When new a structure is built, safety standards state there must be an adequate amount of fire sprinklers for the safety of the building’s occupants. The person in charge of installing and repairing these systems is a fire sprinkler fitter. If this job interests you, read on to learn more about fire sprinkler certification California.
What is a Fire Sprinkler Fitter?
The American Fire Sprinkler Association, or AFSA, defines sprinkler fitting as the installation, inspection and certification of fire sprinkler systems within a structure. Much like plumbers, fire sprinkler fitters must be comfortable working with plumbing, but the pipes they handle can carry more than just water. Depending on the contractor’s orders, air, gas, or fire retardant foam can be pumped through the system to put out a fire. Sprinkler fitters must also follow strict guidelines to ensure a system is up to local safety codes.
What Skills do I Need?
Concepts of science and math are important in this field as a sprinkler fitter will have to work with different chemicals, and they must also understand blueprint layouts to properly measure and install systems. While apprenticeship programs offer training in the use of the tools necessary for the job, the employee should already have a comfort level working with power machinery. Attention to details and safety procedures is also important as some jobs will require fitting sprinklers into high rise structures.
How do I Become Certified?
While each state has different standards for certification, most allow apprenticeships that train employees on the job. At minimum, a person must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The skills learned during the apprenticeship can include:
- Safety: recognizing hazards and how to avoid them
- Construction Layout: understanding blueprints
- System Identification: recognizing installation methods for different fire suppressant materials
The length of the apprenticeship can vary between states, but if the idea of learning skills while getting paid interests you, this fire safety pathway could be the career for you.
