Fire is mankind’s greatest invention and threat. So many people die every year in fire accidents. Fire safety and prevention is not an easy task as various kinds of fire accidents require different prevention or control methods. It is also very important to try our level best to avoid a fire in the first place. Here are the top five undergraduate courses one can pursue after school in Fire and Safety Management. 

1. B.Sc Fire and Safety Management

Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Management is a three year course one can pursue after passing twelfth grade from the science stream. This is a very good choice of study for those who are very brave and calm during a crisis. The pursuer should also be able to think on their feet and act. The course focuses on fire fighting, prevention techniques and installation of fire safety measures.

The important subjects of the course are Applied Electrical Explosives, Explosion and Fire Dynamics, Fire Fighting Equipments, Fire Hazards and Prevention, Fire Protection Systems, Disaster Mitigation, Accident Investigation, and Town Planning. Fires can happen anywhere and likewise, these students can find work in any field from Local Fire Stations to Oil Firms. Graduates often work as Station Fire Officer, Safety Auditor, Fire Alarm Technician, and Risk Management Consultant.

2. B.Sc Fire and Industrial Safety

B.Sc in Fire and Industrial Safety is a three year course for science stream students. The course aspirants must be ready to deal with the risks that come with a job dealing with fire and especially fire in factories and industries. This is a hands on course and one must be ready to deal with field work and lab work.

The core subjects are a bit varied or contain additional course material in comparison to the other Fire Safety courses as this mainly deals with Fire Safety in Industries. The subjects are Safety Management Systems, Safety Engineering, Industrial Processes, Chemical Process, Fire and Fire Safety, Fire Prevention, Protection, Detection and Suppression Systems, Explosion and Special Fire Hazards, Construction Safety, Electrical Safety, Safety Inspection and Surveying, and Disaster Management.

Graduates of this course are employed both in Government and Private sectors. In Industries they are placed as Safety Engineer, Safety Officer, Safety Manager, Safety Inspector, Safety Supervisor, HSE Manager, and as HSE Officer. They can also work in City Planning Committee, Fire Department and in ARFF – Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting.

3. B.Sc Fire Safety and Hazard Management

Bachelor of Science in Fire Safety and Hazard Management is a three year course dealing with fire safety, prevention and disaster mitigation.  Fires and Hazards are both natural and manmade. It is essential that there be experts to install preventive and safety measures, and deal with the calamities. This is suitable only for the courageous, analytical and fast-acting students.

The core subjects are Safety Management, Fire Service Organisation, Industrial Safety, Communication and Detection Systems, Emergency Planning and First Aid, Management Principles and Practices, Chemical Environmental Hazards,  Industrial Safety and Hygiene, Radiation Hazards, Storage and Handling of Hazardous Substances, Disaster Management, Occupational Health Safety, Controlling Environmental Pollution, and Energy Conservation. The theory is taught alongside lab practices, internships and industrial visits.

They are often employed as Fire Captain, Safety Manager, Fire Manager, Facility Manager, and Fire and Safety Manager in airports, industrial sites, governments of cities and towns, and chemical facilities.

4. B.Tech Fire and Safety Engineering

B.Tech in Fire and Safety Engineering is a four year course that specialises in applying latest engineering concepts for fire prevention. The course promotes construction of buildings with proper fire safety measures. It has the best of both Engineering and Fire Safety studies. One need not be a fireman to fight against fire. Prevention of fire is way more important and this course facilitates the student to do that.

The course focuses on all the major subjects of engineering such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering Graphics, and Mechanics. The Fire and Safety specific engineering subjects are Fire Engineering, First Aid and Emergency Procedure, Electrical System Safety and Design, Material Strength, Hazard Identification and Computer Aided Risk Analysis, Fire Safety Field Training, and Safety in Rail and Road Transportation.

The students are placed as Fire and Safety Managers, Fire Risk Assessors, Fire and Safety Consultant, Fire and Safety Advisor, Fire Prevention Engineer, Fire and Safety Engineer, Research Scientist (Fire Safety), and  Fire and Safety Officer.

5. Diploma in Fire and Safety Management

Diploma in Fire and Safety Management course is one to two years long based on the selected institute. This Program trains students to handle tiring situations like fire or failure in security measures. The students should possess leadership skills, effective communication skills and the shrewdness to safeguard other’s life.

The syllabus comprises of Special Fire Hazard Management, Fire Protection Systems, Fire Detection and Communication Systems, Accident Investigation, Fire Fighting Equipment, Industrial Safety Management, and Explosion and Fire Dynamics. After the diploma, students can pursue higher studies or work. They are employed as Fireman, Safety Supervisor, Safety Officer, Safety Instructor, Station Master, Fire Officer and Safety Consultant. 

Author Bio: Peer Mohamed – A Safety Consultant and An Operation manager at InnovateHSE – A Best NEBOSH Training institue for NEBOSH Course in Dubai.