Job Description: Certified NFPA Fire Safety Professional

Location

Ontario, Canada

Department

Health and Safety

Reports To

Director of Health and Safety

Job Summary

The Certified NFPA Fire Safety Professional is responsible for ensuring compliance with Ontario's fire protection standards, including Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Ontario Fire Code), the Ontario Building Code, and applicable CSA, NFPA, and ULC standards. This role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining Fire Safety Plans for various occupancies (Groups A through F), conducting hazard audits, overseeing fire drills and emergency procedures, and liaising with municipal fire departments for plan approvals. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented professional with expertise in fire safety regulations and a commitment to fostering a safe environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Fire Safety Plan Development and Management:

  • Develop and update comprehensive Fire Safety Plans for occupancies classified under Groups A through F, as defined by the Ontario Building Code, ensuring compliance with Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code.
  • Submit Fire Safety Plans to municipal fire departments for review and approval, addressing feedback promptly.
  • Maintain accurate records of all Fire Safety Plans and related documentation.

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Ensure adherence to Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Ontario Fire Code), the Ontario Building Code, and relevant CSA, NFPA, and ULC standards.
  • Stay current with amendments to fire safety legislation and standards, integrating changes into organizational practices.
  • Conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with fire protection system requirements, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers.

• Hazard Audits and Risk Assessments:

  • Perform hazard audits, with a focus on flammable and combustible liquids, in accordance with NFPA 56 and other relevant standards.
  • Identify and mitigate fire risks across various occupancies, providing actionable recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Document findings and maintain audit records for regulatory inspections.

• Emergency Procedures and Fire Drills:

  • Design and implement emergency procedures compliant with Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code.
  • Plan and conduct fire drills, ensuring participation of staff and occupants, and evaluate effectiveness.
  • Train staff on emergency response protocols, including evacuation procedures and use of fire safety equipment.

• Liaison with Authorities:

  • Act as the primary point of contact with municipal fire departments for plan submissions, inspections, and approvals.
  • Collaborate with fire officials during inspections to address non-compliance issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Represent the organization in discussions with regulatory bodies regarding fire safety compliance.

• Training and Education:

  • Develop and deliver fire safety training programs for employees, tailored to specific occupancy types.
  • Promote a culture of fire safety awareness through workshops, signage, and communication campaigns.

• Continuous Improvement:

  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety programs, recommending improvements as needed.
  • Participate in post-incident analyses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Required Credentials

• Certification: NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) or equivalent certification from a recognized body (e.g., NFPA, CFAA).
• Education: Diploma or degree in Fire Protection Engineering Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in fire safety management, including developing Fire Safety Plans and conducting hazard audits in Ontario.
• Knowledge:
  • In-depth understanding of Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Ontario Fire Code), the Ontario Building Code, and CSA, NFPA, and ULC standards.
  • Familiarity with fire protection systems (e.g., sprinklers, alarms, extinguishers) and their maintenance requirements.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills for conducting risk assessments and audits.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for training and stakeholder engagement.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and fire safety software for documentation and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• NFPA Certified Fire Inspector (CFI) or Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE).
• Experience working with diverse occupancy types (e.g., assembly, industrial, institutional).
• Knowledge of hazardous materials management and WHMIS regulations.
• Prior experience collaborating with municipal fire departments or regulatory authorities.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) or training.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Director of Health and Safety.
• Collaborates with Facilities Management, Operations, and external stakeholders (e.g., fire departments, contractors).
• May supervise junior fire safety staff or contractors during audits or drills.

Expectations for Continuous Professional Development

• Maintain active NFPA certifications through recertification and continuing education credits (e.g., attending NFPA conferences, webinars, or courses).
• Stay informed on updates to Ontario fire safety legislation and standards through professional associations (e.g., Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, NFPA).
• Participate in at least one relevant professional development activity annually, such as workshops, seminars, or industry certifications.
• Engage with local fire safety networks to share best practices and stay abreast of emerging trends.

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based work and on-site inspections across various facilities.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for fire drills or emergency response.
• Must be able to respond to fire safety emergencies as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct on-site inspections, including climbing ladders, accessing confined spaces, and lifting up to 25 lbs (e.g., fire extinguishers).
• Comfortable working in various environments, including industrial, commercial, and institutional settings.