Fire Code Inspector II

Transcription

1 Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform a variety of duties associated with providing the city with an effective fire prevention program; to inspect a variety of buildings, facilities and structures; to determine origin and cause of fires; to ensure proper handling of hazardous materials; to give educational and informative presentations to City staff and the general public; and to enforce local, state and federal fire prevention standards, codes, laws and ordinances. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey level class of the Fire Code Inspector series. Included in this classification are assigned areas of Code Inspection, Fire Origin and Cause, and Hazardous Materials. This class is distinguished from the Fire Code Inspector I by demonstrating competencies at the second or intermediate level of progression which has met the job performance requirements specified in NFPA standard 1031, Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, for level I or II as specified and other requirements or certifications as listed. This position conducts most types of inspections and interprets applicable codes and standards as well as performs specific fire code analysis and inspection or other specialized tasks as may be required. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the division and department. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Fire Inspector I level, or when filled from the outside, have prior experience. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives supervision and direction from upper level management. Exercises no supervision. 1

2 ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: In addition to the essential functions listed below for Fire Code Inspector I as stipulated in NFPA 1031 for Inspector I, other essential functions include responsibilities and duties of assigned area. 1. Witness and the testing and installation of a variety of fire detection and protection equipment including fire sprinkler systems, kitchen hood fixed fire protection systems, halon systems, flammable liquid spray paint booths, fire alarms and other detection systems for code compliance; remain current on related technology, apparatus and computer software. 2. Examine the interiors and exteriors of buildings to determine hazardous conditions or violations of applicable fire codes; interpret plans, blueprints and mechanical drawings in the field to ensure proper installation and code compliance; consult with business owners, contractors, consultants and engineers concerning unsafe conditions; recommend corrective action; verify compliance. 3. Coordinate assigned activities and services with those of other City departments and outside agencies. 4. Maintain and update a variety of files and records concerning inspection activities, phone calls and meetings; operate computer system to prepare related reports and correspondence. 5. Consult with business owners, architects, engineers and hazardous materials specialists regarding the safe usage, handling, transport and storage of hazardous materials and flammable/combustible liquids; ensure that businesses are storing and using hazardous materials in accordance with pertinent codes and laws. 6. Provide assistance in the event of a large emergency. 7. Assigned area of responsibility: Code Inspector: Process Permit Application given a specific request with issuance or denial of permit based on applicable codes, standards, and local ordinances. Process plan review applications. Investigate complex complaints relevant to the fire code. Compute maximum allowable occupant loads for multi use buildings. Evaluate fire protection systems and equipment provided for life safety and property protection to ensure system is approved for occupancy or hazard to be protected. Determine fire growth potential in a building ensuring contents and construction features are in compliance with codes. 2

3 Review shop drawings or plans to ensure that deficiencies are noted for construction type, occupancy classification, systems required, and egress elements. Maintain complete and accurate records of inspections and communications on buildings and processes inspected or issues investigated. Provide cause and origin determination of a fire, including minor follow-up work on fire investigations. Photograph, video tape, and sketch incident scenes, code violations, evidence, and fire damage. Maintain accurate files of all fire investigation and inspection related items. Give expert testimony in criminal, civil, and judicial proceedings concerning incidents of code violations or fire investigations. Evaluate conditions and requirements for storage, handling and use of hazardous materials. Inspect new and existing hazardous materials occupancies, in conjunction with the group's hazardous materials emergency response team, to identify problems and potential hazards, educate business and property owners, and suggest remedies; file related documentation. Meet with consultants, engineers, architects, contractors and business representatives concerning prospective and existing hazardous materials facilities; inform concerned parties about proper usage, storage and handling procedures; answer related questions. Provide research and prepare a variety of reports and summaries of inspection activities, chemical research and related meetings; submit to appropriate City staff and outside agencies. Observe various tests and installation procedures associated with the storage and use of hazardous materials; file related documentation. Serve as liaison for the department to various state and local agencies concerning hazardous materials issues and concerns. Maintain and update detailed files and records concerning hazardous materials inventories, management plans, emergency response plans and other information; retrieve documents as needed and at the request of higher level City staff. Respond to hazardous materials emergency incidents; advise the department and other public safety personnel of the most effective and safe methods of dealing with the situation. 3

4 Answer questions from the general public concerning hazardous materials and household waste disposal and storage. 8. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Knowledge of: Current fixed fire protection/detection systems technology. Proper handling, usage and storage of hazardous materials. Methods and techniques of data collection and report preparation. Methods and techniques of filing and record keeping. Inspection principles and practices of various building construction techniques. Safe work practices and procedures. Modern computer hardware and software applications. Principles of training coworkers. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations, including the locally adopted Fire Code, Building Code, Mechanical Code and related hazardous materials legislation. Assigned area of responsibility: Code Inspector: - Permit and Plan review application processes. - Building construction specific to fire rated construction practices. - Requirements for developing Emergency evacuation plans for different occupancies. - Basic fire behavior, flame spread, and smoke development ratings of contents, interior finishes, decorations, furnishings, and building construction. - Basic plan review knowledge. - Various manufacturing, assemble, business processes, and operations. - Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation. - Modern office procedures and equipment including computers and word processing/database software. - Fire origin and cause. - Interviewing/Interrogation techniques. - NFPA 921 guide for Fire and Explosive investigations 4

5 Ability to: - Investigation procedures and applicable laws concerning the parameters of operating at a possible crime scene. - Practical knowledge of building construction practices, automobile components, and properties of electricity. - Laws and procedures related to the search for, and securing of evidence and its admissibility in a court of law. - Various manufacturing, assemble, business processes, and operations. - Courtroom procedures and legal terms. - Characteristics of a variety of hazardous materials. - Methods and techniques of using, storing, and handling a variety of hazardous materials. - Methods and techniques of suppressing emergency incidents caused by or involving hazardous materials. - Geography of the city and the surrounding area. - Workings of a variety of specialized hazardous materials testing equipment and emergency communication devices. - Principles and procedures of construction, building, plumbing and electrical wiring. - Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation. - Modern office procedures and equipment including computers and word processing/database software. Learn, apply, interpret and enforce the full range of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations, including the locally adopted Fire Code, Building Code, Mechanical Code and related hazardous materials legislation. Learn to operate a variety of specialized inspection equipment including hydrant and light testing equipment, decibel measuring equipment, hazardous materials analysis equipment, vapor analysis equipment and air velocity meters. Inspect buildings, facilities and structures to ensure compliance with applicable fire and safety codes. Read and comprehend construction plans, blueprints and mechanical drawings. Maintain and update a variety of files and records. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures. Prepare clear and concise reports. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 5

6 Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Assigned area of responsibility: Code Inspection: - Perform the full range of fire code inspection duties as specified in NFPA 1031 for Inspector II. - Perform detailed inspections of buildings and structures. - Maintain detailed files and records. - Advise fire suppression and public safety personnel on proper course of action for emergency incidents. - Apply, interpret and recommend the full range of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations, including the locally adopted Fire Code, Building Code Mechanical Code and related hazardous materials legislation. - Operate a variety of specialized inspection equipment including hydrant and light testing equipment, decibel measuring equipment, hazardous materials analysis equipment, vapor analysis equipment and air velocity meters. - Determine origin and cause of Fires. - Conduct minor follow-up work on fire investigations. - Interacting with members of law enforcement, attorneys, and members of the insurance community. - Educate members of various organizations, including CSFD on procedures of inspection, investigation, scene preservation, and evidence collection. - Photograph, video tape, and sketch incident scenes, code violations, evidence, and fire damage. - Maintain accurate files of all fire investigation and inspection related items. - Give expert testimony in criminal, civil, and judicial proceedings concerning incidents of code violations or fire investigations. - Perform the full range of fire code inspection duties as specified in NFPA 1031 for Inspector I. - Identify the applicable code or standard, given a fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue, so that the applicable document, edition, and section are referred. - Operate a variety of specialized inspection and investigation equipment including hydrant and light testing equipment, decibel measuring equipment, hazardous materials analysis equipment, vapor analysis equipment and air velocity meters. 6

7 - Perform the full range of fire code inspection duties as specified in NFPA 1031 for Inspector II. - Learn, interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including Uniform Fire Codes and Uniform Building Code. - Perform detailed inspections of buildings and structures. - Maintain detailed files and records. - Advise fire suppression and public safety personnel on proper course of action for hazardous materials emergency incidents. - Provide advice and explanations concerning the proper use, storage and handling of hazardous materials. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience as a Fire Code Inspector I or equivalent. In the assigned area of hazardous materials, requires the two years of responsible experience in a position dealing with chemicals or hazardous materials; code enforcement experience is desirable. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in area assigned: fire code inspection and construction technologies; Origin and Cause determination, interview techniques, and evidence collection; or in the usage, storage and handling of hazardous materials. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado drivers license. Certifications for assigned area of responsibility: Code Inspection: - Possession of, or ability to obtain, certification as an ICC Fire Inspector II within one year of hire. - Possession of at a minimum the National Fire and Explosives Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire and Explosives investigator certification and/or other relevant certification as specified by the Fire Marshal within one year of hire. - Possession of, or ability to obtain, certification as an ICC Fire Inspector II within one year of hire. 7

8 - Obtain within one year of hire, an affidavit of NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness training. WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Based on assigned area of responsibility: Code Inspector: Field environment; travel from site to site; work closely with others; occasional emergency site work. On-call, standby and modified schedules may be required. The duties of this position take place at any time, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for extended periods of time without relief. Fire ground duties are performed in all extremes of weather, height, heat and cold, noise, toxic atmospheres. At fire incidents the work can be very strenuous for prolonged periods of time, within a fire weakened, unstable structure, in the worst of conditions. This position also is subject to 24-hour recall to investigate fires, conduct fire inspections, or perform plans sections duties at major incidents as assigned. On-call, standby and modified schedules are an essential part of this job. Office/field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to a variety of hazardous materials; dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; work alone and closely with others. On-call, standby or modified schedules may be required. Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; climbing ladders; occasional moderate lifting; audiovisual acuity; wearing of respiratory protective equipment from respirators to self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) depending on area of required operational responsibility and duties. 8