Fire Safety Advisor

Job Purpose / Overview

The Fire Safety Advisor is part of a team of specialist Fire Safety and compliance professionals reporting to the Fire Safety Manager.

The main purpose of the job is to provide advice and guidance on Fire Safety matters to the Principal Contractor to ensure Fire Safety standards are set and assure the maintenance of these standards across the project.

The post holder will also support and promote the development of a positive Fire safety culture amongst a wide array of Contractors and stakeholders, support the development and implementation of Fire Safety systems and policies, performing audits and inspections, undertaking fire risk assessments, report on Fire Safety maters to relevant personnel and committees, supporting the on-site Fire & Rescue Team with the provision of risk information and support the continual improvement of Fire safety arrangements and systems on the construction site.

Contextual Information

Operating Environment

Project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. The project marks the rebirth of the UK's nuclear industry and will present invaluable opportunities for Somerset, the South West and wider UK. The Project requires the expertise and support of many contractor organisations to deliver the project safely, to the right quality, on schedule and within budget.

The Fire Safety Team manages Fire Safety for the Construction Site and audits and assures Fire Safety standards are met and maintained throughout the project. The team work closely with the construction and delivery teams as well as the site contractors.

Principal Accountabilities

• To provide Fire Safety advice and guidance to the Principal Contractor, wider Contractor base and relevant committees.
• Support the development of Fire Safety arrangements (both general and process related) and procedures that meet legislative requirements and follow best practice.
• To develop, maintain, and review the implementation of the Principal Contractors Fire Safety policy, fire management arrangements and fire risk assessments, in conjunction with the multitude of other contractors, as part of the process of ensuring legal compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• To provide Fire Safety advice to Project Managers and design teams, to develop building fire strategies.

• To undertake Fire Safety Assurance Audits, Inspections and other monitoring activities of both controlled areas and all site contractors to ensure compliance with site Fire Safety Standards and UK legislation.
• To carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments on behalf of the Principal Contractor.
• Review Fire Risk Assessments carried out by other organisations concerned with the construction project.
• Review DSEAR risk assessments carried out by other organisations concerned with the project.
• To assist in the liaison with Contractors in the development of Fire safety services for the construction areas to meet future needs and standards as part of a continual improvement process.
• To act as an advisor to Health and Safety Groups on matters relating to general Fire Safety, process Fire Safety and in relation to explosive atmospheres, and to provide such reports as are required.
• To support investigation to Fire related incidents on the Construction Site and at its Associated Development Sites.
• Support the collation and reporting of incident data.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of matters relevant to the post (including best sector practices and regulations) by means of literature searches, contacts with professional bodies, attending relevant meetings, courses, and conferences.
• To undertake other activities/responsibilities within their competence as directed by the line manager commensurate with the grade of the post.

Dimensions

This position will be responsible for Fire Safety within an allocated area but will also be required to support the wider team and other generic areas of site. The role will be required to be self-motivated and autonomous, utilising their own initiative and knowledge to give dynamic advice and guidance on Fire Safety related matters.

This position will work closely with other members of the Fire Safety Team as well as the wider Emergency Preparedness & Response Teams to maintain adequate Fire Safety standards across the HPC project.

Whilst the working hours are predominantly weekday daytime hours, there is an expectation for flexibility within these hours to enable early and late cover as well as weekend and evening / night time work activities as and when required.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation pertaining to Fire Safety management.

• A good level of knowledge of General Fire Safety arrangements for construction sites and complex sites, along with Fire Safety equipment, systems and Fire Safety Roles.

• A good working knowledge/understanding of process fire risk in relation to high-risk activities.

• An understanding of Fire Safety implications in relation to DSEAR.
  
• Good organisational skills with practical and methodical work planning and ability to manage several concurrent work fronts.
  
• Self-motivated and able to manage their own work priorities and actions.
  
• Effective negotiating and influencing skills with the ability to develop and maintain constructive relationships with professional and managerial disciplines.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to assimilate, analyse and present complex problems, identify necessary action, make recommendations and ensure actions are implemented.
  
• Understanding of the principles of risk assessment including dynamic risk assessment especially in a construction environment.
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record of undertaking Fire Safety risk assessments, Fire Safety audits and the determination of compliance within the commercial and construction sectors.
• Membership of an appropriate professional organisation (e.g. Institute of Fire Engineers).
• NEBOSH Fire Safety & Risk Management Certificate (or similar Fire Safety qualifications).
• Desirably educated to degree/diploma level or equivalent level / relevant experience.
• Experience of successfully developing and implementing Fire Safety plans, policies and procedures.

Note: this job description is not an exhaustive list of the responsibilities and activities that the job holder may be required to undertake.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.