FIRE ENGINEERING
Introduction
Fire engineers have to usually work in shifts in dangerous conditions and are at very much risk of burns, smoke inhalation and exposure to chemicals. They need to be very much patient and disciplined, proactively quick and efficient, reliable, self-confident and able to work well in teams. They need to know about streets and places in their district/city, the handling of dangerous goods and building construction. They also need to know about fire-fighting, different types of fires and how to deal with them, and about rescue methods and equipment.
Fire Engineering is a very dangerous profession which mostly requires a strong sense of commitment to public service. The role of fire engineers span engineering design to operations and management. In India, the major fire Engineering programme is the one which is conducted by the National Fire Service College at Nagpur that offers a 3 1/2 years programme leading to Bachelor of Engineering. Fire engineers play a pivotal and crucial role in ensuring protection and taking the necessary precautions against fires. Fire Engineers have the main responsibility is reducing the consequences of fire if there is an incident. They are responsible for determining causes of fire and methods of fire prevention. They find new ways to maintain and improve the present fire fighting equipment. Fire Engineering as a career option is elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.Fire engineering is a field which mostly explores the various possibilities of preventing fires. It can be defined as mainly the art and science of designing buildings and facilities for life safety and property protection in the event of an unwanted fire. This includes the application of scientific and engineering principles, based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of reaction and behaviour of people, property and the environment as well as the impact of fire protection systems including detection, alarm and sprinkler systems. Fire Engineering is becoming one of the world's noblest profession by virtue of its growing role in saving life and property.
Personality Trait
The personal skills needed for a fire engineer is firstly good communication skills, organisational ability, skills in evaluating critical situations, making quick decisions and solving problems. The other qualities include the important ones such as physical agility, presence of mind, calmness of mind, self-discipline, a sense of responsibility and leadership qualities. Fire engineering is a technical profession that calls for a person with a scientific bent of mind.
Education and Eligibility
Three-and-a-half year B.E. (fire Engineering) Degree which mostly includes practical fire fighting training at major fire services like Sub-officers courses. B Tech in safety and Fire Engineering. 3-year B.Sc. (fire) Firemen Training courses.Training of such junior level fire professionals are being conducted by the states in the State Fire Training Schools while the officers are trained in the National Fire Service College at Nagpur. Most of the occupations in fire engineering requires a common bachelor's degree. A degree in Fire Engineering can be a Bachelor of Engineering and post-graduate qualification of either Master's or PH.D. level.
The entry of the requirement for the post graduate qualification is generally a Bachelor of Engineering, B.E. degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering. The selection for BE in Fire Engineering is through majorly with Entrance test and it is normally held in May/June. The eligibility for BE in Fire Engineering is BSc with Chemistry and either Physics or Maths or both as optional subjects. The age limit for joining BE is between 19 to 24 and the duration of the course is 3 and 1/2 years.
There are also important certificate and diploma courses in fire engineering which are being offered by private institutes and for most of the courses the eligibility is SSLC or +2. After 10 + 2 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry or its equivalent examination, the aspirant can opt for a diploma in Fire engineering. For diploma courses the duration varies from 3 months to 2 years. Apart from the educational qualification, candidate should also posses some specified physical qualification. He should be physically fit and free from organic disease to undergo practical training. Minimum acceptable physical standards for an aspirant in Fire Engineering course are Height : Minimum 165 cms, Weight : 50 kgs. Chest measurement: 81 centimeters, with five centimeter expansion, Vision : 6 / 6, Preferably without any aid.
Placements And Prospects
A degree in fire engineering makes one eligible and capable for the management cadre in Fire Service in the government or public sector. Fire engineers are always in great demand mostly by corporations, educational institutions, consulting firms and government bodies around the world. They are mostly employed with the fire prevention departments in large companies and they are also recruited by the fire brigades. When there are instances of fire accidents, fire engineers are called upon to assess the extent of the damage, investigate the cause of the fire, the efficiency of equipment installed and so on. FireEngineering-Job There is a vast scope for employment chances for fire engineers in large manufacturing organizations, particularly those like petroleum refineries, petrochemicals and plastic, fertilizers, textiles, LPG and LNG handling and bottling plants, chemicals and other plants where there are risks of fire. Fire engineers are also employed by fire departments of local government bodies, insurance companies, architectural and building design, project management, aircraft industry, industrial processing, and any area of safety where the possibility of fire or combustion represents a hazard. Fire engineers may also work as surveyors in insurance companies.
Institutions
Fire Engineering |
Remuneration
In Government sector, the starting gross salary for the fire engineers would be from the range of Rs 5,000-7,000 per month. Opportunities for getting a job in such an industry, office complexes, or other private sector establishments generally exist after a few years of experience. In private sector, salary on joining may gross around Rs 8,000-14,000 per month.