As a fire prevention inspector/officer y is it necessary 2 fully know fire protection systems?

Question

fire protection systems available today.

Answer 1

Well I wouldn't say you'd have to "fully know" them. Just know of them, know how to spot what's correct and what's not, and know what's required to be present, how to quickly verify functionality, and testing requirements. Let the equipment suppliers and designers be the ones who "fully know" how everything is designed, programmed, and installed.

It's not easy being a fire inspector. They must know a broad range of fire safety related items. Fire protection systems are obviously one of these items. Basic electrical safety, basic storage rules and requirement, emergency lighting, safety equipment, fire extinguishers, calculating occupancy requirements, means of egress compliance, and fire loading are just some examples. Plus they have to know where all of this stuff is addressed in the fire code.

That's my 2 cents.

Answer 2

Define "fully know". You would need to know the basic functions of fire protection systems. You need to have a basic understanding of the fire codes for the area you are in wether it be NFPA 101 or the IFC. In addition you need a basic understanding of systems based on NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 72, 90A/B, etc..

There are several very good publications from Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training that are written for the fire service to help understand these types of systems as well.

I have always said that it's more important to know where to find the answers in your code book than to try and remember it all.

One of the most important principles is learning to deal with the contractors and know when they are doing their job and when they are trying to pull one over on you. You also need to learn how to work with them in a civil manner while still remaining firm. It's tough because you may make friends in the business but you have to be willing to give them the bad news when they mess up.

After all the general public's safety is more important than helping out a friend.

Answer 3

You should know something about the systems so that you can tell in a preliminary way if they're installed properly or being maintained properly when you go do a building inspection. For further information just call the administrative line of one of your local fire houses--or even stop by one afternoon. Ask for the Inspector if possible. Fire guys are kinda cool in the fact they're always willing to help. It's why they do that job after all.

Answer 4

yes i thing a knowledge of those systems would be integral to a job like that.