A fire protection specialist is trained in handling fire scenarios. He or she is in charge of planning and organizing several activities in handling fire protection. He analyses the causes of fire, possible trends and problems. He comes up with corrective solutions in fire protection. He works with organizations and offers advice and guidance to the staff. He ensures a health and safety manual or guide is set in place. In the laws of a country there are health and safety guidelines that are mandatory for an organization to adhere to. The specialist will ensure organization compliance in order to avoid incidents and liability in terms of employee welfare. He works with management so that they reduce the risk of a fire occurrence. He ensures the organization structure and location is appropriate in fire protection. He analyses the structure for any fire hazards and exposures and works towards mitigating the risk. As per a country’s regulations, the design of a building should provide escape routes and help to contain the spread of smoke and fire (All the fire extinguishers should be serviced regularly and be appropriate. The staff should be confident in using fire equipment to put out a fire. The company should be fully equipped to handle any fire occurrence.
The staff need to also go through fire trainings and drills. Every person needs to be equipped with the basic knowledge and skills on how to handle a fire emergency situation. He may need to carry out training and awareness sessions with the staff. The specialist will also need to carry out random and intensive checks on the fire procedures and policies the organization on a regular basis. There may need to be a fire support agreement plan between the organization and fire departments. What does the organization expect from the fire services company? This needs to be clearly stated. The fire alarms systems also need to be in top working condition. When a fire has occurred, the fire specialist is trained to handle fire equipment to reduce the fire. He has skills in evacuation procedures. He rescues people from the fires. He also investigates the causes of a fire. He conducts a post-incidence fire analysis to determine exactly what happened. This helps in future fire prevention procedures. He is also trained in first aid. Victims may have been hit by falling objects and bruised badly. Someone may have breathed a lot of carbon monoxide and they are now unconscious. He may have to carry out search activities.
When there are large fires in tall buildings, a person may be trapped or buried and not easily traced. Like a firefighter, a fire specialist needs to be courageous and be mentally alert (Marshall, 2010). He should be very healthy and physically fit. He should be resilient when facing any challenges. Additionally he should be proactive and reactive. In his role he should be thinking of future incidences, what can cause them and how to mitigate the risks. The person, apart from having relevant training he should be a member of fire organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association that are involved in fire protection. This organization communicates standards for reducing fires and other safety issues (Mcrill, 2010). The fire fighter should get certified by taking the Certified Fire Protection specialist exams and programs. The NFPA awards individuals who are helping society in reducing loss through fire. This is an important award that gives confidence to employers on the holders’ capabilities (Miodonski, 2006).
References:
ASFP Editors (2010). The importance of passive ‘Built-In’ fire protection. New York: Bantam Books
Marshall, J. (2010). Firefighters. Allsands. Web. Retrived from http://www.allsands.com
Mcrill, D. (2010). NFPA Definition. Ehow. Retrieved http://www.ehow.com/
Miodonski, B (2006) Online News: Certified Fire Protection Specialist Program Receives Accreditation. Retrieved from . http://www.pmengineer.com/
