Fire-fighting systems

The devices and systems used to extinguish fires; the classes and chemistry of fire.

typology of fire
functions of fire-fighting systems
classes of fire
range of fire-fighting systems
types of fire
characteristics of fire-fighting systems
types of fire-fighting systems
chemistry of fire

knowledge

cross-sector

Fire-fighting systems is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Fisheries deckhand: Fisheries deckhands work on fishing vessels where they carry out fishing related activities. They undertake a wide range of fishing and maritime work on land and at sea, such as handling of fishing gears and catches, communications, supply, seamanship, hospitality and stores.
Fire service vehicle operator: Fire service vehicle operators drive and operate emergency fire service vehicles such as firetrucks. They specialise in emergency driving and assist firefighting operations. They ensure that all material is well stored on the vehicle, transported and ready for usage.
Industrial firefighter: Industrial firefighters are responsible for emergency response in case of a fire outbreak or other hazardous situations in industrial areas or facilities. They actively respond to contain fires and the outbreak of other hazardous substances to protect the industrial crews and premises. They ensure the industrial facility complies with health and safety regulations. They also regulate the clean-up of the scene and assess the damage.
Fisheries boatman: Fisheries boatmen operate small boats inshore and near the coast only. They organise, manage and execute shipping activities on deck and with engines. Fisheries boatmen capture and conserve fish or engage in aquaculture operations. They respect the safety conditions and comply with national and international regulations.
Fire prevention and protection engineer: Fire prevention and protection engineers study, design, and developed innovative solutions aimed to the prevention of fire and the protection of people, natural sites, and urban areas. They propose suitable materials for construction, clothing, or other applications and they design detection systems aiming to prevent fire or the propagation of it.

Fire protection technician: Fire protection technicians install and maintain fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire detection systems, or sprinkler systems in facilities to ensure compliance to safety standards and protection from fire hazards. They inspect the equipment to ensure its functionality, and perform repairs.
Malt kiln operator: Malt kiln operators tend kiln machines and equipment while supervising that the grain roasting operation maintains in specified roasting parameters.
Pump operator: Pump operators assist firefighting operations by controlling the pumps which supply water and other substances for extinguishing fires. They ensure the substance is delivered in the right amount and under the correct  pressure through the firehose.
Firefighter: Firefighters are responsible for emergency response in case of a fire outbreak or other hazardous situations. They oversee the evacuation of the endangered premises and ensure victims are rescued and taken care of by the appropriate professionals. Once the premises are clear of victims, they ensure the fire is extinguished, compliant with health and safety regulations. They also regulate the clean-up of the scene and assess the damage.
Marine firefighter: Marine firefighters are responsible for emergency response in case of a fire outbreak or other hazardous situations in marine environments. They actively respond to contain fires and the outbreak of other hazardous on vessels, docks and other marine facilities. They ensure the marine installation complies with health and safety regulations. They also regulate the clean-up of the scene and assess the damage.
Chief fire officer: Chief fire officers supervise a fire department. They coordinate the operations of the department, and supervise and lead the fire and rescue staff during firefighting and rescue activities to ensure the safety of the staff and limitation of risks. They perform administrative duties to ensure record maintenance, and implement policies to improve the department’s operations.
Aquaculture recirculation manager: Aquaculture recirculation managers control the production of aquatic organisms in land-based recirculation systems, manage water re-use processes and supervise complex circulation, aeration and biofilter systems.
Aquaculture site supervisor: Aquaculture site supervisors supervise production processes in large-scale aquaculture operations and inspect aquaculture sites to maintain and improve performance. They maintain the health, safety and security of the workplace, develop management plans to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases and supervise both the disposal of bio and chemical waste and the maintenance of equipment and machinery.
Fire safety tester: Fire safety testers conduct a variety of tests on materials such as building, transportation and textiles materials, as well as on fire prevention and fire fighting systems. They measures, among other things, the flame resistance and behaviour of materials under extreme circumstances.
Firefighter instructor: Firefighter instructors train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, on the theory and practice necessary to become a firefighter. They conduct theoretical lectures on academic subjects such as law, basic chemistry, safety regulations, risk management, fire prevention, reading blueprints etc. Fire academy instructors also provide more hands-on, practical instruction regarding the usage of assistive equipment and rescue tools such as a fire hose, fire axe, smoke mask etc., but also heavy physical training, breathing techniques, first aid, self defense tactics and vehicle operations. They also prepare and develop lesson plans and new training programmes as new public service-related regulations and issues arise. The instructors monitor the students’ progress, evaluate them individually and prepare performance evaluation reports.
Fire inspector: Fire inspectors conduct inspections of buildings and properties to ensure they are compliant with fire prevention and safety regulations, and enforce the regulations in facilities which are not compliant. They also perform educational activities, educating the public on fire safety and prevention methods, policies, and disaster response.
Aquaculture harvesting technician: Aquaculture harvesting technicians operate the harvesting process of aquatic organisms’ production, managing the complex equipment and machinery used in the harvesting of specific cultured species.
Forestry technician: Forestry technicians assist and support the forest manager and implement their decisions. They supervise a team of forestry equipment operators and support and supervise forestry and environmental protection through research and data collection. They also manage resource conservation and harvesting plans.

Fire-fighting systems is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Deep-sea fishery worker: Deep-sea fishery workers operate on board fishing vessels to catch deep-sea fish for sale or delivery. They use equipment such as rods and nets to catch deep-sea fish according to legislation. Deep-sea fishery workers also transport, handle and preserve fish by salting, icing or freezing them.
Warehouse manager: Warehouse managers assume the responsibility for storage facilities. They manage the operations and the staff within.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Health and safety engineer: Health and safety engineers design objects and programs by combining engineering principles and health and safety requirements. They envision the protection and well-being of the people using designed objects or performing work under designed health and safety programs. They assess facilities and the risks that they might pose (e.g. contaminant materials, ergonomics, handling of dangerous substances, etc.) in order to design and improve health and safety measures.
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Marine chief engineer: Marine chief engineers are responsible for the entire technical operations of the vessel including engineering, electrical, and mechanical divisions. They are the head of the entire engine department aboard the ship. They have overall responsibility for all technical operations and equipment on-board the ship. Marine chief engineers collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observe the national and international standards of application.
Countryside officer: Countryside officers are responsible for a range of activities that manage and maintain the natural environment and associated public access and recreation. They encourage visitors to open spaces/the countryside, promote awareness of the natural environment and protect and preserve the open space/countryside for future enjoyment.
Fire commissioner: Fire commissioners oversee the activity of the fire department making sure the services supplied are effective and the necessary equipment is provided. They develop and manage the business policies ensuring the legislation in the field is followed. Fire commissioners perform safety inspections and promotes fire prevention education.

References

1. Fire-fighting systems – ESCO