From the Chief’s Corner: What’s in Your Wallet?

Chief Alan Perdue

Posted on August 21, 2019

The popular tagline “What’s in Your Wallet?” is from an advertising campaign for Capital One and their credit card line. It’s a line that many of us recognize because we’ve seen the ubiquitous commercials at some point. 

So, what does Capital One’s ad campaign have to do with the Safer Buildings Coalition? No, we are not coming out with an SBC credit card, but there is work taking place that will have you – our member companies and employees -- thinking about “What’s in your wallet?” in terms of complying with the requirements of the codes and standards related to public safety in-building emergency communications enhancement systems.

Both the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1221 have specific requirements for the qualifications of personnel performing the design, installation and maintenance of public safety in-building emergency communications enhancement systems. The current requirements are basically: 1) A valid FCC-issued general radio operator’s license, and 2) Certification of in-building system issued by a recognized organization, school or a certification issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed. While these are requirements, some have very little to do with public safety in-building emergency communications solutions and do little in assuring the authority having jurisdiction that an individual actually knows what they are doing.

"...the SBC is currently working with the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologist (NICET) to develop certification programs for our industry."

This is one of the key reasons why the SBC is currently working with the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologist (NICET) to develop certification programs for our industry as it relates to public safety in-building emergency communication enhancement systems. Since the Institute was founded in 1961, more than 148,000 technicians and technologist have met NICET’s rigorous certification criteria. Many of these are in the field of fire & life safety such as fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm system, special hazard systems, etc. The current certifications offered by NICET are recognized by many in the fire service AHJ community as a demonstration of adequate skills and experience satisfactory to perform work in their communities.

Additionally, certification has value for building owners. In another building trade, they identified that hiring a firm that assigns certified professionals to a project confers the following benefits:

  • Increased confidence in critical job knowledge, skills and abilities
  • Compliance with applicable local, state and federal requirements 
  • Confidence in corporate commitment to the professional development of its employees and to providing the best possible resources for projects
  • Disciplinary process to follow in case of complaints

Exactly what levels of certification will be needed, such as design, installation and maintenance/inspection, and what the requirements are for each level, such as years of experience, and training, etc., are yet to be determined.  A sub-group of members are currently working with SBC and NICET staff to develop the overall program and answer many of the questions that will arise.

"It is imperative that we collectively respond to the survey so that the SBC can provide accurate and realistic data to the NICET Board of Directors and continue to move this much needed project forward."

In the meantime, we need your help and input. Coming soon, your respective companies will be receiving a brief survey from the Coalition that will enable us to better determine the market size as it relates to the number of individuals that will need to seek certification(s) in order to perform public safety in-building emergency communications system work. It is imperative that we collectively respond to the survey so that the SBC can provide accurate and realistic data to the NICET Board of Directors and continue to move this much needed project forward.

In conclusion: While often misunderstood, professional certification has proven to be an extremely effective vehicle in a fast-changing world to assist in validation knowledge, skills and experience. By working together, we can make sure our industry has what is needed to meet the needs of the AHJ community and ensure you don’t have to worry about “What’s in Your Wallet?”