Job Title, Grade Code - Fire Prevention Officer (Grade Code: 5497)
Location of Post - Cherry Orchard Hospital Ballyfermot Dublin 10
Remuneration - €54,443 - €57,340
Working Week - 35 hours
Annual Leave - 30 days annual leave per annum plus Bank Holiday
Details of Service
The HSE Estates function provides a range of professional, technical, project management, property, fire, safety, and related services in respect of the procurement, development, operation and maintenance of the health service's physical infrastructure - including buildings, plant and equipment.
These services include design, specification, project management, supervision and procurement associated with major and minor capital building and refurbishment works, risk and asset management, property services, maintenance of health care facilities, fire and infrastructural safety issues etc.
The Regional Estates Offices provide a range of estates management services in line with area and national policies.
Reporting Relationship - The post holder will report to the Estates Manager or other nominated person.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities -
Under the general direction and control of the Estates Manager, the Fire Prevention Officer will be responsible, in respect of such premises and locations as may, from time to time be assigned to them for the following:
- Regular inspections of buildings, means of escape and all fire-fighting equipment and ensuring that all such equipment is properly located, well-marked, in good repair and in good working order.
- Reviewing and, as necessary, drawing up of fire orders, including evacuation schemes for the various types of building and institution, including schemes for evacuation of all persons with particular regard to mentally ill and non-ambulant patients and to draw up fire plans of all the HSE buildings and premises in area of responsibility
- Regular and routine inspection of places, premises and equipment, which present a special risk of fire and reporting any breaches of the fire prevention code
- Instruction of staff in each premises in:
- Avoidance of fire hazards
- Summoning of the fire brigade
- Operation of the fire alarm and fire equipment, and means of escape
- Curtailment of an outbreak of fire, pending the arrival of the fire brigade, prevention of smoke spread and evacuation of danger areas.
- Arranging regular fire drills in each institution and ensuring that they are properly carried out
- Monitoring, by having regular tests carried out, the water supply in all divisions of each institution, to ensure that it is of sufficient volume and pressure for firefighting purposes and reporting any deficiencies in this regard. Ensuring that all hydrants are clearly identified
- Advising as appropriate regarding interpretation of Health Technical Memorandums, Fire Protection Standards and Building Regulations issued by the Government Departments and ensuring their implementation
- Monitoring all means of escape to ensure that they are both safe and adequate and at all times, kept operative and clearly indicated.
- Keeping proper records of all inspections, fires, evacuation drills, fire-fighting equipment and such other matters relating to his/her office as Fire Prevention Officer.
- Reporting in writing, to the Estates Manager or other delegated Officer, at three-monthly intervals on the state of the fire prevention services in the HSE buildings and premises assigned to him/her. Also, report immediately all outbreaks of fire, breach of the fire prevention order and failure to perform fire drill at the HSE buildings and premises. If so directed, the Fire Safety Officer will make out an annual report on all aspects of fire and safety pertaining to the HSE property in there are of responsibility
- Arrange to have the fire prevention work programmes implemented under the direction of the Estates Manager
- Monitor and report on the management of Health Safety and Infrastructural Risk issues of the HSE Estate and projects
- Assess the continuous professional training requirements for Estates staff in the area and advise the Estate Manager of the appropriate training courses and coordinating with the training providers on the course provided
- Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.
- Monitor the performance and implementation of the Estates Safety Management programme by regular spot checks, by analysis of safety audit reports and accident and incident returns.
- Act as an information source and resource to management and staff on fire safety, general safety, health and welfare matters.
- Advise, guide and participate in the risk assessment process/inspection within the area of fire maintenance and infrastructural risk.
- Assist in the development of health and safety training programmes for maintenance staff which are to be harmonised throughout the HSE.
- Advise on the suitability of equipment to reduce risks within the HSE, trying where possible to standardise products in consultation with the HSE Procurement Groups.
- Report as required to managers and relevant committees on areas of fire and infrastructural risk where action is required.
- Receive copies of accident reports relevant to their area of expertise, and action/investigate, if necessary. Providing accident investigation reports for accidents investigated.
- Be a member of the HSE Integrated Quality and Risk committee, and where necessary be co-opted onto other groups as necessary.
- Monitor and report on the health and safety performance of external contractors engaged on Construction related activity on HSE premises
- Assist in the setting up and amendment of Emergency Plans.
- Provide an input into planning the Minor Capital Programme in relation to Fire Safety by highlighting and prioritising essential works required.
Other Duties:
- Co-operate with the Health Services Transformation Programme as required to carry out the duties of the post.
- Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
- Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
- Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
- Achievement of targets and plans and completion of agreed programme within allocated budget.
- Act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required.
- Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders
- Develop good working relationships with other members of the team and with administrators of institutions in which maintenance staff are engaged
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Purpose of the Post
To provide risk management advice for the protection of staff, public and patients in relation to Fire Safety while ensuring that the organisation's need to comply with legal and statutory obligations in relation to Fire Health & Safety Prevention is met.
Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or Experience -
Candidates must have at the latest date of application:
1.Professional Qualifications & Experience
a)
(i)Hold a HETAC level 7 qualification (NQF) in engineering, fire engineering, architecture, Health and Safety or Building Services/Building Survey.
Or
(ii)Hold an equivalent qualification.
And
(iii)Have two years' experience in comparable Fire and Safety role.
Or
b)
(i)Be an existing employee in the Public or Civil Service prior to 1st October 2010.
And
(ii)Hold a FETAC level 6 qualification (NQF) in engineering, fire engineering, architecture, Health and Safety or Building Services/Building Survey.
And
(iii)Have four years' experience in comparable Fire and Safety role.
c)Candidates must have the requisite technical knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and managerial capacity) to discharge the functions of the post.
2.Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
3.Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements -
Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience as relevant to the role including experience in the construction and maintenance of buildings or in the installation or maintenance of the mechanical, electrical and heating services of such buildings.
- Demonstrate technical experience as relevant to the role including:
- Fire safety risk assessment experience
- Preparing/submitting fire safety certificate applications
- Conducting fire safety training
- Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge -
Candidates must:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Health Technical Memorandum 05 Fire Safety.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Building Control Act 1990 & 2007.
- Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and appropriate experience of Fire Precautions, Occupational Health and Safety welfare measures and procedures, standards and legislation appropriate to the health care sector.
- Demonstrate a good knowledge of the construction and maintenance of buildings, equipment and services and building regulations.
- Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and appropriate experience of fire precautions and health and safety measures related to construction, residential buildings, hospitals or other health care facilities.
- Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.
- Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
- Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills including: the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner; the ability to facilitate and manage groups through the learning process; the ability to give constructive feedback to encourage learning.
- Demonstrate technical skills and ability appropriate to the post and the ability to motivate staff in fire prevention and safety measures.
- Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the service user.
- Demonstrate leadership and team management skills including the ability to work with multi disciplinary team members.
- Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Email and Internet as a research tool.
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