Protective services
Fire safety inspector
Assessing the level of fire safety in built environments.
Summary
The occupation of Fire Safety Inspector can be found in the Fire and Rescue sector. The fire and rescue sector is formed of three elements, prevention, protection and response. The occupation of fire safety inspector is a specialist role within the protection element, linking closely with the other two elements of prevention and response.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to assess the level of fire safety in the built environment in their area and instigate improvements, where necessary, to preserve life, to reduce damage to property and the environment and to support economic growth.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts effectively with partner agencies, particularly local regulatory services teams to join up enforcement work.
- They work with external stakeholders within the community.
- They attend internal and external meetings with stakeholders, such as Safety Advisory Groups, and investigate complaints regarding fire safety in commercial premises.
- The also exchange information effectively with operational crews, prevention teams and partner agencies to ensure an integrated approach to the management of fire risk.
They will also provide support and technical expertise to colleagues and other departments, including mentoring and training, to ensure effective sharing of knowledge.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for providing advice, participating in consultations, the enforcement of legislation relating to fire safety and supporting investigations and prosecutions. Fire Safety Inspectors inspect complex premises and support businesses by giving advice on how to comply with regulations. Fire Safety Inspectors work at supervisory/managerial level within the fire sector, but they may not necessarily supervise or manage others.
Typical job titles include
- Fire safety auditor
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
The principles of the Fire Safety Order and fire safety legislation including, building regulations legislation and relevant codes of practice including national guidance and best practice.
K2:
How the Fire Safety Order interacts with other legislation, guidance and best practice.
K3:
The role of the Primary Authority.
K4:
Levels of compliance and how the Enforcement Management Model and better regulation interacts with levels of compliance.
K5:
How to carry out fire safety audits on complex premises.
K6:
Different types of premises or environments, the associated risks and management levels.
K7:
Fire safety principles for high risk and complex premises or venues, in accordance with recognised guidance, legislation and regulations.
K8:
Fire Risk Assessment processes.
K9:
Safeguarding issues and concerns and the actions to take.
K10:
The different groups and individuals they may interact with as part of their role.
K11:
How to initiate and undertake enforcement activities.
K12:
How to work with other agencies to enforce fire safety legislation.
K13:
The different types of formal response and the timescales.
K14:
The importance for operational staff to have valid, reliable and up to date information on premises, where the information is stored and how it can be accessed and used.
K15:
Their role in supporting formal investigations and the actions they can take in line with organisational policy.
K16:
The legislation, policies and procedures of the organisation and how these affect the role, including data protection, confidentiality, health and safety and lone working plus other relevant organisational policies and procedures.
K17:
The causes and consequences of fires and unwanted fire signals.
K18:
The purpose and role of collaborative partners, sharing of information and the advantages of collaborative working.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0746: Fire safety inspector (Level 4) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0746
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £41,721 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3582 Health and safety managers and officers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3582/02 Fire safety managers and officers
S1:
Carry out an inspection/audit of complex premises and venues and assess the risks and evaluate the level of fire safety management.
S2:
Identify and constructively challenge non-compliance with the fire safety order and other relevant legislation.
S3:
Produce fire safety reports, formal and informal correspondence, statutory notices and plans according to organisational policies and procedures.
S4:
Identify safeguarding issues, such as hoarding, child sexual exploitation, slavery, vulnerability etc. and take appropriate action in accordance with organisational policies.
S5:
Evaluate risk levels for yourself, others and the environment and take appropriate action to ensure health and safety is maintained.
S6:
Apply British Standards, guidance and best practice to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation in the build environment.
S7:
Work with other agencies, such as local and national regulators.
S8:
Demonstrate clear communication skills verbally and in writing, with the ability to interact with a wide range of audiences, being persuasive and confident.
S9:
Evaluate fire safety design submissions and fire protection systems.
S10:
Assess fire safety concerns, deliver fire safety advice as required and make decisions to instigate improvements.
S11:
Respond to enquiries and requests from other organisations, in accordance with the Primary Authority.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0746: Fire safety inspector (Level 4) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0746
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £41,721 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3582 Health and safety managers and officers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3582/02 Fire safety managers and officers
B1:
Embraces and values equality, diversity and inclusion, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
B2:
Demonstrates leadership through commitment and ability to develop self and others to improve organisational effectiveness and support a learning culture.
B3:
Acts with confidence and integrity, applying sound judgement with accuracy and rigour to create safe, effective and practical outcomes.
B4:
Work within own level of authority, responsibility and competence and recognise when to seek support and/or assistance.
B5:
Committed to supporting a strong safety culture and collaborating with others where necessary.
B6:
Contributes to achievements of self, others and organisation, by the establishment, maintenance and management of standards of performance.
B7:
Takes personal responsibility to identify and challenge unsafe or inappropriate behaviours and processes.
B8:
Demonstrates their contribution to - respecting life, the law, the environment and putting communities first.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0746: Fire safety inspector (Level 4) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0746
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £41,721 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3582 Health and safety managers and officers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3582/02 Fire safety managers and officers
