How to Be Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 22, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector is a professional responsible for ensuring that fire protection systems are functional and meet all applicable codes and regulations. The inspector typically conducts an assessment to determine the condition of the system, inspects components for proper installation, and verifies that the system is operating correctly. The failure to meet code and regulations could result in a hazardous condition that could lead to the loss of life or property. A skilled FPS Inspector can provide the necessary knowledge to properly maintain a fire protection system, thereby reducing the risk of a devastating fire.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a fire protection system inspector, you must earn a bachelors degree in fire science or a related field such as engineering or construction.
Obtain Certification. Many states require fire protection system inspectors to become certified in the profession. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies offers certification programs that can help you meet the qualifications necessary to become an inspector.
Gain Experience. Working as an assistant to an experienced fire protection system inspector can help you gain the experience needed to become an inspector. You may also consider volunteering with a local fire department to gain experience.
Network. Participating in professional organizations and developing relationships with other professionals in the field can help you stay up to date on industry trends and job openings.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can apply for a job as a fire protection system inspector. You may be able to find job postings on job boards or through professional organizations.

Staying ahead and competent as a Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector requires a thorough understanding of the latest industry standards, regulations and trends. It is important to stay up to date on the latest in fire safety technology, firefighting techniques, and best practices for inspecting FPS systems. Keeping abreast of changes in local, state and federal regulations is also critical, as these can directly affect FPS inspection requirements and protocols.

staying educated through courses, seminars, and other training opportunities can help ensure that an inspector is knowledgeable on any new developments in fire protection systems. By taking the initiative to stay informed and knowledgeable, a FPS inspector can remain ahead of the curve and ensure they are able to effectively inspect and certify all fire protection systems.

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Job Description

Inspects fire protection systems, including sprinkler systems, standpipes, and fire alarms, to ensure adherence to design specifications and government regulations.
Inspects and tests fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors, fire hoses, and emergency lighting.
Performs safety audits of buildings to identify potential fire hazards and areas of non-compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Reviews plans and blueprints to determine appropriate fire protection systems, applications, and components to be used in new construction or renovation projects.
Recommends changes or modifications to systems to meet code requirements or customer specifications.
Repairs or replaces faulty system components such as valves, pipes, sprinklers, and pumps.
Trains building personnel on the proper use and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Responds to emergencies on-site to assess the situation and take corrective action as needed.
Documents inspections, tests, and repairs in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.
Maintains records of system maintenance activities and updates software as necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable fire protection codes, standards and regulations.
Knowledge of fire protection systems design, installation and maintenance.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and schematics.
Ability to inspect, test, and certify fire protection systems.
Ability to identify deficiencies and take corrective action.
Knowledge of inspection apparatus and techniques.
Knowledge of fire safety laws and regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of safety procedures and practices.
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.

The Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector is responsible for ensuring that fire safety systems are in compliance with state and local regulations. To be effective in this role, an inspector must have excellent knowledge of fire safety regulations and the ability to evaluate and inspect buildings for any potential fire hazards. They must also possess strong problem-solving skills to identify any deficiencies in the fire protection systems and develop strategies to correct these issues.

an FPS Inspector must be adept at making decisions in a timely manner and be able to communicate effectively with building owners and managers. Effective communication and the ability to work independently are essential for an FPS Inspector to ensure fire safety systems are up to date and functioning correctly, ultimately minimizing the risk of fire-related incidents.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in inspecting fire protection systems?
Can you explain the process you would use to inspect a fire protection system?
What qualifications do you have that make you suitable for this role?
What do you know about the NFPA standards for fire protection system inspection?
What challenges have you faced while inspecting fire protection systems?
How would you ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to during an inspection?
How would you handle a situation where a fire protection system is not up to code or is malfunctioning?
What experience do you have with troubleshooting and repairing fire protection systems?
How do you stay up-to-date with changes to fire protection system codes and regulations?
What methods do you use to document and report the results of your inspections?

Common Tools in Industry

Fire Sprinkler System Tester. Used to test the functionality of fire sprinkler systems and ensure that they are working correctly. (e. g. conducting pressure tests, inspecting nozzles and hoses, etc. )
Fire Alarm System Tester. Used to test the functionality of fire alarm systems and ensure that they are working correctly. (e. g. checking wiring and connections, testing different components of the system, etc. )
Thermal Imaging Camera. Used to detect heat sources that may indicate a fire hazard. (e. g. inspecting electrical panels and components, detecting hot spots in walls, etc. )
Smoke Detector Tester. Used to test the functionality of smoke detectors and ensure that they are working correctly. (e. g. testing sensitivity levels, checking battery life, etc. )
Gas Detector Tester. Used to test the functionality of gas detectors and ensure that they are working correctly. (e. g. testing for the presence of combustible gases, checking for CO2 levels, etc. )
Fire Extinguisher Tester. Used to test the functionality of fire extinguishers and ensure that they are working correctly. (e. g. testing pressure levels, inspecting hoses and nozzles, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS)
Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
International Code Council (ICC)
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)
American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72)

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Common Important Terms

Automatic Sprinkler System. A system of pipes and sprinkler heads that automatically discharge water in the event of a fire.
Fire Alarm System. An electronic system designed to detect and alert people to the presence of fire, smoke, and other hazardous conditions.
Fire Suppression System. A system designed to extinguish fires, usually involving the use of a fire suppression agent such as water, foam, or dry chemical.
Fire Extinguisher. A portable device that can be used to put out small fires.
Fire Hydrant. An outdoor connection point for firefighting equipment that provides pressurized water for firefighting purposes.
Fire Hose. A flexible pipe used to convey water from a water source to a fire.
Fire Door. A fire-resistant door designed to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Firewall. A barrier designed to prevent the spread of fire from one area to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector?

A Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector is responsible for inspecting fire protection systems such as fire sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers to ensure they are installed and functioning properly in accordance with national codes and local regulations.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector?

To become a Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector, one must typically have a combination of experience in the construction industry and/or fire protection field, as well as certifications from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

What type of inspections do Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspectors conduct?

Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspectors typically conduct inspections of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, smoke detectors, and other related safety equipment.

What types of reports do Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspectors provide?

Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspectors typically provide reports that outline the results of their inspections, identify any safety issues that were identified, and recommend any actions that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the facility.

How often should Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspections be conducted?

The frequency of Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspections depends on the type of facility being inspected, but generally they should be conducted on an annual basis to ensure code compliance and to identify any issues or deficiencies.