04/22/2006 74220

FIRE AND SAFETY MARSHAL

DEFINITION: This is responsible work preventing and fighting fires, conducting building inspections, developing emergency response plans, and performing related activities in state-owned or operated buildings.

An employee in this job is responsible for coordinating a fire prevention program and the performance of other responsible activities in support of the overall institutional fire and safety program in state-owned or operated buildings or a Department of Public Welfare facility. Work involves providing direction to facility staff in fire fighting or the evacuation of buildings; inspecting buildings for fire, environmental and safety hazards; maintaining fire fighting equipment; developing and monitoring fire safety contracts; and carrying out fire and safety training and fire drills. Work may involve performing arson investigations to include providing expert testimony at related proceedings; ensuring buildings and equipment are maintained in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, standards and regulations; inspecting construction and renovation projects for fire safety code compliance and environmental concerns; and responding to and cleaning up hazardous material spills. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through inspections, conferences, and reports with an administrative or fire and safety supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and assists with the preparation of emergency response plans involving a variety of potential incidents, disasters or emergencies.

Inspects buildings and grounds for fire, environmental and safety hazards, prepares fire and safety reports, and directs or implements corrective action.

Reviews building plans in order to ensure compliance with fire, environmental and safety standards.

Inspects, tests, and maintains fire fighting equipment, apparatus, and associated systems such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire hydrants, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting.

Investigates and evaluates fire alarm activations and resets fire alarm panels after resolution.

Investigates, documents and determines cause of minor fires.

Assists local and state officials with major fire investigations, and provides expert testimony at any related judicial hearings.

Organizes and trains fire fighting crews, conducts fire drills, and coordinates fire fighting activities such as evacuating buildings, directing employees and visitors to safe areas, and coordinating efforts with local police and fire companies.

Instructs facility employees in fire prevention and fire and safety regulations and procedures.

Attends or participates in required fire and safety related training courses.

Assists in developing fire and safety policies for state-owned or operated buildings or facilities.

Develops contracts and assists contractors in testing and maintaining a variety of fire and safety systems to include removing fuses or disconnecting switches, shutting down fire alarm panels, and coordinating notification to building occupants.

Maintains cooperative working relationships with local fire departments, local police, fire fighting crews, and Commonwealth agencies.

Prepares and maintains various inspection reports and associated activity reports.

Assists in responding to various incidents by locating eloped patients, responding to accidents, acts of violence, or health emergencies involving employees or patients.

Performs Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or utilizes an Automated Electronic Defibrillator(AED) in emergency situations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of fire and safety hazards, fire and safety prevention methods and fire fighting techniques.

Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Fire and Panic Act, the National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of fire fighting equipment and apparatus.

Knowledge of proper methods of packaging and disposing of hazardous materials.

Skill in reading building plans in order to implement fire and safety practices.

Ability to conduct inspections and investigations in order to detect, correct, and report on fire and safety hazards.

Ability to conduct arson investigations and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Ability to instruct fire fighting staff in fire prevention or fire fighting methods and practices.

Ability to coordinate the evacuation of employees, visitors, and the general public from buildings and facilities toward safe areas.

Ability to react quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local fire departments, local police, and Commonwealth agency staff.

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor during inspections, and fire prevention and fire fighting activities, including the ability to climb ladders and activate fire fighting equipment.

Ability to respond to hazardous material spills and conduct containment and cleanup activities such as damming and diking.

Ability to perform CPR in an emergency situation.

Ability to utilize an AED in an emergency situation.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employees must obtain Hazardous Material Operations, CPR and AED certifications from an accredited organization within one year of hire.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of experience in fire fighting or fire prevention work; and graduation from a standard high school or vocational school;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.