Fire safety inspector job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Fire safety inspector in details. A complete job description concludes Fire safety inspector key duties/responsibilities, Fire safety inspector job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Fire safety inspector duties:

1. Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
2. Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
3. Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
4. Inspect and test fire protection and/or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
5. Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
6. Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.
7. Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
8. Develop or review fire exit plans.
9. Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings in order to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
10. Attend training classes in order to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
11. Present and explain fire code requirements and fire prevention information to architects, contractors, attorneys, engineers, developers, fire service personnel, and the general public.
12. Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
13. Inspect liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, and transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws.
14. Search for clues as to the cause of a fire, once the fire is completely extinguished.
15. Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
16. Testify in court regarding fire code and fire safety issues.
17. Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
18. Investigate causes of fires, collecting and preparing evidence and presenting it in court when necessary.
19. Issue permits for public assemblies.
20. Serve court appearance summonses and/or condemnation notices on parties responsible for violations of fire codes, laws, and ordinances.
21. Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
22. Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
23. Collect fees for permits and licenses.

II. List of Fire safety inspector qualifications

1. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Fire Sprinkler Field
2. Ability to perform joint annual fire alarm and fire sprinkler inspections, sprinkler quarterly inspections, and fire alarm inspections
3. Inspect and have knowledge of all fire alarm panels, initiating and indicating devices and sprinkler systems
4. FASA/BASA certification
5. Must have NICET II in Inspection & testing of water based system
6. NICET Certification Fire Alarm preferred
7. Self motivator with little direct supervision required
8. Perform duties in a cost effective manner while inspecting thoroughly the fire protection system at each scheduled location
9. Identify deficiencies utilizing NFPA code and provide accurate and proper documentation to correct problem
10. Maintain accurate and precise documentation daily
11. Perform work in an efficient and organized manner
12. Inspectors must prepare accurate and timely inspection reports with signature from customer and turned in daily to Inspection manager
13. Knowledge of backflows and standpipes
14. Functional knowledge of all types of Fire Sprinkler Systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, fire pumps, etc.)
15. Conduct service calls and inspections for established customers in a timely manner while maintaining high standard of quality work
16. Knowledge of all NFPA codes and standards (Fire, Sprinkler, Elevator, HVAC, and Electrical) and common materials, multiple manufactures products, and installation process
17. Maintain a clean and safe work environment
18. Ability to climb ladders, operate high lift equipment, carry and move material
19. Communicate in a professional manner and provide excellent customer service
20. Display professional appearance
21. Ability to complete site surveys and identify code issues and solutions
22. High school diploma required
23. Valid and clean driver’s license required
24. Must pass a drug screen and criminal background

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.