FIR 160 - Fire Inspector I

1. Describe the the functions, objectives, and roles of the inspection unit with a fire department.
   1. Explain the code enforcement system and the fire inspector’s role in that system.
   2. Understand the development and adoption process for codes and standards.
   3. Know the differences between prescriptive and performance based codes.
   4. Recognize ethical practices for the code enforcement officer.
   5. Identify the professional development process for code enforcement practitioners. 
2. Understand the relationship between building construction and the inspection process.
   1. Describe the characteristics of the following building materials: masonry, concrete, steel, glass, gypsum board, and wood.
   2. Identify the types of building construction.
   3. List the characteristics of each of the following types of building construction: fire-resistive construction, noncombustible construction, ordinary construction, heavy timber construction, and wood-frame construction.
   4. Describe the function of each of the following building components: foundations, doors, ceilings, roofs, trusses, walls, doors, windows, interior finishes, and door coverings.
3. Understand the different types of occupancies.
   1. Describe how the occupancy classification of a building is determined.
   2. List the fifteen specific occupancy groupings.
   3. Describe the identifying characteristics of one- and two- family dwellings,lodging, hotels and dormitories, apartment buildings, healthcare, day-care, educational, business, industrial, mercantile, storage, assembly, detention, multiple occupancy, and mixed occupancies.
4. Assess fire behavior and its relationship to the inspection process.
   1. Describe the ignition, growth, fully developed, and decay phases of fire process.
   2. Examine the characteristics of a room and contents fire through each of the four phases of fire.
5. Demonstrate the applicable use of the appropriate codes and their relationship to other requirements for the fire inspection process.
   1. Describe the types of fire inspections.
   2. Describe when the fire inspector should begin to inspect a building.
   3. Describe the fire inspection process.
   4. Describe how to verify the proper installation and maintenance of heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; kitchen cooking equipment; laundry chutes; elevators; and escalators.
   5. Describe how to verify that a new construction project meets all applicable codes, standards, and polices.
   6. Describe how to verify that a remodeling project meets all applicable codes, standards, and polices.
   7. Describe when and how to cite code violations.
   8. Describe how to investigate a complaint against an occupancy and ensure that the complaint is resolved.
6. Understand the reasons for performing plan checks, the objectives of a proposed plans review program, the impact of such a program, and how the program will enhance current fire prevention programs.
   1. List the reasons why a plan review may be required.
   2. Describe how to evaluate a plan review application.
   3. Describe the types of drawings included in a plan.
   4. Describe how to determine the occupancy of a structure using a set of plans.
   5. Describe how to determine if adequate access for fire apparatus is provided in the plans for a structure.
   6. Describe how to evaluate a building’s fire protection system using a set of plans.
   7. Describe how to evaluate the building’s life safety systems and building services equipment using a set of plans.
7. Determine occupancy classification, construction type:calculate occupant load and, the height and area of a building.
   1. Discuss the importance of calculating the occupant load in determining the egress requirements of the building.
   2. Describe how to ensure that the means of egress meet all applicable codes and standards.
   3. Describe how to ensure that emergency access for an existing site meets all applicable codes and standards.
   4. Describe how to evaluate emergency evacuation plans to ensure they meet all applicable codes and standards.
   5. Describe how to evaluate evacuation drills in various occupancies.
8. Evaluate fire flow and the fire suppression system requirements.
   1. Describe the elements of a plan review of a fire suppression system.
   2. Describe the two types of water distribution systems and the sources of water for a municipal water supply system.
   3. Describe dry-barrel and wet-barrel hydrants.
   4. Describe the factors to be considered during the design phase of an automatic sprinkler system.
   5. Identify the six types of sprinkler systems.
   6. Identify the three types of standpipes.
   7. Describe how to test the readiness of fire suppression systems.
9. Verify the compliance of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, review sources requiring venting and combustion air, verify the proper location of ?re dampers, and evaluate a stairwell pressurization system.
   1. Describe the components of an electrical system.
   2. Describe the protective practices and equipment of an electrical system.
   3. Describe the common hazards of an electrical system.
   4. Describe how to identify and seek correction of electrical hazards.
   5. Describe the components and operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
   6. Describe the impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems on smoke movement throughout a building.
   7. Describe how to identify and seek correction of heating,ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
   8. Analyze proper storage and handling practices.
10. Analyze proper storage and handling practices.
    1. List the classifications of flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
    2. Describe the classifications of hazardous materials and their labeling systems.
    3. Describe how to properly store hazardous materials, including flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
    4. Describe how to ensure that hazardous materials, including flammable and combustible liquids and gases, are stored, handled, and used in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, and policies.
    5. Describe the fire protection systems and equipment that are appropriate for use with hazardous materials, including flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
11. Evaluate the importance of writing reports and record keeping.
    1. Describe the common elements of effective written documentation.
    2. Discuss the barriers that affect written communications.
    3. Describe how field notes, sketches, diagrams, and photographs are used to complete a fire inspection report.
    4. Describe how to properly reference a code or standard.
    5. Describe how to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests.
    6. Describe how to present evidence during a legal proceeding.