As a Fire Safety Adviser you will report to the Director for Fire Safety Services.
Job Description
* Conduct fire risk assessment of a mix of buildings, including intrusive and non-intrusive methods to assess fire hazards, evaluating fire safety measures such as fire alarms, suppression systems, fire doors, extinguishers, and escape routes. Assess potential risk to structure, occupants, and use of building, including presence and use of hazardous materials.
* Identify non-compliance considering specific regulatory requirements, and make recommendations for remedial actions, such as those to support passive and active fire protection measures, means of escape, engagement, maintenance, and inspection.
* Identify high-risk environments (e.g., industrial plants, high-occupancy buildings, buildings with vulnerable occupants like care homes), and ensure specific focus on additional fire safety measures required, adequately prioritizing recommended remediation activities.
* Identify fire load, smoke control systems, and assess areas with increased risk, such as storage of flammable materials or high-rise buildings with complex evacuation routes.
* Examine designs for new and existing buildings, ensuring they include adequate fire safety measures for both commercial and residential purposes. Produce Fire Safety Strategy reports for planning and building control approval that adhere to local building codes and fire safety standards. Liaise with design and construction teams to guarantee understanding and adoption of all elements of the strategy to ensure safety of the building design.
* Assess fire compartmentation and escape routes to ensure that the building design supports proper fire containment and evacuation.
* Ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations, such as Building Regulations and codes which may differ for residential, commercial, and high-risk buildings, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
* Assist to produce evacuation strategies, liaising with property managers, residents, and board members for buildings to ensure that policy and procedure are understood and implemented adequately.
* Conduct fire safety training and education sessions, and fire drills, and coordinate with emergency services to improve response times.
* Liaise with local authorities, building control bodies, and fire services to ensure compliance with fire safety enforcement actions.
* Evaluate materials used in construction to determine their fire resistance, particularly for cladding, insulation, and other exterior finishes. Recommend alternate fire-resistant materials when non-compliant materials are identified.
* Produce reports, such as fire risk assessments, compartmentation surveys reports, compliance reports, timber frame fire risk assessments, FRAEW reports, outlining the identified risks, hazards, remedial strategies, and progress of actions being undertaken.
* Maintain robust notes and evidence from site visits as part of due diligence.
* Carry out inspections during construction, monitoring remedial works, and provide guidance to site teams on maintaining compliance during construction minimizing the risk of ignition and spread of fire.
* Keep up to date with current and changing fire safety standards and legislation, particularly for high-risk or complex buildings.
Person Specifications
* CFPA European Diploma in Fire Prevention (or equivalent).
* Minimum 5 years’ experience delivering practical fire consultancy/audit services with at least 18 months experience dealing with complex buildings.
* Excellent understanding of UK legislation, standards, and guidance, such as:
o Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
o Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
o HM Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guides
o Building Regulations – Approved Document B
o BSI PAS79 Fire Risk Assessment - Guide and Recommended Methodology
o PAS9980 Fire Risk Appraisal External Wall and Cladding of Flats
o Specific British Standards relating to Fire Precaution and Prevention, including BS9999, BS9991, BS5839, etc.
o Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats
o LACORS Guidance on Fire Safety Provisions for certain types of existing housing
o The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent time management, and ability to work as part of a team and under own initiative.
* Ability to demonstrate strong general IT skills and software knowledge.
* Awareness of current legislation and technology within scope of work, and evidence of CPD.
* Membership of IFE desirable.
* Prepared to travel within the South and South East on a regular basis (wider afield as required) and have a full driving licence.
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