2015 SFPE Europe Conference on Fire Safety

Engineering

SFPE Strategic Plan 2015-17

Michael J. Madden, P.E., FSFPEPresident, SFPE

Agenda

• Background

• Environmental Scan & Situational Analysis

• Future Direction

• Strategic Goals & Pictures of Success

• Next Steps

Background

• Worked with a strategic planning consultant

• Informed by an environmental scan

• Included full Board participation

• Involved multiple strategy sessions and a series of conference calls

Environmental Scan

• Interviews with SFPE members including chapter leaders

• Survey of recent graduates of FPE programs

• Examination of peer organizations• Interviews with all board and staff

members, and a board self-assessment• Internal document review

Environmental Scan

• Praise for SFPE’s content leadership and body of knowledge

• Strong on professional networks & education• PE designation for FPE treasured in the U.S.;

high demand for credentialing elsewhere• Membership and revenues flat for five years;

increase in global members offset a U.S. decline

Environmental Scan

• Substantial global interest

• Relationship with and among chapters less than optimal

• Rely heavily on volunteers and membership dues

Situational Analysis

• Opportunities and needs for the profession are global

• Opportunity and need to make further policy impacts, and elevate the visibility and importance of the profession

• Uniquely positioned to recruit future engineers into the profession

• SFPE is uniquely positioned to develop a credentialing program

Situational Analysis

• Opportunity and need to strengthen the role and sustainability of SFPE chapters

• Need to align the governance and committee structure to serve the global nature of the society and meet future goals and challenges

• Opportunity and need to expand collaborations with other organizations

• Market competition

What Will Drive SFPE’s Future?

• Living our vision

• Staying true to our mission

• Setting and capturing trends

• Advancing and supporting the global demand for the profession

• Establishing and achieving ambitious goals

New Vision

The leaders in engineering a fire safe world.

Revised Mission

To define, develop, and advance the use of

engineering best practices; to expand the

scientific and technical knowledge base; to

educate the global fire safety community, in

order to minimize fire risk.

Scope of Practice

The application of science and engineering

principles to protect people, property, and

the environment from the harmful and

destructive effects of fire.

Membership Definition

As a global organization, SFPE members

include fire protection engineers, fire safety

engineers, fire engineers, and allied

professionals.

Value Proposition

Benefit from engagement with SFPE:

• SFPE facilitates and promotes the development, advancement and application of scientific and engineering principles to safeguarding people, property, mission, heritage and the environment from the negative impacts of unwanted fire.

• SFPE is the leading advocate for the profession.

Value Proposition

• SFPE establishes the core competencies (education, skills, knowledge, etc.), and the roles and responsibilities for the profession

• SFPE is the source for related technical knowledge and information.

• SFPE provides the tools to aid our members’ continued growth throughout their careers.

• We provide forums for networking and information exchange, locally and globally.

STRATEGIC GOALS & PICTURES OF SUCCESS

Strategic Goals

• Six Strategic Goals identified

• Meant to be “evergreen”− span multiple plan cycles

• Tied to the value proposition

• Achieved through three-year objectives

Strategic Goal 1

Promote the development, advancement and application of

scientific and engineering principles to safeguard people, property, mission,

heritage and the environment from the negative impacts of unwanted fire.

Strategic Goal 1

• Objective 1. Promote engineering solutions for addressing existing and emerging fire safety issues.

• Objective 2. Broaden SFPE’s reach globally • Objective 3. Expand reference to SFPE

standards and guides in regulatory documents.

Strategic Goal 2

Advocate for the profession.

Strategic Goal 2

• Objective 1. Expand initiatives to recruit students and faculty into undergraduate and graduate FPE/FSE engineering programs and actively encourage the creation of additional university degree programs and partnerships that support the profession.

Strategic Goal 2

• Objective 2. Promote and advocate for the licensure and credentialing of FPE/FSEs.

• Objective 3. Collaborate with other organizations on licensure requirements outside of the U.S.

Strategic Goal 3

Continue to enhance the capacity of SFPE and its chapters to provide high-quality services to members

and the profession.

Strategic Goal 3

• Objective 1. Restructure SFPE’s governance and resources to align with the strategic plan.

• Picture of Success in 2017: We will have restructured governance of SFPE to achieve the goals and objectives of the strategic plan.

Strategic Goal 3

• Objective 1. Restructure SFPE’s governance and resources to align with strategic plan.

• Objective 2. Support the development, growth, and stability of chapters.

• Objective 3. Re-evaluate and develop specific roles and responsibilities for our chapters to benefit our profession.

Strategic Goal 4

Establish the core competencies (education, skills, knowledge, etc.)

and roles and responsibilities for the profession.

Strategic Goal 4

• Objective 1. Identify and take ownership of areas of competency and associated criteria.

• Objective 2. Define the educational criteria for the profession.

Strategic Goal 5

Develop, expand and promulgate technical knowledge and

information.

Strategic Goal 5

• Objective 1. Facilitate the development and implementation of a research agenda for fire protection engineering and fire safety.

• Objective 2: Develop additional technical standards and guides that define the practice of fire protection engineering and fire safety.

• Objective 3. Develop core curriculum to guide SFPE’s educational activities and publications.

Strategic Goal 6

Provide the means to aid members’ continued growth throughout their

careers.

Strategic Goal 6

• Objective 1. Improve electronic platform for 24/7 course and publication delivery.

• Objective 2. Develop and deliver a spectrum of continuing education products to meet members’ needs locally.

Next Steps

• Implement action items

• Currently balloting membership on needed changes to the Constitution

• Board to vote on related Bylaws changes

2015 SFPE Europe Conference on Fire Safety

Engineering

60 Minute Roundtable with Chapters on Professional

Recognition

• James Bassett, M.Sc., FPE, EIT, Fire Protection Engineer, Swissi AG

• David Maeso, EurIng, CEng, MIFireE, Associate – Fire Engineering, Ramboll

• Caroline Bernelius Cronsioe, B.Sc., M.Sc., Fire Protection Engineer and Civil Engineer-Risk Management, The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket)

Fire Safety in Switzerland: Certification, Qualification and Educational Challenges

and Opportunities

James Bassett, FPE, Swissi AG

Timeline – FSE Switzerland

• 1970 – First discussions

• 1993 – Current Codes/Guidelines− Alternative Methods/Artikel 11

• 2015 – QSS: Quality Assurance− Building levels 1 – 4− Engineering methods sanctioned (3/4)

Fire Safety Engineering: CH

• Artikel 11: 2003− Authorized “Alternative Methods”− Single Paragraph− No Definitions or Examples− Limited acceptance

Fire Safety Engineering: CH

• QSS: 2015− Categorizes Buildings 1 – 4

• 1 Simple housing complex• 2 Two-Story shop• 3 Industrial Building• 4 Stadium

− Recognizes Engineering Methods− Gives examples of performance-based

goals

Education: Local Options

• Universities− No FSE specific degrees− Few FSE related courses

• State/National Fire Protection Bodies

• Private Companies

Certification

• Brandschutzfachmann: QSS 1 – 2− 13 day course− Code-Based course− Oral and written examination− No pre-requisite

Certification

• Brandschutzexpert: QSS 3 - 4 − 10 day course− FSE only touched upon− Oral and written exam− Pre-requisite: BS-Fachmann

• Specialty Certifications− Sprinkler, Detection etc.− No pre-requisites

Alternative Certification

• Specialty Certification− Suppression/Extinguishing Systems (FM,

NFPA, VdS etc.)− Detection systems

• Degrees/Diplomas− None

• Professional Engineering− None

Challenges

• Fire Safety Engineering− Limited training, understanding and

experience− Hesitation to use/accept concepts

• International Fire Protection presence− Limited professional acceptance of foreign

certifications/degrees− Few independent fire protection bodies

Opportunities

• New Codes/Guidelines− PBD formally recognized as a valid

alternative method− Safety goals/objective examples given

• Foreign Recognition− International Certificates− Diplomas/Degrees

First Steps

• Fire Protection Associations− Local Chapters− Global Awareness

• Recognition task group− International Certificates− University Degrees− Recommendation to Authorities

First Steps

• Fire Safety Engineering course− Introductory course

• Concepts• Advantages• Applications

− Increased awareness of Fire Safety Engineering

− Create interest

Next Steps

• Involvement of Universities− Guest lectures− Additional FSE related courses− Fire Safety Engineering degree

• SFPE− Local Chapter creation/growth− Awareness campaign

Goals

• Short-Term: Formal recognition of current international FSE/FPE Degrees

• Medium-Term: Implementation of local or coordinated FSE Degree

• Long-Term: Professional Recognition Certification

Thank you for your attention!

2015 SFPE Europe Conference on Fire Safety

Engineering

Fire Engineering, the Missing Link

David Maeso, Associate, Ramboll

Introduction

1. Successful implementation of FE

2. Continued education

3. Qualifications & professional certification

1. Successful implementation of FE

1.1. Essential element of Project Life Cycle

• Fire safety to be considered at all phases: design, construction & occupation

• Coordinated design = close interaction with architectural design, main engineering disciplines & smaller specialisms

1. Successful implementation of FE

• Example: FP to listed lath & plaster ceilings / timber-joint or clay-pod floor construction

Conclusion: Fire engineers should be specialists + conversant with main engineering principles

Approving Authority

Client

Heritage AuthorityArchitect

Structural Engineer

Building Services Engineer

Fire Engineer

Acoustics Engineer

Specialist

Contractor

1. Successful implementation of FE

1.2. Application of FE

• FE should be part of the overall design

• Often applied as “Problem Solving” engineering.

• Case study: Conversion of existing office into block of flats

- Full compliance with the Building Regulations- Contractor on site

Conclusion: Fire engineers should be responsible correct implementation of FE

1. Successful implementation of FE

Protected lobbies?Staircase pressurisation?Fire suppression?

No FF lift. Dry-riser?

Single-staircase building, H = 18.6m

Alternative roof escape route omitted

Lift open to staircase & apartments

Storage within staircase

Stair serves the basement

1. Successful implementation of FE

1.3. The fire engineer plays a critical role

• FE encompasses a broad rage of areas of practice

• Understand & fulfil our personal commitment to professional standards

• Recognise our obligations to society, the profession of FE & the environment

Conclusion: Continued Professional Development (CPD) is necessary to maintain & enhance competence

1. Successful implementation of FE

1.4. Re-investment in research & innovation to develop new FE tools & materials

• Technology departments / forums within companies

• Collaboration with University programmes

• Research Centres that improve the built environment through knowledge generation

2. Continued education

• CPD activities should form part of our day-to-day job: be up-to-date with new engineering solutions

• Identify potential areas of improvement and the objectives (self-assessment or with more experienced professionals)

2. Continued education

• Measure them against the outcome of the training undertaken by keeping record of learning points & their application

What? Formal CPD Informal study

Why? Educate professionals in different fields

Supplement our professional development

How? Recognised seminars & conferenced arranged by Organisations

- Reading and conducting research- Self-learning advanced or computational models analytical or empirical calculations- Test and validation of fire engineering models

2. Continued education

• CPD record - Example

3. Qualifications & professional certification

• Professional bodies that award internationally recognised qualifications

• Benefits:

- Demonstration of a professional attitude- Recognition of competence & commitment- Evidence of expertise- Improved career prospects & employability- Higher earning potential

3. Qualifications & professional certification

• Membership grade related to

- Experience (main responsibilities & duration)- Academic & professional qualifications- Training (evidence of CPD)

• Understand the role of mentors & establish contact with professionally registered engineers

• European Engineer (EUR ING Title) - European Federation of National Engineering Associations)

3. Qualifications & professional certification

• Registration open to members of Engineering Association -> National Monitoring Committee -> FEANI

• Educational & professional systems in Europe vary considerably

• Judgment tool: level of competence = “Engineering Formation”

“a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes for achieving observable results”

3. Qualifications & professional certification

• Approved Engineering Education + Professional Engineering Experience:

- Engineering Education (U): Minimum 3 years University programme

- Professional Engineering Experience (E): Minimum 2 years

• Combination = balance of a total of 7 years of Engineering Formation

- Training (T) = Monitored by the approved Engineering Associations

• Complete Professional Engineer Experience Section

• Agree to comply with the FEANI Code of Conduct

Thanks for your attention

2015 SFPE Europe Conference on Fire Safety

Engineering

Certification of Fire Experts Within the Building Control

System

Caroline Bernelius Cronsioe

Fire Protection Engineer

Swedish Board of Housing, Building & Planning (Boverket)

Agenda

• The Swedish building process

• Qualifications

• Pros & cons

• Alternatives

The Swedish building process

Buildingcommittees

worksiteinspection

Clearanceto start

Final approval

Technicalconsultation

Inspectionand test

planFinal

consultation

Building permit or notification

Qualifications

Level N (normal)Control of buildings built according to pre-accepted solutions

• B.Sc., general technical knowledge

• 3 year work experience− During the last five years− Knowledge about fire protection

corresponding to 15 weeks of studies

• A written test at the certified body

• Knowledge about the building code and other relevant regulations

Level K (qualified)Control of buildings built according to solutions that require fire safety engineering

• B.Sc. Fire safety engineering

• 3 year work experience with fire safety engineering− During the last five years

• A written test at the certified body

• Knowledge about the building code and other relevant regulations

Purpose of the regulation

“The certified fire expert are to control and verify that the requirements, in the building code regarding fire safety, are fulfilled.”

SAK3, Boverket’s mandatory provisions and general recommendations about certification of fire experts, version 3

The Swedish building process

Buildingcommittees

worksiteinspection

Clearanceto start

Final approval

Technicalconsultation

Inspectionand test

planFinal

consultation

Presume to comply with the requirements:1. The project has enough

competence2. The project doesn't have

enough competence

Pros and cons

The Swedish board for

Accreditation and Conformity

Assessment

Accreditation of certification

bodies for certification of

persons

Certified fire experts

Or other • accreditation board• accredited certification bodyin Europe.

Profits > 100 people to certify

Today ≈ 20Five years ago = 1

Qualifications?

Alternative to a system with certified (fire) experts

Buildingcommittees

worksiteinspection

Clearanceto start

Final approval

Technicalconsultation

Inspectionand test

planFinal

consultation

• Deny a start certificate

• Have more controls in the inspection and test plan

Load-bearing capacity in case of fireCertified expert in

• fire protection

• cultural values

• universal design

• ventilation control

• energy management

Other areas…

• load-bearing capacity in case of fire

• mechanical resistance and stability

• safety in use

• protection against noise

Alternative to a system with certified (fire) experts

Buildingcommittees

worksiteinspection

Clearanceto start

Final approval

Technicalconsultation

Inspectionand test

planFinal

consultation

• Deny a start certificate

• Have more controls in the inspection and test plan

Thank you for your attention!

caroline.cronsioe@boverket.se

Professional Recognition of the Fire Safety Engineer

Brian J. Meacham, PhD, PE, FSFPE, CEng FIFireEAssociate Professor, Fire Protection Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA

Format

• Discussion with the speakers… and you!

• Focus is on ‘recognition’ of FSEs… within countries, regions, globally

• Series of questions to prompt discussion

• We want to hear from everyone: say what you want to, but try to be brief

Overview

• Questions on speakers’ presentations

• What is professional recognition?

• Who should ‘recognize’ and how?

• What is the basis for recognition?

• Should ‘recognition’ be regulated?

• What should be the role of SFPE?

Questions on speaker presentations

• Questions for Caroline, David or James?

What is professional recognition?

• Who is being recognized… for what… by whom… to what end?

• Why does it matter?

• Is it a marketing issue, an ethical issue, a legal issue, …?

Who should ‘recognize’ and how?

• Professional association? Government?

• Is recognition a function of knowledge & experience, or of responsibility & accountability, or of both, or…?

• Should there be minimum qualifications? Who develops them? How are they assured?

What is the basis for recognition?

• Education? Training? Experience? Competency?

• How should competency be assessed?

• Should the same assessment be used for all? Within an organization, country, region, worldwide?

Should ‘recognition’ be regulated?

• Why or why not?

• If so, what should be regulated? To what end? Who defines? Who enforces?

• If not, how are qualifications / basic competencies assured?

What should be the role of SFPE?

• Is membership in SFPE ‘enough’?

• If not, what should we do?− SFPE members write the FPE PE exam

questions in the USA – should SFPE members do something equivalent in Europe? Elsewhere?

• Should SFPE play an advocacy role in Europe? If so, with whom? If not, who will / should?

Thank you for your participation in this session. This is an important topic, and we welcome your continued input.

Please send additional thoughts and comments to your local chapter president, to the ECCG, and/or to Chris Jelenewicz(cjelenewicz@sfpe.org) at headquarters.

2015 SFPE Europe Conference on Fire Safety

Engineering

Greg BakerLessons from 20+ Years of Performance-

Based Design in New Zealand

Join Us for a Nordic Buffet