fire-inspector/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — fire inspector

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-2021.00 (Fire Inspectors and Investigators).

Task statements

• [Core] Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
• [Core] Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
• [Core] Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
• [Core] Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
• [Core] Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
• [Core] Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
• [Core] Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
• [Core] Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
• [Core] Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
• [Core] Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
• [Core] Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.
• [Core] Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
• [Core] Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
• [Core] Develop or review fire exit plans.
• [Core] Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
• [Core] Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
• [Core] Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
• [Core] Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
• [Core] Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
• [Core] Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
• [Core] Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
• [Core] Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
• [Supplemental] Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
• [Supplemental] Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
• [Supplemental] Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
• [Supplemental] Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
• [Supplemental] Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
• [Supplemental] Issue permits for public assemblies.
• [Supplemental] Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
• [Supplemental] Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze crime scene evidence.
• Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge.
• Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.
• Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans.
• Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.
• Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.
• Evaluate employee performance.
• Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
• Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.
• Identify actions needed to bring properties or facilities into compliance with regulations.
• Inform others about laws or regulations.
• Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
• Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
• Investigate crimes committed within organizations.
• Issue permits or other legal documents.
• Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.
• Prepare investigation or incident reports.
• Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
• Provide safety training.
• Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
• Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
• Record information about suspects or criminals.
• Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Train employees in proper work procedures.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
• Train personnel to enhance job skills.
• Write operational reports.