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Fire Protection Technician

Fire protection technicians commission, install, test and maintain fire protection systems and equipment in buildings and other facilities to provide life, property and environmental protection.

Fire protection technicians travel to homes and businesses to inspect and service fire protection systems and equipment, and may also spend time at the office or workshop of their employer.

They may work in conjunction with designers, engineers, building surveyors, fire authorities, builders, contractors and other tradespeople.

They may work on new buildings and facilities under construction or modify and service existing buildings and facilities.

Fire protection technicians may specialise in one or more of detection and alarm systems; fire suppression systems, including automatic sprinklers, pre-engineered fire suppression systems and gaseous suppression systems; firefighting equipment, including fire hydrants, fire hose reels, fire extinguishers and fire blankets; passive fire protection elements, including fire and smoke doors, as well as fire-rated walls and floors; and special hazards systems and equipment.

TASKS

Fire protection technicians may perform the following tasks:

install fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems and firefighting equipment
regularly inspect and service equipment and systems to ensure they are operational
advise building owners on building standards and codes
inform building owners of new systems and equipment

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
good communication skills
neat personal appearance
mechanical aptitude
able to interpret and apply technical regulations, codes and standards
safety-conscious
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a fire protection technician without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in fire protection or fire protection inspection and testing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information.

You can also become a fire protection technician through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Fire Protection or Fire Protection Inspection and Testing.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Fire protection technicians who work with scheduled extinguishing agents, such as ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases, will need an Extinguishing Agent Handling licence. Contact the Fire Protection Association of Australia for more information.

Fire protection technicians may require an electrician's licence to work on fire alarm systems, a plumber's licence to work on sprinkler systems or a building contractor's licence to work on infrastructure such as fire doors. See the separate profiles for Electrician, Plumber and Building Contractor for further information. Additional licences may be required for some classes of work.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Construction, Plumbing and Services; Electrotechnology; or Property Services Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Fire protection technicians are employed by fire protection systems and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, installers, maintenance contractors and consultants. Training is ongoing, as new equipment and techniques are continually being introduced.

Employment opportunities depend on regulations, codes and standards relating to fire protection requirements, which are evolving as new techniques and technologies are introduced.