This is field work inspecting commercial and industrial establishments for compliance with the fire prevention codes and related ordinances and developing knowledges and skills toward the full performance level. Employees in this class receive assignments at the less complex inspection sites or assist a higher level inspector at those which are more complex. Explaining the nature of violations to tenants and property owners and suggesting means of achieving fire code compliance are of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• positions must perform field work inspecting commercial and industrial establishments for compliance with fire prevention codes and related ordinances.
• position must be located in the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

• Receives list of properties to be inspected; reviews inspection report forms and previous inspection reports; arranges with tenants, owners or their representatives for inspections; inspects properties for conformance to the Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code; reference codes such as the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA), and standards such as National Fire Protection Association Standards.
• Performs programmed inspections on commercial and industrial establishments to identify actual or potential fire hazards; cites violations of the fire prevention code and ordinances; confers with property owners and tenants to explain the conditions and hazards found and to suggest ways of correcting unsafe conditions in order to achieve compliance.
• Prepares inspection reports describing conditions found during field investigations; conducts re-inspections to determine if previously cited violations are corrected.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• inspectional methods and techniques.
• the methods and techniques of dealing with the general public in inspectional situations.
• the fire prevention codes, ordinances, and regulations as they apply to the inspection of commercial and industrial establishments.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the accepted standards of fire safety as they apply to commercial and industrial establishments as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, National Board of Fire Underwriters, Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) and similar associations.
• enforce codes, ordinances, and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• read and interpret blueprints, plans and diagrams.
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• ascertain facts through inspections.
• make accurate decisions concerning the next course of action to take based upon facts uncovered.

EDUCATION

• Completion of the twelfth school grade.

• Two years of field inspectional or investigational work.

• One year inspecting multiple family dwellings for conformance with health and safety standards set forth in the housing and fire prevention codes.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspector I if required by work assignments.

PAY RANGE: 16
Class Established: 3/1959

Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 2/1997 ; Ad Board - 3/1997

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