| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Environment, Health and Safety |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Fire and Safety Manager |
| Direct reports | Fire Operator |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years in fire safety |
Fire Safety Officer job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Fire Safety Officer
Department: Environment, Health and Safety
Reports to: Fire and Safety Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Fire Safety Officer manages fire safety on a site, keeping fire equipment ready, running drills, and enforcing fire prevention. They inspect fire systems and extinguishers, conduct fire drills and training, check fire prevention in high risk areas, and lead the fire crew on shift. The role reports to the Fire and Safety Manager. A good fire safety officer keeps fire equipment always ready and hazards controlled, makes sure people know how to evacuate, responds well to emergencies, and keeps fire records ready for the fire authority.
Key responsibilities
- Inspect fire equipment, extinguishers, hydrants and alarms and ensure they are ready.
- Conduct fire drills, evacuation exercises and fire safety training for staff.
- Enforce fire prevention in high risk areas such as hot work and storage.
- Check fire exits, escape routes and assembly points are clear and marked.
- Lead the fire crew on shift and coordinate the immediate fire response.
- Issue and check hot work permits and control ignition sources.
- Investigate fire incidents and near misses and recommend actions.
- Support compliance with the fire authority and statutory requirements.
- Maintain fire safety records, drill reports and inspection logs.
- Promote fire safety awareness among all workers and site contractors.
Requirements
- Diploma or certificate in fire and safety
- Advanced Diploma in Industrial Safety is an advantage
- Fire service experience is valued
- 2 to 5 years in fire safety
KRAs and KPIs for a Fire Safety Officer
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Equipment readiness | Fire equipment inspected and serviceable with no critical gap |
| Drills and training | Fire drills and training conducted to plan with response on target |
| Prevention | Fire hazards in high risk areas closed on inspection |
| Escape routes | Exits and escape routes kept clear on every inspection |
| Hot work control | Hot work permits issued and controls verified with no unsafe job |
| Records | Fire safety records and drill reports kept complete and current |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Fire extinguishers and hydrants, Fire alarm panel, Hot work permit forms, Drill and inspection records, Breathing apparatus.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Fire Safety Officer, Fire and Safety Manager, Safety Officer
Interview questions for a Fire Safety Officer
- How do you make sure fire equipment across a site is always ready?
- How do you plan and evaluate a fire evacuation drill?
- How do you control fire risk during hot work?
- How do you keep fire exits and escape routes clear?
- How do you lead the immediate response to a fire?
- Tell me about a fire hazard you found and how you controlled it.
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What does a fire safety officer do?
A fire safety officer manages fire safety on a site. They inspect fire equipment and extinguishers, conduct fire drills and training, enforce fire prevention in high risk areas, control hot work, and lead the fire crew on shift. They keep fire equipment ready, make sure people know how to evacuate, and respond to emergencies.
What qualifications do you need to be a fire safety officer?
Most fire safety officers hold a diploma or certificate in fire and safety, and an Advanced Diploma in Industrial Safety is an advantage. Fire service experience is valued. Employers look for skill in fire equipment inspection, running drills and training, fire prevention and hot work control, and calm leadership in emergencies.
What is the difference between a fire safety officer and a fire operator?
A fire safety officer manages fire safety across the site, running inspections, drills, training and prevention and leading the crew. A fire operator runs and maintains the fire pumps and systems and responds to fires. The officer manages fire safety, while the operator keeps the firefighting systems ready and operates them.