Job Description

Reports to the Director Fire/Life Safety.

• Performs routine and ongoing technical duties related to the initial assessment of potential fire safety situations at the MedicalCenter campus and inlaboratories at Morningside.
•  Responds to all fire alarm activations as part of a Fire Response Team (FRT) at Medical Center, resets fire alarm panels and disables fire alarm points if necessary. Take the necessary actions to prevent unwarranted and unnecessary alarms.
•  Acts as liaison with FDNY for alarm activations and inspection duties.
•  Performs regular inspections of all University buildings for compliance with FDNY Fire Code.
• Escorts and acts as liaison with FDNY Inspector on all laboratory inspections performed at Columbia University. Records all violations into EHS database and documents such violations with photo journalism.
• Disseminates all VO’s to responsible party for correction.
• Working with Research Safety Specialist, confirms correction of FDNY lab violations and NOV’s. Ensures timely return of all NOV’s issued.
• Performs inspections of areas under construction/renovation for compliance with life safety and CUMC Compliance policies and general industry safety standards
• Performs inspections of new or renovated laboratories to ensure compliance with Columbia Laboratory Design Criteria, NFPA 45 and FDNY Code.
• Schedules and conducts campus wide fire drills and Emergency Laboratory Drills
• Schedules and conducts campus wide fire drills and Emergency Laboratory Drills
• Presents Fire Life Safety guidelines for new employees, students, Faculty, Facilities Operations personnel and all others at Welcome Programs, orientations and other annual training as scheduled.
• Performs onsite training and testing for the FDNY Certificate of Fitness (C-14) & (G-97) at the Medical Center and Morningside campuses. Enters and maintain all such information into database. Processes all required paperwork to FDNY.
• Process Renewals for all required Certificate of Fitness’s.
• Responds to odor complaints and other safety related building issues.
• Available to provide support 24/7 during emergency response situations and for any activation of the Columbia University Emergency Management Plan.
• Knowledge of Haz Mat response policy’s and assists in haz- mat operations as it pertains to chemical spills and releases.
• Interacts with New York City, State and Federal authorities as necessary.
• Knowledge of database programs. Performs data entry, maintains Fire Safety database for all fire safety related issues and creates associated fire safety reports for Medical Center and Morningside campuses.
• Maintain the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Program at Morningside, which includes monthly and annual inspection of laboratory fire extinguishers and recording results in database.
• Works in conjunction with other Fire Safety Specialist.
• Fulfills responsibilities of Director Fire//Life Safety in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned pertaining to environmental health and safety.
• Ability to obtain a New York State Notary license
• Be knowledgeable in a Building, Fire. NFPA, Electrical, Mechanical and other related codes as they pertain to laboratories and all CUMC/MS building facilities.
• Be capable to obtain Certificate of Fitness for Fire Safety Director for Class E Building at CUMC along with a (S-95) for various fire alarms throughout the campus.
• Implement and manage necessary programs as needed in order to comply with changing fire code requirements. Ex. O2 sensors, blackout curtains, NOV’s, increased C-14′s
• Be knowledgeable in the FDNY Permitting process as it relates to laboratory inspections and re-inspections.

Minimum Qualifications for Grade
Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant:
Bachelors’ degree preferred or equivalent and a minimum of (2) years experience in an academic or similar environment dealing with issues related to environmental health and safety.

Additional Position-Specific Minimum Qualifications
Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant – Knowledge of applicable NYC building Codes, Fire Codes (RCNY) and other applicable laws.

• Possess or the ability to obtain the following
•  Certificate of Fitness – NYC Fire Safety Director’s/EAP (F-58/F-59), Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems (S-95), Sprinkler System (S-12), Standpipe (S-14/S-13) and Fire Drill Conductor (F-03/04), or any other C of F as required by code.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are a must.
• Computer literacy required with demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and database development.
• Ability and maturity to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to wear a respirator.
• Ability to work in a team environment and as a team member to contribute to the Vision of Environmental Health and Safety.

Job Code Title 318101  |  Job Requisition Number 069225
Open Date: 03-26-2013
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Local Hiring: Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
For more Information and to apply:
https://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1366251378515

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

See PDF for Full Job Description

The University of Virginia seeks a fire protection engineer responsible for reviews in a multi-discipline review staff of new and renovation projects for compliance with building codes and standards, University facilities design guidelines, and recognized good professional practices in fire protection engineering and life safety issues. This position reports to the Review Unit Managing Architect/Engineer under the line management of the Building Official of the University of Virginia.

See PDF for Full Job Description

Edmonton—The University of Alberta has recently completed testing on a new program that captures water which is normally wasted during annual fire-pump testing.  The water recovery program will redirect more than 100,000 gallons of treated water from the sewer system each year, which is equivalent to 62,000 toilet flushes.

“The university has a long-standing commitment to sustainability,” said Hugh Warren, Executive Director of Operations and Maintenance for Facility and Operations. “With the roll out of the Envision program in 2011/2012, five key initiatives were defined, one of which is campus-wide water conservation.”

See Attachment for Full Article

Don’t  miss the upcoming CSHEMA regional conference in Atlanta, Nov. 5–6.

Attend the conference at the lowest rates possible by registering prior to the early bird deadline, Sept. 26. 

Educational topics are part of three modules:

• Electronic solutions
• Building sustainable EHS management solutions
• EHS compliance

Specific presentations will include sessions on chemical inventories, laboratory and equipment   inspections, water reclamation projects, lab management practices, creating a culture of ownership, and several other topics.

This is your opportunity to interact with other EHS professionals, learn about the hot topics in
the profession, and discover products and services from CSHEMA corporate partners.

Also, be sure to make your hotel reservation at the conference hotel, the Atlanta  Marriott Downtown, prior to Oct. 12 to obtain the special conference rate of $149/night.

    ]]> http://www.campusfiresafety.org/shoppingcart/trainingseminar-opportunities/early-bird-deadline-sep-26-approaching-cshema-regional-conf-atlanta/feed 0 http://www.campusfiresafety.org/shoppingcart/trainingseminar-opportunities/using-codes-and-standards-instructor-led-online-class http://www.campusfiresafety.org/shoppingcart/trainingseminar-opportunities/using-codes-and-standards-instructor-led-online-class#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:47:21 +0000 Melissa Post http://www.campusfiresafety.org/shoppingcart/?p=1133 Continue reading →]]>

Using Codes and Standards – Instructor-Led Online Class
September 11 – October 4, 2012
Knowledge of the many industry-related codes and standards differentiates our industry from numerous other distributor chain-driven industries. Staying current and up-to-date on the ever-changing codes and standards requires both a professional and personal commitment.

This course covers NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2007 edition), NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2006), ICC/ANSI A117.1, Usable and Accessible Building and Facilities (2003 edition), and International Building Code (2006 edition).

In this class you will learn:
• The differences between codes and standards
• How to look up information
• How to interpret codes and standards
• Requirements for fire-rated openings
• Requirements for means of egress openings

You will also receive one-on-one feedback from your instructors every week.
This course (COR140) will run from September 11 – October 4, 2012.
Deadline for registration is September 7, 2012. Contact education@dhi.org today!
To review the online syllabus, click here.

For more information about prerequisites and registration details, click here.

To access the Education Resource Guide, click here.

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–August 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn continued his commitment to increasing public safety in Illinois by signing several new laws that will help local fire departments purchase equipment and assist universities in installing sprinkler systems in student dormitories. Legislators, Illinois Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis and representatives from the Chicago Fire Department joined the governor at today’s ceremony.

“We must support our first responders whenever possible so they can continue to keep us safe,” Governor Quinn said. “With thousands of students returning to college in the coming weeks and our ongoing response to historic drought conditions, fire prevention efforts are more important than ever.”

Senate Bill 3373, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and Rep. Eddie Jackson Sr. (D-East St. Louis) will help fire districts across Illinois by consolidating and streamlining state funds used to finance local equipment purchases like trucks, ambulances and station upgrades. Under this legislation, three state funds used to support revolving loans for local emergency equipment purchases will be combined and jointly administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Illinois Finance Authority. This consolidation will simplify these loan programs, promote the efficient use of state resources and result in a larger and more stable base of support for local fire protection districts. The law is effective Jan. 1.

“This law is a great example of what can happen when two agencies work together to increase efficiency and help local communities by making tax dollars go farther for the people of Illinois,” said Matkaitis.

House Bill 5283, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. John Sullivan (D-Quincy) will encourage fire protection districts to buy equipment built in Illinois by providing for lower interest rates on loans to purchase certain fire vehicles that are partly or fully manufactured in state. If a vehicle is fully built in Illinois and meets other requirements, the local fire district could qualify for a 0% interest loan. The law was supported by the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs and passed the General Assembly unanimously. It goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 4757 also sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) will ensure all post-secondary schools in Illinois with dormitory housing have sprinklers installed by 2014. While the Fire Sprinkler Dormitory Act of 2004 required all dormitories to have sprinkler systems installed by Jan. 1, 2013, planning and financing complications have prevented some public and private universities from meeting this deadline. This legislation requires these institutions to submit a full compliance plan this fall to the State Fire Marshall detailing their actions to have sprinklers installed in their dormitories no later than Sep. 1, 2014. Institutions who do not meet this deadline will face a $1,000 a day fine.

The governor today also signed House Bill 4715, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), which streamlines the testing and hiring process of local firefighters and makes other technical changes to examination procedures. The law passed the General Assembly unanimously and is effective immediately.

Source: illinois.gov

http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/latest-local/35341-governor-quinn-signs-laws-to-increase-fire-safety-in-illinois-.html

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–August 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn continued his
commitment to increasing public safety in Illinois by signing several
new laws that will help local fire departments purchase equipment and
assist universities in installing sprinkler systems in student
dormitories. Legislators, Illinois Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis and
representatives from the Chicago Fire Department joined the governor at
today’s ceremony.

“We must support our first responders whenever possible so they can
continue to keep us safe,” Governor Quinn said. “With thousands of
students returning to college in the coming weeks and our ongoing
response to historic drought conditions, fire prevention efforts are
more important than ever.”

Senate Bill 3373, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and Rep.
Eddie Jackson Sr. (D-East St. Louis) will help fire districts across
Illinois by consolidating and streamlining state funds used to finance
local equipment purchases like trucks, ambulances and station upgrades.
Under this legislation, three state funds used to support revolving
loans for local emergency equipment purchases will be combined and
jointly administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the
Illinois Finance Authority. This consolidation will simplify these loan
programs, promote the efficient use of state resources and result in a
larger and more stable base of support for local fire protection
districts. The law is effective Jan. 1.

“This law is a great example of what can happen when two agencies
work together to increase efficiency and help local communities by
making tax dollars go farther for the people of Illinois,” said
Matkaitis.

House Bill 5283, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen.
John Sullivan (D-Quincy) will encourage fire protection districts to
buy equipment built in Illinois by providing for lower interest rates on
loans to purchase certain fire vehicles that are partly or fully
manufactured in state. If a vehicle is fully built in Illinois and meets
other requirements, the local fire district could qualify for a 0%
interest loan. The law was supported by the Illinois Association of Fire
Chiefs and passed the General Assembly unanimously. It goes into effect
immediately.

House Bill 4757 also sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and
Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) will ensure all post-secondary schools in
Illinois with dormitory housing have sprinklers installed by 2014. While
the Fire Sprinkler Dormitory Act of 2004 required all dormitories to
have sprinkler systems installed by Jan. 1, 2013, planning and financing
complications have prevented some public and private universities from
meeting this deadline. This legislation requires these institutions to
submit a full compliance plan this fall to the State Fire Marshall
detailing their actions to have sprinklers installed in their
dormitories no later than Sep. 1, 2014. Institutions who do not meet
this deadline will face a $1,000 a day fine.

The governor today also signed House Bill 4715, sponsored by Rep.
Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), which
streamlines the testing and hiring process of local firefighters and
makes other technical changes to examination procedures. The law passed
the General Assembly unanimously and is effective immediately.

Source: illinois.gov

Blue Springs, MO, August 8, 2012 - Fike announces its CyberCat platform with Integrated Voice Messaging is now 100% compliant with the UL 2572 Standard for Mass Notification Systems. Fike is the only fire alarm manufacturer currently listed to this new standard.

“In 2004, Fike was the first fire alarm manufacturer to offer a system listed to the UL 864 9th Edition for Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems. And now we are the first to achieve 100% compliance with the UL 2572 Mass Notification Standard,” explained Kevin Montgomery, Fike Electrical Product Manager, Facilities Protection. “This is another example of Fike’s commitment to the fire alarm market and the production of quality products.”

Fike’s Voice Messaging system has several key products and benefits which, along with the listing to UL 2572, make it the ideal foundation for Mass Notification (MNS) or Emergency Communication (ECS) Systems.

“ECS systems are designed to integrate fire, security and communications systems for immediate, responsive and effective notification of fire, weather, intrusion, and many other important emergency situations,” explained Mr. Montgomery. “Fike’s system offers a comprehensive solution which brings together state-of-the-art communications technology to deliver time-sensitive information quickly and efficiently. And at Fike, we work diligently to not only create advanced systems that meet a variety of application needs, but we try to stay ahead of the curve in meeting all codes and standards for life safety.”

Fike is a globally recognized supplier of products and services that protect people and critical assets from dangers such as fire, explosion, and over-pressurization. With over 65 years of experience manufacturing safety solutions, Fike offers a complete line of proven, reliable products to customers around the world.