Welcome to part 2 of the Training Methods for NFPA Fire Inspectors. After learning the importance of reading the NFPA codes and learning by observing how experienced fire inspector works. Let’s now move on to the last two training methods.
After watching how it’s done, it’s time to shine and try learning more by application.
Method Three: Trying to Perform a Fire Inspection
On this method, trainees are now given a chance to apply the knowledge they gained from learning the NFPA codes and observing inspectors in the field.
The best way is to send trainees to the skilled fire inspector, who knows how to teach and has a lot of patience. This way, you are sure that the trainees are adequately guided and corrected appropriately while they learn.
This method begins with coaching the apprentice while performing an inspection.
The inspector will verbally coach their trainee while performing an inspection and give them feedback once it’s done to advise what needs to be improved.
In the event that a trainee cannot perform a task yet, the coaching inspector could still take over and continue the inspection for the trainee. That’s when the inspector demonstrates how the following fire inspection process is done, and the trainee continues to observe.
The tenured inspector should encourage the trainy to explain every step verbally while performing the inspection. Articulating helps you better absorb the information. Like talking to yourself while reviewing because hearing you say it makes you remember it.
After a trainee and coaching inspector are done with the whole process, he should give the trainee some time to reflect on what he learned. The trainee can now analyze how it went and compare the experience with what he observed. The student should take note of the things they should keep and the opportunities to improve.
The final part is to let the trainee explore and do the inspection with less supervision to let them think and do some problem-solving for a better learning experience. Different types of buildings mean different types of challenges for them to face.
Method Four: Doing a Fire Inspection
This is where the teachers should let go of the students’ hands and let them face the real deal independently.
Keep in mind that they are not fully ready yet, so you still have to watch over them to avoid any serious mistakes during the inspection. You don’t have to walk them through any more, so you can just relax and let them do the work.
It is still best to have your trainees work on your long-time customers and avoid letting them work on complicated inspections that need an expert’s attention.
Help your future fire inspector succeed by giving them less detailed inspections first to boost their confidence and avoid future errors.
Learning never stops
The innovations never end even after you’ve learned about how an inspection is done. Technology keeps on upgrading to meet the needs and standards of fire inspectors and changing NFPA codes.