Fire and Life Safety Professional

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

• Have working knowledge of NFPA and ICC codes as well as O.C.G.A. * 8, 25 and State regulation 120-3-3.
• Proficient in the use of computers including e-mail, internet research, software programs and Microsoft Office applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Works effectively as part of a team and with other members of the University community including interaction with a variety of personalities at all levels, exercising tact, sound judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness.
• Have organizational and analytical skills with the ability to follow-through on assignments with minimal direction and oversight.
• Interpret policies, procedures, codes and regulations and to propose solutions to problems.
• Produces clear and well written inspection reports.
• Work some weekends and non-traditional hours.
• Travels outside of the Athens area for two to six weeks per year.

• Inspection of existing buildings, facilities, and public assembly areas:
  
  
  • Conduct Life Safety Inspections on occupied structures using complex Life Safety Codes, International Building Codes, International Fire Codes, and modifications dictated by State Regulations.
  • Assess the condition and functionality of Life Safety electrical, mechanical, and suppression systems (i.e., fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, cooking hood suppression systems and clean agent systems.) with authority to order repairs or shut down of these systems pertinent to safety/emergency conditions based on their training, experience, and professional judgement.
  • Consult with units and departments to resolve structural and non-structural code violations noted during first-time, follow-up, special, or annual inspections. Provide department with accurate information and assistance in correcting noted deficiencies.
  • Conduct follow-up inspections on consultations and provide updated reports.
  • Provide University units and departments with general recommendations and guidance for improving fire safety standards.
  
  
  
  
  
• Inspection of New Building Construction and Renovation of Existing Structures:
  
  
  • Evaluate and analyze architectural and engineering drawings and ensure implementation in buildings being constructed.
  • Conduct on-site inspections of new construction and renovations based on interpretation of complex Life Safety Codes and Building Codes.
  • Determine if egress passageways have been constructed properly.
  • Determine if electrical and life safety systems are installed and constructed properly.
  • Using professional judgement, require changes to construction to meet required codes with the authority to halt construction if deemed necessary.
  • Accompany the State Fire Marshal on 80% inspections, 100% inspections, follow-up inspections and consultative visits for new construction, renovation projects and other activities. Provide information and set appointments to facilitate visits from the State Fire Marshal's Office.
  • Recommend the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy through the State Fire Marshal's Office, as authorized through the current Memorandum of Understanding, based on professional judgement of overall compliance.
  
  
  
  
• Fire/ Arson Investigations:
  
  
  • Cooperatively investigate any fires on campus along with state and local law enforcement, and the local fire department to secure the scene, determine the cause and determine if arson is involved.
  • Provide information to other investigative agencies as well as UGA Insurance and Claims Management regarding investigation findings.
  
  
  
  

• Construction and Renovation Plan Review:
  
  
  • Review architectural/engineering schematic plans of new building construction and renovation of existing structures for compliance with complex life safety codes and State of Georgia regulations and laws in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Fire Marshal's Office. Plans will be reviewed for compliance with State Law, N.F.P.A. and ICC standards as well as other applicable codes and regulations.
  • Determine occupancy loads and exiting capacities.
  • Determine height and square footage limitations of structures based on occupancy types and construction materials.
  • Provide written comments to the submitting person/organization and issue building permits as needed.
  
  
  
  
  
• Develop, review, and update building pre-plans:
  
  
  • Assess current University facilities and provide/update emergency pre-plan information in the format required by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department.
  • Work closely with the Facilities Management Division and the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department or other applicable Fire Departments in reviewing emergency pre-plan information and needs assessment.
  
  
  
  

• Monitor ingress/egress paths at large scale events, ensure gates/doors are open and authorized to have obstructions removed including displays, vendors and any other object or personnel threatening Life Safety.
• Use Life Safety formulas to determine size of crowds to necessary crowd control managers ratios.
• Work with event planners and staff to quickly evaluate any fire, smoke, or heat alarms and quickly determine the need to evacuate an area or entire event space including the use professional judgement to shut down events and/or evacuate venues if and when necessary.
• Patrol and maintain open fire lanes prior, during, and after events to ensure first responder access including coordinating the removal of vehicles blocking fire and emergency access lanes.

• Fireworks
  
  
  • Assess setup for compliance with NFPA 1123 through 1126.
  • Calculate fall-out zone based on the size of fireworks shells, types and effects.
  • Make on-site judgements of the suitability of conditions for the fireworks/pyrotechnics to be displayed including wind directions and speeds, humidity, fire conditions etc. in order for the display to take place.
  • Cancel or shut-down fireworks/pyrotechnic displays if deemed necessary.
  
  
  
  
  
• Blasting
  
  
  • Review applications for blasting permits on-campus and authority to approve or deny permits.
  • Evaluate on-site conditions to determine if blasting is safe.
  • Evaluate safety precautions being take for a safe blast (i.e., ground coverage, matting, etc.)
  • Review and analyze seismic monitoring and data readout.
  • Use professional knowledge and judgement to shut down or delay a blast if deemed necessary.
  
  
  
  
• Carnival and Amusement Rides
  
  
  • Inspect and assess carnival and amusements rides set-up and mechanical features including evaluation of hydraulic systems.
  • Calculate fall zones between rides and other hazardous impediments.
  • Assess electrical systems and generators for code compliance, including proper grounding and grounding rod materials.
  • Discontinue the use of any carnival ride determined to be unsafe.
  
  
  
  
• Hot Work Permits
  
  
  • Review job sites for the suitability of issuance of Hot Work Permits.
  • Inspect equipment used in the process of hot work for suitability and safety of use.
  • Issue hot work permits if it is deemed safe and appropriate.
  • Stop work and revoke hot work permits if deemed it is necessary.
  
  
  
  

• Maintain a comprehensive building/facility file containing all pertinent fire safety documents with the files maintained in a manner that can be easily understood and accessed by management.
• Provide periodic reports to the Director of Fire and Life Safety on activities.

• Conduct fire safety training activities for the University community and assist in the development of new training programs related to Fire and Life Safety.
• Participate in continuing education to maintain professional certifications.

• Assist the Director of Fire and Life Safety and the Senior Fire and Life Safety Professional with additional duties as required.