Technical training and academic education's role in the field of safety and fire protection for field technicians and engineers SFPE- SAC 6th International Safety & Fire Protection Conference – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 9th – 10th November 2016 Eng. Ahmed Hasan Al-Ezz PhD Scholar, MSc, BEng (Hons), IEng, PMP, AVS, AIMechE, ACIArb Head, Planning Division – Water Transmission Directorate Bahrain Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) aalezz4@gmail.com

Outline Introduction Skills acquired through education and training Paramedics skills Main Fire courses and Skills OSHA Skills Skills in fire safety and protection Importance of education and training Fire Trends Performance statistics Fire Causes Conclusion

Introduction Fire breakouts cause greatest economic loss since they destroy property worth of thousands of dollars. Knowledge in fire safety and protection is paramount. Creating awareness and acquisition of requisite expertise play a substantial role in prevention and mitigation of fires. This presentation explores the roles that Technical training and academic education play in safety and fire protection.

Skills acquired through education and training The fire protection engineers are knowledgeable in planning and implementing solutions for reduction of fire risks to properties. Firefighters get the appropriate expert training that acquaints them with the necessary skills to deal with emergency fire cases hence avert most fire calamities. Computer knowledge for fire management include AutoCAD, MS Office, MicroStation, and Revit.

Paramedics skills The fire experts also have expertise in paramedics that enable them to cooperate with medical staffs during emergencies. The fire institutions contain some of the accredited apprenticeship programs. These programs offer the best opportunity to acquire fire fighting expertise Main Key skills: A caring and outgoing personality, Good communication skills, The ability to make swift decisions and stay calm, Strong navigational skills and Resilience.

Main Fire Courses and Skills Administration of fire and emergency Job performance knowledge, comprehension of policy changes processes, budget, and new release preparation, understanding of administrative tactics Human resource management fire service Delegating duties appropriately, evaluation of personal performance, understanding how to work with unions. Cooperative education Knowledge of working in a team, effective leadership, skills in proper handling of tools on the field. Fitness and conditioning Experience in fire protection gear and clothing, skills in handling gear while in high-smoke and low-light conditions

OSHA Skills The OSHA skills are tailored towards preparing engineers and technicians to avert fire incidences, particularly preventing them from starting and handling them efficiently when they happen. OSHA requirements for fire detection and protection Materials handling Preparation strategies for fire incidences Exit routes training skills Practical use of fire extinguishers Management of electrical hazards Emergency action plans

OSHA Skills OSHA’s skills play crucial roles in fire safety and protection since they increase the capacity to detect and deal with the outcome of fires. According to ISO 3941:2007 [classification of fire], fire is categorized into several classes which necessitate appropriate training on each kind. This enables better management of fire emergencies.

Skills in fire safety and protection With the appropriate skills in fire safety and protection, the property worth $197,000,000 can be rescued (Fema.gov, 2004). This reflects the significant role played by education technical training to the engineers. Measure Source Fires Resulting exposure fires Total Fires 12100 18600 30700 Deaths 255 16 275 Injuries 825 50 875 Dollar loss $605,000,000 $197,000,000 $803,000,000

Importance of education and training Education and training can improve the capacity building among the fire experts and help lower the following fire percentages. (Fema.gov, 2013)

Fire Trends The downward trend shows that the efforts by the government to contain fire through proper training and education bear fruits. (Fema.gov, 2013)

Performance statistics Other statistics that indicate that experts have the requisite skills to manage fires are shown below. Education has played a major role since the personnel have the necessary skills to deal with whichever fire situation. (Fema.gov, 2013)

Fire Causes (USFA, 2016)

Conclusion Fire incidences still exist. However, the government has ensured that the cases are minimal. Proper training and education is one of the strategies that authorities use to limit the number of occurrences as well as managing the outbreaks. The education’s roles and training on the fire experts has been significant in managing fire incidences. OSHA fire trainings have played a major role inculcating the requisite skills that the experts require at the field. There have been general downward trend in deaths and property destructions associated with fire since 2004.

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