The work done by fire technicians can include the installation, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
Fire technicians can specialise in areas including:
- wet or dry fire protection systems
- active or passive fire protection systems
- building or vehicle fire suppression systems.
See the References for some examples of these systems.
Industry award coverage
An industry award can cover a fire technician if:
- their employer operates in the industry defined in the award
- there's a classification which matches the employee’s duties and qualifications.
For example, a fire technician whose role is to assess and install passive dry fire products on a building and construction site could be covered as a construction worker by the Building Award.
Plumbing Award
The Plumbing Award can apply to a fire technician if:
- their employer provides plumbing and/or fire sprinkler fitting services by contract and
- there is a classification covering the work they do.
Sprinkler fitting services includes the installation, maintenance and testing of fire sprinkler systems used to extinguish fires or other fire protection systems.
A fire technician’s classification will depend on:
- how long they have been in the industry
- their experience and qualifications
- how much supervision they require.
A fire technician can be covered by the Plumbing Award on an occupational basis if their employer is not covered by another award that has plumbing and fire sprinkler fitting classifications.
Example
Cara is a fire technician with a company that installs, maintains and tests fire protection systems.
Cara spends most of her time travelling to commercial sites to test sprinkler systems and fire alarms and to ensure that fire protection equipment is in working order and within service dates.
Cara is a Fire technician level 1(d) under the Plumbing Award.
Electrical Award
A fire technician can be covered by the Electrical Award if they are:
- employed by an electrical contractor
- engaged to install, repair, modify, maintain or test fire alarm systems including alarms, detectors, fire suppression signs and bells
- under the supervision of a qualified electrical tradesperson or electronics serviceperson.
Example
Hexiang works for an electrical contractor who provides services in installing, inspecting and testing fire and security alarms.
Hexiang is not a qualified electrician but he works under the supervision of an electrical tradesperson. He is a registered cabler and assists in installing fire alarms, inspects and tests fire alarm equipment.
Hexiang is an electrical worker grade 4 covered by the Electrical Award.
Manufacturing Award
Fire technicians may be covered by the Manufacturing Award if they are engaged in the repair, maintenance, installation, testing or fault finding of any products, structures or materials containing metal, made from wire, plastic or electrical and electronic signs and devices.
The Manufacturing Award doesn’t cover:
- employees of electrical contractors
- plumbers working in businesses not covered by the Manufacturing Award.
Mining Award
Fire technicians may be Mining Industry Services Employees or Mining Industry Underground Mine Employees under the Mining Award if:
- they are working for an employer in the mining industry
- there is a classification that covers the work they are doing.
No industry award coverage
If there’s no industry award covering the employer of a fire technician, they can be covered by an occupational award such as the Plumbing Award and classified based on their duties and qualifications.
References
Fire protection systems
Dry fire protection systems also include fire alarms, fire panels, emergency and exit lights, and fire suppression systems such as chemical powder.
Active fire protection systems are activated by the presence of a trigger such as smoke or fire.
Passive fire protection systems are fire resistance measures to either prevent a fire from starting or preventing its spread.
Building based fire protection systems are installed in built structures. While vehicle fire protection systems are installed on a vehicle, such as earthmoving equipment or heavy haulage vehicles.
What to do next
- Find out about Awards & agreements
- Find out more about Employment contracts
- Test your knowledge about awards and agreements with our Workplace Basics quiz
- Find out about the Award classifications
- Find out about Other workplace relations help
