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Fire Safety Officer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Fire Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that buildings and public spaces comply with fire safety regulations and legislation. This career involves carrying out risk assessments, inspecting premises, advising on fire prevention measures, and ensuring that fire safety equipment such as alarms and extinguishers are properly maintained. Fire Safety Officers also provide training to staff and members of the public on fire safety procedures and may be involved in investigating the causes of fires. The role requires a strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to interpret and apply complex safety regulations. It is a vital career for protecting lives and property, and Fire Safety Officers often work closely with emergency services, building managers, and local authorities.

Fire Safety Officer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Fire Safety Officers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced officers or those in managerial roles earning up to £45,000.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Fire Safety Officer positions across the UK, with roles available in public sector organisations, local authorities, and private companies.

Typical Working Hours

Fire Safety Officers usually work around 37 to 40 hours per week, though occasional evening or weekend work may be required for inspections or emergencies.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Fire Risk Assessor

Conducts detailed fire risk assessments in buildings, identifies hazards, and recommends safety improvements to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

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Fire Safety Trainer

Delivers training sessions to staff and the public on fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire safety equipment.

Fire Safety Compliance Inspector

Inspects premises to check that fire safety measures are being followed and ensures businesses meet legal fire safety standards.

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English, Maths, and Science.

GCSEs are essential as they provide a foundation for further study. Science is especially useful because fire safety work involves understanding chemical reactions and materials. Consider taking additional subjects such as Design and Technology or Health and Social Care, which can be helpful.

Gain Relevant Experience or Qualifications

Study Further or Undertake an Apprenticeship

Pursue A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in a related subject, or apply for an apprenticeship in fire safety or health and safety.

A-levels in subjects like Science, Public Services, or Health and Safety are valuable. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and can lead directly into the field. Some fire services provide apprenticeships or training schemes for aspiring Fire Safety Officers.

Gain Work Experience

Seek work experience or voluntary opportunities with local fire and rescue services or safety organisations.

Many fire and rescue services offer work experience placements for students. Volunteering in community safety programmes or shadowing fire officers can also provide useful insight into the role and help build relevant skills.

Specialise and Qualify as a Fire Safety Officer

Apply for Fire Safety Officer Roles or Trainee Schemes

Look for vacancies with local fire and rescue authorities or safety consultancies, or join a trainee scheme.

Most Fire Safety Officers are employed by local authorities, fire and rescue services, or private safety consultancies. Entry requirements vary but often include relevant qualifications and experience. Some organisations offer structured trainee schemes for new entrants.

Complete Professional Training and Certification

Undertake formal fire safety training and relevant professional qualifications, such as those offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Once in a role, you will need to complete additional training, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety or similar qualifications. Membership of a professional body like the IFE can enhance your career opportunities and provide ongoing support and development.

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Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Fire Safety Officer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Fire Safety Officer and a Fire Safety Engineer both require a strong understanding of fire prevention, risk assessment, and safety regulations. They work to ensure fire safety standards are met, often involving similar qualifications and technical knowledge related to fire safety systems and protocols.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in fire engineering.

You can also do an engineering degree, for example civil or structural engineering. You can then take a postgraduate course in fire safety engineering or fire engineering science.

Some courses offer a work placement. This will give you relevant work experience and can help you to make useful industry contacts.

Your university careers service will be able to advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You can take a higher national certificate (HNC) or higher national diploma (HND) in an engineering subject at college. This might help you find work as a trainee fire engineer.

You'll then do further training on the job to specialise in fire safety.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Fire Safety Inspector Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or a Fire Safety Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and combine workplace training with study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

If you're already working in a fire safety or firefighting role, you may be able to take professional qualifications offered by The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), such as:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science
  • Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety
  • Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation

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Career tips

Many fire safety engineers work in the construction industry for engineering consultancies and house building companies.

There may also be opportunities in the insurance industry, or in local authorities, to work in risk assessment or fire investigation.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institution of Fire Engineers for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can learn more about a career as a fire engineer from The Institution of Fire Engineers.

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