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What does a Fire Protection Technician do?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A fire protection technician helps business owners and private citizens become better prepared for fire emergencies. Professionals design and install smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, fire-resistant insulation, and other protective and preventive equipment. They also provide public education and training to teach others about proper emergency protocol and how to get themselves out of dangerous situations. Most fire protection technicians work for municipal government organizations or local fire stations, though some are employed by nonprofit groups or private retail companies.

The duties of a fire protection technician can vary from day to day. A technician might visit a construction site and work alongside inspectors to identify potential fire dangers and advise site supervisors on the best ways to prevent them. He or she can explain local or regional fire codes and why they are important to follow. Many technicians work with computer drafting programs to analyze building blueprints and map out the most appropriate places to install sprinklers and smoke alarms. They may even perform installations themselves to make sure systems are reliable and operating correctly.

A fire protection technician may help identify potential fire dangers.
A fire protection technician may help identify potential fire dangers.

When home or business owners decide to renovate their safety systems, they often consult with a fire protection technician. A professional can tour a facility, identify hazards, and make suggestions about how to fix them. In addition, a technician might organize public safety events at schools or community centers to inform the public about fire dangers, proper use of extinguishers, and the importance of checking smoke alarms regularly.

Fire protection technicians commonly work at local fire stations.
Fire protection technicians commonly work at local fire stations.

Many fire protection technicians are also trained firefighters. They can help out in emergency situations to extinguish flames and bring people to safety. After a fire occurs, a technician often returns to the scene to survey the damage and investigate what happened. He or she notes hazards and malfunctioning safety equipment to provide to detectives. In some cases, a fire protection technician may be asked to provide expert testimony in court following a suspected arson act.

A fire technician may help map out places to install fire sprinkler systems.
A fire technician may help map out places to install fire sprinkler systems.

The requirements to work as a fire protection technician can vary by region. Most technicians hold associate's degrees or certificates from accredited two-year fire science programs at community colleges. A prospective technician may also need to pass written or physical exams at fire stations before he or she can start the job. New workers typically spend several months in on-the-job training under experienced technicians to perfect their skills. A person who is caring, hardworking, and responsible can enjoy a long, rewarding career in the field.

Discussion Comments

firetechsnet

There are a number of issues I have with this answer. I believe several unique jobs in the fire protection industry are being "lumped" into a broad category the author has decided to call "fire protection technician".

To my way of thinking (and I'm approaching this as a fire protection technician), my job entails the service, inspection and maintenance of fire protection equipment in a building. This includes sprinkler systems, fire alarm and evacuation systems, fire extinguishers, smoke control systems, etc. I'm not involved in investigation or the installation of these products.

Investigation is the purview of the fire department and where arson is suspected, the arson investigation arm of the local police department. Installation of any of the above systems requires special knowledge and certification.

For instance, a sprinkler system can only be installed and modified by a licensed sprinkler fitter, a fire alarm system can only be installed and modified by a licensed electrical contractor. The annual service, inspection, and minor maintenance items such as replacing defective stand-by batteries, smoke detectors, pull stations, speakers, bells, etc. all fall under the bailiwick of the fire protection technician.

Some technicians have the training and are approved by the local jurisdictional authority to perform fire alarm system commissioning and (in Canada), verification inspections. Thank you!

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    • A fire protection technician may help identify potential fire dangers.
      By: ia_64
      A fire protection technician may help identify potential fire dangers.
    • Fire protection technicians commonly work at local fire stations.
      By: Marco2811
      Fire protection technicians commonly work at local fire stations.
    • A fire technician may help map out places to install fire sprinkler systems.
      By: edarchinyan
      A fire technician may help map out places to install fire sprinkler systems.
    • A fire protection technician will install a fire extinguisher, among other things.
      By: mrkob
      A fire protection technician will install a fire extinguisher, among other things.
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      Fire protection technicians may have tips on securing a residential fireplace.
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      Fire protection technicians may be consulted prior to a large fireworks display.