Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

FSC 124 - Fire Prevention

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction to fundamental concepts relating to the field of fire prevention. Includes history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use and application of codes and standards, plans review, fire inspections, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation.

Information: This class is in compliance with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model curriculum.
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Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the history and philosophy of fire prevention, the national fire problem, the role and function of fire prevention, fire prevention organizations and associations, and the fire prevention bureau.
  2. Identify laws, codes, ordinance and regulations as they relate to fire prevention and the authorities having jurisdiction; and understand how code enforcement impacts life and property loss.
  3. Describe fire investigation, inspection, and life safety education practice and procedures; and identify the tools and equipment used.
  4. Identify and describe the standards for professional qualification for fire marshal, plans examiner, fire inspector, fire and life safety educator, and fire investigator and list opportunities in professional development for fire prevention personnel.
  5. Identify the types of hazards, basic engineering methods to control fire, and explain the difference between active and passive fire protection.
  6. Identify and understand the purpose of conducting fire investigations, and the standards associate with fire investigation, the importance of fire investigation in a fire prevention program, the importance of gathering data during fire investigations, and importance for investigators to work with law enforcement agencies.

Performance Objectives:
  1. Describe the history and philosophy of fire prevention.
  2. Understand code enforcement as it impacts life and property loss.
  3. Describe inspection practices and procedures.
  4. Define the national fire problem and the role of fire prevention.
  5. Identify and describe fire prevention organizations and associations.
  6. Identify laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations as they relate to fire prevention and the authorities having jurisdiction.
  7. Define the functions of a fire prevention bureau.
  8. Identify the tools and equipment used in fire investigation and life safety education.
  9. Identify and describe the standards for professional certifications for fire marshal, plans examiner, fire inspector, fire and life safety educator, and fire investigator.
  10. List opportunities in professional development for fire prevention personnel.
  11. Describe the principles of conducting a basic fire prevention inspection and describe the components of a fire prevention record, and reporting system.
  12. Identify the major and common fire hazards.
  13. State the types of building construction.
  14. Review the various occupancy classifications.
  15. Locate site access and means of egress.
  16. Illustrate the components and usage of the various types of fire extinguishment, protection, and alarm systems.
  17. Restate the procedures used in plan review process.
  18. Define code requirements for flammable liquids and other hazardous materials

Outline:
  1. National Fire Problem and Role of Fire Prevention 
    1. Definition
    2. Historical overview
    3. Data analysis/Geographic Information System (GIS)
    4. Current trends of Fire Prevention
  2. Fire Prevention Organizations and Associations 
    1. Public: federal, state and local
    2. Private: international, national and regional
  3. Laws, Rules, Regulations and Codes
    1. Definitions
    2. Applicability
    3. Interrelationship
    4. Limitations
  4. Fire Prevention Bureau Functions
    1. Data collection and analysis
    2. Plans review
    3. Fire inspections  
    4. Fire and life safety education
    5. Fire investigations
  5. Tools and Equipment
    1. Data collection and analysis
    2. Plans review
    3. Fire inspections  
    4. Fire and life safety education
    5. Fire investigations
  6. Roles and Responsibilities of Fire Prevention Personnel
    1. Data collection and analysis
    2. Code development and interpretation
    3. Training and education
    4. Enforcement
    5. Management
    6. Professional Certification
      1. Categories and levels
      2. Local
      3. State
      4. National
  7. Professional Development
    1. National fire prevention development model
    2. Training and education
    3. Certification systems
  8. Inspection Procedures and Reports
    1. Conducting inspections
    2. Preparing written records
      1. Inspection reports
      2. Correspondence
      3. Handling complaints
      4. Records maintenance
  9. Fire Hazard Recognition
    1. Principles of electricity
    2. Combustible materials storage
    3. Hot work
    4. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
    5. Special processes
    6. Special subjects
  10. Building Construction
    1. Construction classification
    2. Fire resistive construction and separations
  11. Occupancy Classifications
    1. Group identification
    2. Hazards unique to each
  12. Site Access and Means of Egress (Exits)
    1. Access requirements
    2. Hydrant placement
  13. Water-Based Fire Protection and Water Supply Systems
    1. Automatic sprinkler systems
    2. Standpipe and hose systems
    3. Fire pumps
    4. Water supply systems and water supply analysis
    5. Equipment
      1. Portable fire extinguishers
      2. Special agent fire extinguishing systems
      3. Fire detection and alarm systems
  14. Plans Review
    1. Reading construction drawings
    2. Architectural drawings
  15. Hazardous Materials and Flammable and Combustible Liquids
    1. Hazardous materials identification
    2. Flammable and combustible liquid storage use and dispensing requirements
    3. Storage, handling, and use of other hazardous materials
      1. Explosives
      2. Compressed and liquefied gases
      3. Flammable solids
      4. Toxic and highly toxic materials
      5. Oxidizers and organic peroxides
      6. Radioactive materials
      7. Corrosive materials
      8. Other regulated materials


Effective Term:
Full Academic Year 2018/19