FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR
DEFINITION
Under direction, reviews plans and performs fire protection inspection work involved in enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code, the fire protection subcode, and relevant fire protection laws within the concerned jurisdictions; does other related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Examines and approves plans for fire protection work to see that they comply with the fire protection subcode of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Inspects and evaluates work in construction projects to ensure that all work and materials installed conform to approved plans and the fire protection subcode of the UCC and relevant fire protection laws/regulations.
When violations of the fire protection subcode are found, determines the cause and takes corrective action.
Gives testimony in court cases.
Prepares recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
Prepares reports.
Establishes and maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid license as a Fire Protection Inspector of the appropriate grade, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. There are two (2) licenses issued based on the class structure to be reviewed, industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and hazardous (HHS).
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
There are two (2) classes of licenses, which are cumulative in terms of knowledge and abilities. The basic license (ICS) comprises the core knowledge and abilities for this title:
Knowledge of the organization and content of Uniform Construction Code regulations and of the organization and content of the fire protection subcode.
Knowledge of the fire protection subcodes background, purpose, history, place in local government structure, and relation to construction code enforcement programs at other levels of government.
Knowledge of classification of structures into class categories.
Knowledge of systems design and installation practices required by the UCC and/or its referenced standards for active/passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems sufficient to permit the review of plans to determine adequacy of the systems.
Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
Knowledge of height and area limitations.
Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components.
Knowledge of arrangement, sizing, and protection of means of egress.
Knowledge of flame spread and smoke generated requirements.
Knowledge of combustibility of materials.
Knowledge of requirements for installation of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
Knowledge of chimneys, flues, and vents.
Knowledge of heating equipment and appliances.
Knowledge of basic plan reading sufficient to perform duties of the position.
Knowledge of testing methods, agencies, and test verification procedures incorporated in the code for combustibility and flame spread of materials.
Knowledge of the use of basic inspection tools and test methods.
Knowledge of the construction process for smaller buildings and the points at which inspection must be made.
Knowledge of basic inspection report writing including preparation of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
Knowledge of proper installation methods for all approved materials.
Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate use/occupancy of industrial and commercial buildings, and fire protection codes which regulate their construction.
Knowledge of fire prevention code provisions, enforcement procedures, and objectives including the protection of places of assembly.
Knowledge of the fire prevention code regulatory process which will ensure an understanding of the manner in which those fire hazards not regulation by the construction code can be regulated in the interest of public safety and fire protection.
Knowledge of the information pertaining to structural, architectural, mechanical, fire protection, and electrical features of buildings which must be shown on the plans to ensure compliance with requirements of the code.
Knowledge of analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspection techniques necessary to ensure that materials installed at the construction site are of appropriate strength and quality.
Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code.
Ability to examine and approve plans for residential and small commercial structures.
Ability to carry out field inspection activities for structures in classes I and II.
Ability to organize assigned fire protection field inspections and investigative work and to make the required field visits/inspections/investigations.
Ability to prepare detailed and technical correspondence.
Ability to maintain records and files.
Ability to compile factual fire safety data relating to a particular structure and prepare clear, sound, accurate, and detailed reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for approval or disapproval.
Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
Ability to understand standards and test methods which lead to approval.
Ability to ensure that all materials are installed in accord with proper methods.
The highest level license (HHS) incorporates all knowledge and abilities previously listed, and the following:
Knowledge of fire protection material requirements established by the code including testing and listed procedures, and an understanding of test methods.
Knowledge of code requirements related to fire divisions in buildings exceeding the height and area limitations established in the code.
Knowledge of code requirements related to unlimited area buildings.
Knowledge of design analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret test reports for both active/passive fire protection requirements of systems of the type required to be incorporated in class I buildings.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
