Three degrees of passive fire
In the relatively ‘new’ passive fire niche in the construction industry, we believe it’s like any profession, requiring learning derived from research, significant education in the field, training, and ongoing professional development. With changing technologies and methodologies in construction, and new products entering the market requiring testing and compliance with legal requirements, there’s a need for professionals with a deeper understanding of this industry.
Typically a professional in passive fire could be similar to a building certifier but specialising, or a very experienced construction manager or builder. The knowledge around buildability, benefits of a full QA passive fire process which includes proper sequencing, reducing reworks, etc. are indicative of high end consulting in this niche ‘professional’ area.
Then there is the opportunity for professionals of the future, as there are many facets to this industry offering excellent education, mentors, and business skills.
We believe that young professionals are a key part of the process to help boost our industry, and the perspective of our ‘off the tools’ team members only further highlighted that incorporating a range of professions benefits passive fire, and them.
Rahul brings an engineering degree and his interest in fire engineering, to function as a key member of our certification team and technical support. Rahul best sums up his contribution as:
“The passive fire industry is one that revolves around legislation and compliance, with a high demand for attention to detail on various scales. Engineering routinely shares the same characteristics, with work consistently revolving around producing top quality work in the most efficient possible manner. I have found that having an engineering background in passive fire significantly helps with this demand, as it is an easy transition between basic and complex tasks.
The analysis and interpretation of legislative and technical documents, such as testing/installation standards or fire engineer reports, is work that requires high attention to detail. In this industry, it is vital that all details are considered before decisions are made and information is passed on.”
Kate our Marketing Coordinator with a sales background and a marketing degree, puts it like this:
“I was once told that you can have the most amazing idea/ product or service in the world, but if no one hears about it, what is the point? Passive fire is undeniably important and yet there is a lack of awareness, not just amongst potential clients, but also within the construction industry. This also extends to those who have an understanding but are not quite there yet. Which is why we need to get the message of our services and educational offerings, out to all that are impacted.
As a marketer I try to bring skills I have picked up to the opportunities I am given to promote our industry, knowing that in doing so we can collectively make a positive difference and potentially save lives.
For me with a background in accounting and business, I find the passive fire industry fascinating and I’m excited to be a part of it and part of the team that wants to make this a profession for other professionals in the future, a great way to provide safer buildings, and all with the end in mind of safer buildings for all of us.
Passive Fire could be a great career and should be considered by anyone contemplating their future. By bringing in team members with skill sets such as these along with our installation and certification and investing in continuous training and development we are not only able to make improvements to our industry but to our companies.
If you’d like more information, contact us call 1800 PASSIVE or via plus@plus.systems
- Gina Patrick, Co Founder of Plus Systems