Fire protection engineering is defined as the science of applying engineering principles to protect people, property and the environment from the fire. This type of engineering includes everything from fire dynamics to fire hazard analysis to the mitigation of fire damage by the design and construction of better materials and buildings.
A Quick Overview
Fire-based protection engineering applies scientific theories and technical principles to protect health, property, financial losses and the environment from the effects of fires and related hazards. This branch of engineering is focused on the design, layout and structure of materials, processes, equipment and supporting systems. It covers fire control, prevention, suppression, management and extinguishment. It provides the technical foundation for economic, functional, operational and regulatory requirements. Fire-based protection engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of science that borrows the theories and practices of applied physics, chemistry, and manufacturing design. It also includes engineering principles from civil, chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Fire Protection Engineers – Entry Level
Entry-level fire protection engineers will perform engineering evaluations and analyses for assigned projects. They support operations involving the testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. They support on-site emergency response activities and conduct mandatory facility training with staff. They provide engineering support for fire protection system installations, assessments and upgrades. This includes inspections of building sprinkler systems and equipment. They maintain knowledge of all company, government and site specific requirements to ensure compliance with all regulations. They will need a bachelor’s degree in fire-based protection engineering and demonstrable knowledge of engineering concepts, building construction and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) codes and standards.
Fire Protection Engineers – Senior
Senior fire protection engineers conduct and document on-site code compliance evaluations. They submit their final reports for approval from jurisdictional authorities. They also submit reviews and recommendations to clients. They direct the testing and maintenance of fire protection systems. They oversee the construction and renovation of fire protection, life safety and communication systems. They use their project management expertise to guide fire protection system infrastructure audits and upgrades. They develop technical policies that enforce codes and standards related to fire protection. They may be asked to implement health, safety and environmental performance requirements into applicable job descriptions. They provide training and coaching on fire protection related tools, procedures and programs.
Required Qualifications
Fire protection engineers will need at least one year of experience developing and implementing fire hazard analyses and one year of experience performing engineering calculations that support fire protection system design solutions. Fire protection engineers need to be familiar with fire modeling software that is used to support engineering solutions.
Resource: Top 10 Doctorate Degrees in Emergency Management Online 2016-2017
Job candidates will need strong communication skills to share strategic and technical concepts with a wide range of employees and the ability to work effectively as an individual and part of a larger team. This unique job requires a highly specialized degree. Fire-based protection engineering is an interdisciplinary academic field that combines principles from various areas of science and engineering. These programs teach students how to apply these principles by designing, constructing and installing fire protection systems that prevent or minimize potential losses.
Graduates with a degree in fire protection engineering may work as fire inspectors, investigators, protection experts, prevention technicians and code evaluators. Those who want to learn more can visit the Society of Fire Protection Engineers’ (SFPE).