but you will be grateful for that person if something ever should happen.
How big of an institution hires a fire safety officer? It seems like the job would only be worthwhile if an organization had a significant amount of property or staff or physical materials on site. But if it is just some desks and computers and a few people in an office a fire safety officer is unnecessary right?
Ideally, the fire safety officer will never have to deal with a fire. It is their job to see that it doesn't happen. If they are diligent and professional they can make a real contribution to the fire safety of a building.
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