Textbook/Other Materials

Supplementary reading:
NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualification for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner, 2003 edition, available from NFPA at www.nfpa.org.

Please note: Test questions are taken from the instructor's lecture AND the assigned reading. While some questions from the assigned reading may not be covered during class due to time constraints, students are responsible for knowing and understanding ALL information assigned in the syllabus.

Instructor material:
Teaching Outline and PowerPoint: Rev. 3/2005

  Course Description/Objectives

Objectives:
After completion of the Fire Inspector II course, the candidate must be able to perform the following job performance requirements:

• Develop written correspondence to communicate fire protection and prevention requirements so that the correspondence reflects research and accurate interpretation of applicable codes and standards and is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Create inspection checklists and forms so that the materials developed are clear and concise and key issues are addressed.
• Process a permit application so that the application is evaluated and a permit is issued or denied in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, policies, and procedures of the jurisdiction.
• Process a plan review application so that the application is evaluated and processed in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures of the jurisdiction.
• Testify at legal proceedings so that all information is presented accurately and the inspector’s demeanor is appropriate to the proceedings.
• Investigate complex complaints so that complaint information is recorded, the appropriate process is initiated, and the complaint is resolved.
• Recommend modification to codes and standards of the jurisdiction so that the proposed code and standards are properly written and address the problem, need, or deficiency.
• Recommend policies and procedures for the delivery of inspection services so that inspections are carried out in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction and due process of the law is followed.
• Compute the occupant load of a multiuse building so that the maximum occupant load calculation is accurate and in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Identify the occupancy classification of a mixed-use building so that each area is properly classified in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Determine the type of construction in a new building so that the construction type is properly classified according to applicable codes and standards.
• Evaluate fire protection systems and equipment provided for the protection of a building or facility so that the fire protection systems provided are appropriate for the occupancy or hazard being protected and are installed in compliance with applicable codes and standards and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Analyze the egress elements of a building or portion of a building so that the means of egress elements are provided and located in accordance with applicable codes and standards and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Evaluate hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations so that the equipment, processes, or operations are installed in accordance with applicable codes and standards and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Evaluate emergency planning and preparedness procedures to determine their applicability to the facility and their compliance with codes and standards.
• Verify fire flows for a site so that required fire flows are in accordance with applicable codes and standards and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Verify code compliance for storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and gases so that applicable codes and standards are addressed and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Evaluate code compliance for the storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials so that applicable codes and standards for each hazardous material encountered are properly addressed and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Determine the fire growth potential in a building or space so that the contents, interior finish, and construction elements can be evaluated for compliance with applicable codes and standards and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and corrected in accordance with policies of the jurisdiction.
• Inspect emergency access for a site so that the required access for emergency responders is provided, approvals are issued, or deficiencies are identified, documented, and corrected in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, and policies of the jurisdiction.
• Classify the occupancy type so that the classification is made according to applicable codes and standards.
• Compute the occupancy load so that the calculated occupant load is in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Field verify the installation of a fire protection system so that the system is reviewed for code compliance and installed in accordance with the approved drawings, and all deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Verify that egress elements are provided so that all elements are identified and checked against applicable codes and standards and any deficiencies are discovered and communicated in accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Field verify the construction type of a building or portion thereof so that the construction type complies with the approved plans and applicable codes and standards.

Instructional methods: Classroom Instruction

Course Schedule

  (Tentative, subject to change depending on the progress of the class)

Monday
Authority, Responsibility, and Organization
Inspection Procedures
Principles of Combustion and Fire Growth

Tuesday
Principles of Combustion and Fire Growth (continued)
Construction and Occupancy Classifications
Site Access and Means of Egress

Wednesday
Site Access and Means of Egress (continued)
Water Based Fire Protection Systems

Thursday
Special Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems and Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Plans Review

Friday
Plans Review (continued)
Identification of Hazardous Materials
Storage, Handling, and Use of Other Hazardous Materials

 Course Policies

Tardiness:
Students must adhere to class schedules. Students are required to be punctual for all classes and class activities. Classes will begin promptly at the scheduled time unless specific instructions are given otherwise.

Class participation:
This course will involve discussion, questions and answers on the materials, and case study. Class participation is expected from all students.

Safety:
Safety of the student is top priority to the Alabama Fire College. Students must adhere to safety regulations while attending a class on or off the Fire College campus. At the Fire College campus, safety instructions are posted in every classroom, as well as escape routes and tornado actions.

Academic misconduct:
Academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism is not permitted in class. Suspected cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Executive Director. Conduct detrimental to the fire service on or off campus will not be tolerated. We will investigate any complaints, and if the complaint is valid the student will be dismissed and his/her agency will be notified.

Grading:
Letter grades are assigned according to the following system for all certification courses for which students have registered.
A – Excellent (90-100)
B – Good (80-89)
C – Average (70-79)
Satisfactory grades for certification are A, B, or C. A mark of AU is assigned for course work performed as an audit.

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