Fire Prevention Officer Certification Renewal

Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program

Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist

Addendum

April 2005

Background

In 1991, the Professional Standards Setting Body (PSSB) released the first edition of the Ontario Fire Services Fire Prevention Officer Standards. In 2001, the Office of the Fire Marshal launched the Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program. One component of this program is on-the-job demonstration of essential competencies from the standards. The Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist was developed by the OFM Certification Council and issued by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) so certification candidates could document their performance.

In 2003, the OAFC issued a revised edition of the Ontario Fire Services Fire Prevention Officer Standards, with minor changes. Not only did some skills-specific performance objectives change but section numbers and titles changed. Therefore, the OFM Certification Council developed a revised Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist – again identifying essential competencies. Because it is necessary to continue to certify to the current standards, fire prevention officers, applying for certification after September 1, 2005, are required to demonstrate competence to these revised standards.

Purpose

To assist candidates who are part way through the certification process and their Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, and to minimize costs for candidates and fire departments, this addendum to the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist was created.

Many essential skills identified in the revised standards were the same or similar to those in the original standards. The addendum reflects only those skills from the revised standards that were not in the original Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist or those whose classification (actual performance or simulated) changed.

Their numbers will not match the original Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.

Process

The addendum is intended for use only by those fire prevention officers who were part way through the process when the revised standards and new Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist were issued, and who are submitting for certification after September 1, 2005.

Continue to complete the original Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist that was purchased from the OAFC.

Add the competencies in this addendum to the original checklist. Some competencies from the original standards (as their current number or another number), which were not included in the original Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, are now included. New competencies have a flag beside them. The classification of some competencies has changed from A to A/S or A/S to A.

When supervisors initial the Submission for Certification, and the fire chief and candidate sign the form, they are attesting to the fact that the additional competencies have been demonstrated, as required.

Implementation Date

All fire prevention officers applying for certification after September 1, 2005 are required to use the addendum.

Completion Classifications for the “Skills Specific Performance Objectives

A reminder that:

“A” means that the skill must be demonstrated on-the-job. On-the-job is defined as ‘while performing activities such as, conducting regular or specialized inspections, evaluating fire safety plans, conducting public education activities, performing public relations, communicating with the public, prosecuting offenders of fire safety legislation, performing administrative duties and other assigned fire prevention duties, exclusive of training.’

“A/S” means that it is definitely preferable to demonstrate the skill on-the-job. However, in exceptional circumstances where you have not had an opportunity to demonstrate the skill on-the-job, you may demonstrate the skill to a supervisor in a simulated situation. Indicate by circling A or S whether the skill was demonstrated on-the-job or in a simulated situation. Please refer to the document entitled A Guide to the Creation of Safe, Effective Simulations for Fire Department Training and Evaluation Exercises.

New Fire Prevention Officers

Candidates who are entering the certification process and/or who have not started or gotten very far through their Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist should be issued the full revised edition of the checklist, which is available from the OAFC.

Further Information

If you have questions or require further information, please phone Uyen Ha, Coordinator, Certification Office at 416-325-3142 or e-mail her at Uyen.Ha@jus.gov.on.ca.

01. CONDUCTS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

01.02	Assesses fire safety plans and required emergency procedures, using appropriate legislative guidelines, to ensure that, if required, plans comply with legislation and are approved and implemented.

(Original 01.02)

01.09	Inspects potentially hazardous properties such as abandoned buildings, industrial and storage facilities so that fire hazards are identified and eliminated, other agencies are notified of potential concerns and the property complies with fire regulations and codes.

01.11

Inspects the storage and handling of hazardous materials wearing approved safety equipment such as hard hats, boots, gloves, masks; liaising with other agencies such as the Ministries of the Environment or Labour and interpreting documents such as Material Safety Data Sheets to ensure that proper labeling, storage, handling and fire protection has been provided, and the fire department has been informed if required by legislation.

01.12

Identifies hazardous activities or processes such as welding, cutting, and spray painting, using legislation, regulations, codes and internal and/or external assistance such as the Office of the Fire Marshal, to ensure that these activities and processes are conducted in accordance with legal requirements and that adequate fire protection such as sprinklers, fixed extinguishing systems and/or portable fire extinguishers has been provided.

Please note that:

01.07 – Investigates complaints and responds to requests – is the original 02.01; 01.15 – Conducts inspections based on occupancy use – is the original 02.05; 01.17 – Reviews plans, approves permits and conducts site inspections of underground and/or storage tank installations – is the original 02.04; 01.18 – Performs inspections for licenses – is the original 02.07; 01.19 – Performs retrofit inspections – is the original 02.09; 01.20 – Conducts inspections on premises for fire/life safety hazards – is the original 02.10; 01.26 – Conducts a search of fire department files – is the original 02.06; 01.27 – Inspects site and issues permits for open air burning – is the original 02.11; 01.28 – Conducts inspections at special events – is the original 02.12; 01.29 – Conducts inspections of displays – is the original 02.13; all remain in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.
01.21 – Performs site inspections of premises undergoing demolition – has been deleted.

02. EVALUATES, APPROVES, AND ENFORCES FIR SAFETY PLANS

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

02.01	Provides and clarifies guideline documents to building owners and managers using the Ontario Fire Code to ensure consistency in the development of an effective fire safety plan.

02.02	Reviews fire safety plan by reading submitted plan and visiting site to verify audit of resources so that all required objectives are addressed and required resources are provided.

02.03	Critiques fire safety plan by indicating changes and revisions required to the plan so that the plan is consistent with fire code requirements and all required objectives are addressed.

02.07	Recommends and documents approval of fire safety plans that meet the requirements outlined in the Ontario Fire Code so that approval by the Chief Fire Official is recorded in the fire department's permanent file and the owner/manager is notified in writing of compliance along with an approved copy of the plan.

03. DEVELOPS, DELIVERS AND EVALUATES PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

03.09	Pilot tests/rehearses fire safety programs so that the target audience attains program outcomes, teaching techniques, and aids are effective, and the program addresses the needs of the audience.

A/S
(Original 04.08)

Please note that:

03.02 – Assesses requests for fire safety training – the original 04.02; 03.05 – Reviews and/or modifies existing fire safety programs – the original 04.05; 03.06 – Consults with educators/special interest groups regarding design of programs – the original 04.06; 03.08 – Delivers “train-the-trainer” session – the original 04.07; have all been deleted.

04. PERFORM PUBLIC RELATIONS

Please note that:

04.07 – Co-ordinates public tours of fire stations (originally 05.07) – has been changed from A to A/S.
04.08 – Participates in fundraising activities (originally 05.08) – has been deleted.

05. COMMUNICATES WITH THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MEDIA

Please note that:

These were originally 06. and 06.05 and they are still not included.

10. ISSUES PLAN APPROVALS FOR COMPLIANCE EQUIVALENCIES

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

10.01	Reviews proposal for compliance alternative(s) from occupant/owner so that supporting documentation from engineers/architects is available and complete, design and engineering principles support compliance alternative and information is sufficient to compare the proposal with code and standard requirements.

A/S

10.02	Assess acceptability of compliance alternative proposals so that database of acceptable alternatives is reviewed for precedents, other professional opinions are sought and considered and code intent is applied to the proposal.

A/S

11. INITIATES AND PARTICIPATES IN THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS

Please note that:

11.01 – Searches ownership of property and corporations (original 10.01); 11.02 – Reviews Provincial Offences Act, regulations and...by-laws which charges are to be laid (original 10.02); 11.05 – Swears Information before a Justice of the Peace (original 10.05); all are now deleted.
11.11 – Conducts inspections of premises prior to and following conviction(s) (original 10.09) is now A/S.

12. PROVIDES TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

12.04	Provides liaison between fire suppression personnel and other agencies such as Technical Standards & Safety Authority, Ministry of the Environment and public utilities so that optimal communication is established and maintained during emergency incidents.

A/S

(Original 11.04)

12.12	Provides feedback on fire scenes/incidents to fire suppression crews on health and safety concerns and other relevant information pertaining to such things as cause of fire, origin of fire, occupant behaviour or hazardous materials so that all present or future concerns have been identified and relayed to fire suppression personnel.

A/S

(Original 11.12)

Please note that:

12.02 – Provides information to fire suppression personnel at emergency incidents (original 11.02) is now A.
12.05 – Establishes, implements and coordinates an in-service inspection program (original 11.05); 12.07 – Conducts “train-the-trainer” session for firefighters involved in public education programs (original 11.07); 12.08 – Makes presentations to fire suppression recruits (original 11.08) have all been deleted.

13. PERFORM ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

13.04	Submits recommendations for budgets so that department and community needs for existing and new programs are assessed, prioritized and financially costed, a record of expenditures such as supplies, equipment, and program delivery are kept and accessible, discrepancies are reconciled and expenditures are within budgeted amounts.

(Original 12.04)

13.11	Chairs/participates in meetings by arranging or attending functions so that pre-meeting preparation is performed, pertinent information is exchanged and evaluated, an agenda and minutes are produced and timeframes for discussion are adhered to.

(Original 12.11)

13.13	Operates office equipment such as photocopiers, personal computers, printers, telephones, and facsimile machines so that a continuous effective flow of office activities is maintained and equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturers procedures.

(Original 12.13)

14. MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL CURRENCY

Skills Specific Performance Objective

Classification*

Supervisor's Initials

Date

14.03	Reviews new legislation and regulations so that changes and new information that affect the fire service are brought to the attention of superiors, valid recommendations/decisions are made and fire department procedures, techniques and policies are updated.

(Original 13.03)

14.07	Reviews professional publications such as journals, magazines, standards, National Fire Protection Association reports, and codes so that fire prevention personnel remain up-to-date with current developments, equipment, procedures and techniques and informed decisions can be made.

(Original 13.07)

14.08	Participates in staff meetings by providing input relative to fire prevention so that the fire prevention division is kept up-to-date regarding present and proposed fire prevention activities and requests for special initiatives are considered.

(Original 13.08)

14.09	Develops a network of professional contacts with other fire prevention divisions so that information regarding programs, procedures and techniques may be shared and peer support provided.

(Original 13.09)

Please complete and fax the PDF version of the following form.

	Office of the Fire Marshal	Job Performance Requirement Fire Prevention Officer
Submission for Certification

Fire prevention officer’s last name	Given names (first name)	(middle name)
Address: (street number and name)		(apartment/unit number)
(city)	(province)	(postal code)
Phone number (include area code)		Fax number (include area code)
Employed by: (name of fire department)		Four/Six digit location code
Address of fire department: (street number and name)
(city)	(province)	(postal code)
Phone number (include area code)		Fax number (include area code)
Names of Supervisors (please print)	Initials of Supervisors	Names of Supervisors (please print)	Initials of Supervisors

I verify that all of the required skills, as outlined in the document Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist have been performed on-the-job (or in simulated situation, only as specified), to standard and according to prescribed conditions.

Note: Candidates applying for certification after September 1, 2005 are required to demonstrate competence to the current Ontario Fire Services Fire Prevention Officer Standards. By signing below, you indicate that the revised Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist (dated April 2005), or the original checklist plus the addendum were completed.

____________________________________________	____________________________________________
Please print the name of Fire Chief	Signature of Fire Chief
____________________________________________	____________________________________________
Signature of Candidate	Date

FPO CERT (05/05)