INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS IN THE MODEL CODES
Appendix A of the 1994 Standard Fire Prevention Code© describes optional code requirements for qualifications of fire officials and fire inspectors. These requirements may be added to Chapter 1 by local officials at the time they adopt the code. Please note that these optional qualifications require significant experience, education, or training prior to appointment.
A101.4 Fire Prevention Department A101.4.1 Fire Official Qualifications. The fire official shall have at least 10 years of experience in fire prevention or suppression, at least five years of which shall have been in fire prevention inspection and in responsible charge of work. As an alternate, five years of fire prevention experience combined with suitable education, as determined by the applicable governing body, in the fields of fire science, fire technology, building construction, and fire protection engineering, or an equivalent field of study acceptable to said authorities may be substituted for the 10 years of experience. He shall not be removed from office except for cause after full opportunity has been given him to be heard on specific charges before such governing body.
A101.4.2 Inspector Qualifications. The fire official, with the approval of the applicable governing body, may appoint such number of officers, inspectors, assistants, and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. A person shall not be appointed as a fire prevention inspector who has not had at least three years of experience with a fire department. Such experience shall include training for the inspection of premises. Other persons may be appointed subject to demonstrable training, certification, or education approved by the fire official.
Neither the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code® nor the Uniform Fire Code requires specific qualifications for fire officials or inspectors.
Standard Fire Prevention CodeN is the copyright of Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc BOCA National Budding Code is a registered trademark of Building Officials and CodeAdministrators International. Inc. Uniform Fire Code” is a trademark of the International Fire Code Institute.
