How to become a Fire Protection Technician
Fire protection technicians commission, install, test and maintain fire protection systems and equipment in buildings and other facilities to provide life, property and environmental protection.
Personal requirements for a Fire Protection Technician
- Enjoy practical work
- Good communication skills
- Neat personal appearance
- Mechanical aptitude
- Able to interpret and apply technical regulations, codes and standards
- Safety-conscious
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job.
Duties & Tasks of a Fire Protection Technician
Fire protection technicians may perform the following tasks:
- Install fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems and firefighting equipment
- Regularly inspect and service equipment and systems to ensure they are operational
- Advise building owners on building standards and codes
- Inform building owners of new systems and equipment.
Working conditions for a Fire Protection Technician
Fire protection technicians travel to homes and businesses to inspect and service fire protection systems and equipment, and may also spend time at the office or workshop of their employer. They may work in conjunction with designers, engineers, building surveyors, fire authorities, builders, contractors and other tradespeople. They may work on new buildings and facilities under construction or modify and service existing buildings and facilities.
Specializations
Fire protection technicians may specialise in one or more of detection and alarm systems; fire suppression systems, including automatic sprinklers, pre-engineered fire suppression systems and gaseous suppression systems; firefighting equipment, including fire hydrants, fire hose reels, fire extinguishers and fire blankets; passive fire protection elements, including fire and smoke doors, as well as fire-rated walls and floors; and special hazards systems and equipment.
