Job Description
Under the general direction and control of the Estates Manager, the Fire Prevention Officer will be responsible, in respect of such premises and locations as may, from time to time be assigned to him/her for the following: Regular inspections of buildings, means of escape and all fire-fighting equipment and ensuring that all such equipment is properly located, well-marked, in good repair and in good working order. Reviewing and, as necessary, drawing up of fire orders, including evacuation schemes for the various types of building and institution, including schemes for evacuation of all persons with particular regard to mentally ill and non-ambulant patients and to draw up fire plans of all the HSE buildings and premises in area of responsibility Regular and routine inspection of places, premises and equipment, which present a special risk of fire and reporting any breaches of the fire prevention code Instruction of staff in each premises in: Avoidance of fire hazards Summoning of the fire brigade Operation of the fire alarm and fire equipment, and means of escape Curtailment of an outbreak of fire, pending the arrival of the fire brigade, prevention of smoke spread and evacuation of danger areas. Arranging regular fire drills in each institution and ensuring that they are properly 2 carried out Monitoring, by having regular tests carried out, the water supply in all divisions of each institution, to ensure that it is of sufficient volume and pressure for firefighting purposes and reporting any deficiencies in this regard. Ensuring that all hydrants are clearly identified Advising as appropriate regarding interpretation of Health Technical Memorandums, Fire Protection Standards and Building Regulations issued by the Government Departments and ensuring their implementation Monitoring all means of escape to ensure that they are both safe and adequate and at all times, kept operative and clearly indicated. Keeping proper records of all inspections, fires, evacuation drills, fire-fighting equipment and such other matters relating to his/her office as Fire Prevention Officer. Reporting in writing, to the Estates Manager or other delegated Officer, at three monthly intervals on the state of the fire prevention services in the HSE buildings and premises assigned to him/her. Also, report immediately all outbreaks of fire, breach of the fire prevention order and failure to perform fire drill at the HSE buildings and premises. If so directed, the Fire Safety Officer will make out an annual report on all aspects of fire and safety pertaining to the HSE property in there are of responsibility Arrange to have the fire prevention work programmes implemented under the direction of the Estates Manager ? Monitor and report on the management of Health Safety and Infrastructural Risk issues of the HSE Estate and projects Assess the continuous professional training requirements for Estates staff in the area and advise the Estate Manager of the appropriate training courses and coordinating with the training providers on the course provided Monitor the performance and implementation of the Estates Safety Management programme by regular spot checks, by analysis of safety audit reports and accident and incident returns. Act as an information source and resource to management and staff on fire safety, general safety, health and welfare matters. Advise, guide and participate in the risk assessment process/inspection within the area of fire maintenance and infrastructural risk. Assist in the development of health and safety training programmes for maintenance staff which are to be harmonised throughout the HSE. Advise on the suitability of equipment to reduce risks within the company, trying where possible to standardise products in consultation with the HSE Procurement Groups. Report as required to managers and relevant committees on areas of fire and infrastructural risk where action is required. Receive copies of accident reports relevant to their area of expertise, and action/investigate, if necessary. Providing accident investigation reports for accidents investigated. Be a member of the Integrated Quality and Risk committee, and where necessary be co-opted onto other groups as necessary. Monitor and report on the health and safety performance of external contractors engaged on Construction related activity on company premises Assist in the setting up and amendment of Emergency Plans. Provide an input into planning the Minor Capital Programme in relation to Fire Safety by highlighting and prioritising essential works required. Other Duties: Co-operate with the Health Services Transformation Programme as required to carry out the duties of the post. Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. Achievement of targets and plans and completion of agreed programme within allocated budget. Act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required. Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders Success in developing good working relationships with other members of the team and with administrators of institutions in which maintenance staff are engaged Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service. The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 1. Professional Qualifications & Experience: a) (i) Hold a HETAC level 7 qualification (NQF) in engineering, fire engineering, architecture, Health and Safety or Building Services/Building Survey. Or (ii) Hold an equivalent qualification. And (iii) Have two years experience in comparable Fire and Safety role. b) Candidates must have the requisite technical knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and managerial capacity) to discharge the functions of the post Skills: Fire Safety Officer