Ohio Fire Safety Inspector Certification Requirements

Ohio Fire Safety Inspector Certification Requirements

/ OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR COURSE OBJECTIVES
Fire Safety Inspector Course - General Course Information, Certification Requirements, and Course Objectives
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Fire Safety Inspector Course is designed to provide firefighters with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to conduct fire and life safety inspections in Ohio. The course contains all course objectives included in the Hazard Recognition Officer course, as well as more advanced training necessary to perform duties required at the Fire Inspector II level, including code interpretation, policy implementation, testifying at legal proceedings, applying local fire and life safety codes to complex situations, analyzing and recommending modifications to local codes, reviewing and evaluating fire protection systems, analyzing egress elements of a structure, and evaluating code compliance in the storage, use, and manufacture of flammable and combustible liquids and gases and hazardous materials.
It should be noted that although the Fire Safety Inspector course contains basic requirements to review plans, the function is technical and requires additional training beyond the scope of the Fire Safety Inspector Course. The certification is optional and meets the minimum requirements set forth in the nationally recognized standard, NFPA 1031: "Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner” for Fire Inspector I and II.
Successful completion of the course is required to be eligible to sit for the state examination to be certified as an Ohio Fire Safety Inspector.
NOTE: In accordance with section 3737.34 of the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall serve as a fire safety inspector for any fire agency unless he / she has received a certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the Revised Code evidencing satisfactory completion of the Fire Safety Inspector training program.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The Fire Safety Inspector Course Objectives are required to meet industry standards for fire safety inspector training as determined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1031 (2014 edition) "Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner.” The hours assigned to each course objective are based on Ohio fire service recommendations. Chartered fire training programs may reallocate topic hours to meet student needs so long as all course objectives are met. However, deviation of more than 25% of the recommended hours must be justified on the course request form
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The Fire Safety Inspector Course, required to obtain a Fire Safety Inspector certificate, shall consist of a minimum of eighty (80) hours (1, 2) and shall meet the following training requirements:
  1. Shall meet the "Fire Safety Inspector Course Objectives" as set forth by the executive director, with advice and counsel of the committee; and
  2. Shall meet the performance objectives set forth in "NFPA 1031" for Fire Inspector I and II.

CONTACT HOURS
Student contact hours: 50 – 60 minutes = 1 hour; 25 – 30 minutes = ½ hour; full days (0800 – 1600) = 7 hours (assuming 1 hour for lunch unless otherwise documented). Instructional hours may include topic instruction, material review, and testing for knowledge, e.g., quizzes. Instructional hours shall not include practical skill testing, written testing for certification, or instruction on any topics(s) not listed on this guide.
(1) Course hours are restricted to curriculum instruction and shall not include time attributed to course administration, course prerequisites or examinations required for state certification (practical skills and written examinations).
(2) Each hour shall include a minimum of fifty (50) minutes of instruction.

OHIO FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

STANDARD /
DIRECTIVE / O.A.C. REFERENCE / FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR COURSE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
N/A / 4765-20-03
4765-24-14 / A chartered fire training program shall admit only those individuals who meet the following requirements into a fire safety inspector or hazard recognition officer course:
(1) Individuals shall be at least eighteen years of age;
(2) Individuals shall hold a current and valid firefighter certificate;
(3) Individuals shall meet all admission requirements established by the chartered fire training program.
N/A / 4765-24-14 / In addition to the requirements for admission as set forth in paragraph (C) of this rule, the chartered fire training program shall require each student to be employed by one of the following in order to be eligible for admission into a fire safety inspector course:
(1) The office of the state fire marshal;
(2) A firefighting agency as defined in division (A)(3) of section 9.60 of the Ohio Revised Code (R.C.);
(3) A private fire company as defined in division (A)(5) of section 9.60 of the R.C. that is providing fire protection in accordance with division (B), (C), or (D) of section 9.60 of the R.C.
N/A / 4765-20-03 / An applicant for fire safety inspector shall not have been convicted of any of the following:
(a) Any felony;
(b) A misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(c) A misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
N/A / 4765-20-03 / An applicant for fire safety inspector shall not have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or material deception in applying for, or obtaining, a certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the R.C. and this chapter.
STANDARD /
DIRECTIVE / O.A.C. REFERENCE / QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION
N/A / 4765-20-03 / An applicant for a fire safety inspector certificate shall satisfy the following requirements:
(1) Shall successfully complete a fire safety inspector training course through a chartered fire training program and receive a certificate of course completion;
(2) Shall pass the knowledge and practical skills examinations;
(3) Shall submit a completed "Firefighter, Fire Safety Inspector, or Hazard Recognition Officer Initial Application";
NFPA 1031 / 4765-24-14 / Individuals shall meet the performance objectives set forth in "NFPA 1031" for Fire Inspector I and II.
N/A / 4765-20-03 / Shall pass the knowledge and practical skills examinations as set forth in rule 4765-20-03 of the Ohio Administrative Code (O.A.C.) within 180 days.
N/A / 4765-20-03 / Shall submit a completed application within ninety (90) days of passing the knowledge examination.

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OHIO FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR COURSE OBJECTIVES & RECOMMENDED HOURS GUIDE
NFPA 1031 Standard / COURSE OBJECTIVES / FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORJOB PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS / Cognitive Hours / Practical Hours / Total Hours
4.2.1 / Prepare inspection reports / The ability to conduct a field inspection, apply codes and standards, and communicate orally and in writing. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.2.2 / Recognize the need for a permit / The ability to communicate orally and in writing. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.2.3 / Recognize the need for plan review / The ability to communicate orally and in writing. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.2.4 / Investigate common complaints / The ability to apply codes and standards, communicate orally and in writing, recognize problems, and resolve complaints. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.2.5 / Identify the applicable code or standard / The ability to apply codes and standards. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.2.6 / Participate in legal proceedings / The ability to maintain a professional courtroom demeanor, communicate, listen, and differentiate facts from opinions. / 2 / 2 / 4
4.3.1 / Identify the occupancy classification of a single-use occupancy / The ability to make observations and correct decisions. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.2 / Compute the allowable occupant load of a single-use occupancy or portion thereof / The ability to calculate occupant loads, identify occupancy factors related to various occupancy classifications, use measuring tools, and make field sketches. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.3 / Inspect means of egress elements / The ability to observe and recognize problems, calculate, make basic decisions related to means of egress, use measuring tools, and make field sketches. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.3.4 / Verify the type of construction for an addition or remodeling project / The ability to read plans, make decisions, and apply codes and standards. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.5 / Determine the operational readiness of existing fixed fire suppression systems / The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read reports. / 1 / 2 / 3
4.3.6 / Determine the operational readiness of existing fire detection and alarm systems / The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read reports. / 1 / 2 / 3
4.3.7 / Determine the operational readiness of existing portable fire extinguishers / The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read reports. / 1 / 2 / 3
4.3.8 / Recognize hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations / The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.3.9 / Compare an approved plan to an existing fire protection system / The ability to read and comprehend plans for fire protection systems, observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 2 / 2 / 4
4.3.10 / Verify that emergency planning and preparedness measures are in place and have been practiced / The ability to identify the emergency evacuation requirements contained in the applicable codes and standards and interpret plans and reports. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.3.11 / Inspect emergency access for an existing site / The ability to identify the emergency access requirements contained in the applicable codes and standards, observe, make decisions, and use measuring tools. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.12 / Verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and gases / The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.13 / Verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials / The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.14 / Recognize a hazardous fire growth potential in a building or space / The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize hazardous conditions, and make decisions. / 1 / 1 / 2
4.3.15 / Determine code compliance / The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize hazardous conditions, and make decisions. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
4.3.16 / Verify fire flows for a site / The ability to use Pitot tubes, gauges, and other data gathering devices as well as calculate and graph fire flow results. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.2.1 / Process a permit application / The application of the requisite knowledge. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.2.2 / Process a plan review application / The ability to communicate orally and in writing on matters related to code requirements, policies, and procedures of the jurisdiction. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.2.3 / Investigate complex complaints / The ability to interpret codes and standards, recognize problems, and refer complaints to other agencies when required. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.2.4 / Recommend modifications to the adopted codes and standards of the jurisdiction / The ability to recognize problems, collect and develop potential solutions, and identify cost/risk benefits. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.2.5 / Recommend policies and procedures for the delivery of inspection services / The ability to identify approved construction methods and materials related to fire safety, read and interpret construction plans and specifications, educate, conduct research, make decisions, recognize problems, and resolve conflicts. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.3.1 / Compute the maximum allowable occupant load of a multi-use building / The ability to calculate occupant loads, identify occupancy factors related to various occupancy classifications, use measuring tools, read plans, and use a calculator. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.3.2 / Identify the occupancy classifications of a mixed-use building / The ability to interpret code requirements and recognize building uses that fall into each occupancy classification. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.3.3 / Evaluate a building’s area, height, occupancy classification, and construction type / The ability to identify characteristics of each type of building construction and occupancy classification. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.3.4 / Evaluate fire protection systems and equipment provided for life safety and property protection / The ability to recognize problems, use codes and standards, and read reports, plans, and specifications. / 1 / 2 / 3
5.3.5 / Analyze the egress elements of a building or portion of a building / The ability to calculate egress requirements, read plans, and make decisions related to the adequacy of egress. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.3.6 / Evaluate hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations / The ability to observe, communicate, interpret codes, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.3.7 / Evaluate emergency planning and preparedness procedures / The ability to compare submitted plans and procedures with applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.3.8 / Verify code compliance for storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and gases / The ability to identify typical fire hazards associated with processes or operations utilizing flammable and combustible liquids and to observe, communicate, interpret codes, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 2 / 2 / 4
5.3.9 / Evaluate code compliance for the storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials / The ability to identify fire hazards associated with processes or operations utilizing hazardous materials and to observe, communicate, interpret codes, recognize problems, and make decisions. / 2 / 2 / 4
5.3.10 / Determine fire growth potential in a building or space / The ability to observe, communicate, interpret codes and standards, recognize hazardous conditions, and make decisions. / 1 / 1 / 2
5.3.11 / Verify compliance with construction documents / The ability to witness and document tests of fire protection systems and building services equipment. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.3.12 / Verify code compliance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other building service equipment and operations / The ability to observe, recognize problems, interpret codes and standards, and write reports. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.4.1 / Classify the occupancy / The ability to read plans. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.4.2 / Compute the maximum allowable occupant load / The ability to calculate accurate occupant loads, identify occupancy factors related to various occupancy classifications, use measuring tools, read plans, and use a calculator. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.4.3 / Review the proposed installation of fire protection systems / The ability to read basic floor plans or shop drawings and identify symbols used by the jurisdiction. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.4.4 / Review the installation of fire protection systems / The ability to read basic floor plans or shop drawings. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
5.4.5 / Verify that means of egress elements are provided / The ability to read plans and research codes and standards. / 1 / 2 / 3
5.4.6 / Verify the construction type of a building or portion thereof / The ability to identify characteristics of each type of building construction. / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1
TOTAL HOURS / 37.5 / 42.5 / 80
OHIO FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR COURSE OBJECTIVES / IFSTA
PAGE NUMBERS
4.1 General. The Fire Inspector I shall meet the job performance requirements defined in Sections 4.2 through 4.4. In addition, the Fire Inspector I shall meet the requirements of Section 4.2 of NFPA 472.
4.2 Administration. This duty involves the preparation of correspondence and inspection reports, handling of complaints, and maintenance of records, as well as participation in legal proceedings and maintenance of an open dialogue with the plan examiner and emergency response personnel, according to the following job performance requirements.
4.2.1 / Administration / Prepare inspection reports, given agency policy and procedures, and observations from an assigned field inspection, so that the report is clear and concise and reflects the findings of the inspection in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction. / PAGES
714-715
Cognitive:
  1. Discuss the history and development process of the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Building Code.
  2. Outline methods to utilize the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Building Code.
  3. Identify the common elements of an effective written report.
  4. Explain the legal guidelines of fire safety inspectors.
  5. Discuss the importance of field notes, sketches, diagrams, and photographs when completing a fire inspection report.
Psychomotor:
  1. Draft an inspection report that communicates its message clearly and accurately and in a concise manner.
  2. Interpret and accurately reflect the applicable codes and standards.

4.2.2 / Administration / Recognize the need for a permit, given a situation or condition, so that requirements for permits are communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction. / PAGES
52-55
Cognitive:
  1. Explain the permit process.
  2. Identify the need for a permit.
  3. List the various types of permits.
Psychomotor:
  1. Demonstrate the ability to provide written communication to the responsible party.
  2. Explain why a permit is necessary and how to proceed with securing the necessary permit.

4.2.3 / Administration / Recognize the need for plan review, given a situation or condition, so that requirements for plan review are communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction. / PAGES
651-653
Cognitive:
  1. Explain when a plan review may be required.
  2. Identify the types of plan reviews.
  3. Understand the type of plan review required.
Psychomotor:
  1. Direct written correspondence to the proper responsible party.
  2. Communicate why the plan review is necessary.
  3. Advise party how to proceed with obtaining a plan review.
  4. Adhere to the policies of the jurisdiction.

Page numbers referenced in this document are from Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement (8th edition) published by the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA).

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4.2.4 / Administration / Investigate common complaints, given a reported situation or condition, so that complaint information is recorded, the AHJ-approved process is initiated, and the complaint is resolved. / PAGES
51-52,
722-724
Cognitive:
  1. Explain when and how to cite a code violation.
  2. Discuss how to ensure that a code violation is corrected.
  3. Describe how to investigate a complaint against occupancy and ensure that the complaint is resolved.
Psychomotor:
  1. Perform a fire inspection of a structure including the following:
(a)Receive the complaint with attentiveness and concern.
(b)Record the complaint information for future reference.
(c)Confirm or research applicable codes and standards.
(d)Perform an investigation to confirm situation.
(e)Resolve complaint based upon policies, codes and standards.
(f)Inform complainant in writing of action taken.
4.2.5 / Administration / Identify the applicable code or standard, given a fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue, so that the applicable document, edition, and section are referenced. / PAGES
41-50
Cognitive:
  1. Explain how to properly reference a code or standard.
  2. Discuss how to maintain records in accordance with the appropriate laws and department policies.
  3. Describe how to comply with the Freedom of Information Act request.
  4. Identify the applicable code or standard.
  5. Locate the proper document containing code/standard.
  6. Verify the proper edition of applicable code or standard.
  7. Specify the correct section of applicable code or standard.
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