Fire Safety Courses/Qualifications - Your advice please

[messy]

Looking forward to retiring, I am considering entering the seedy world of commercial fire safety. Yes I know many on here will despair at the thought of another know-it-all ex LA FSO (subsidised by his meagre pension) entering the game, but I still have to feed the family and keep the taxman happy.

I reckon that my (by then) 32 years experience in a LA Fire Brigade may help me do the job, but perhaps will not be enough to give me the status of competent person when it comes to performing RAs etc. Therefore I am considering enhancing my experience (& CV) by seeking a basic recognised fire safety or H&S course.

So what should I aim for? A Neebosh or IFE course or something else?. If so which one?

(lack of) Money and time are issues and I don't want a hugely complex fire engineering course. Just something that will allow me to survive in the murky world of commercial fire safety, which appears to be full of nasty preditors such as me old mate Mr Todd (No offence Colin!)

[kurnal]

Messy
There are numerous definitions of competence. Many differ only in minor details-eg management regs vs FSO2005-  but it depends exactly where you wish to pitch yourself. The key point is knowing the limits of your expertise and where to stop and seek assistance of others with different skills. Theres plenty of work requiring people with different levels of skills. Whilst I did all the modules and I think learned enough to argue with the big boys sometimes, I wouldn't have the competence or the software to engineer a solution. I have a couple of guys with degrees on retainers when I run out of grey cells. But 30plus years experience at the sharp end will surely have rubbed off and my guess its confidence in the market place that you may lack, not competence.
I teach nebosh from time to time on behalf of a local chamber of commerce - 7 credits on the last course in February and whilst its a good qualification to have, you will come out with a great understanding of the principles of prevention and hopefully an ability to apply these in diverse situations from digging trenches to working in confined spaces but not necessarily any particular competence in any particular area. Its a very general course.
Dont know where you are but I could use some help at the moment and in the near future.
Having been in your situation and taken the plunge you are welcome to email or call for a chat any time.
Best wishes

[Firewolf]

I agree with the poster above.

30 Years experience counts for a hell of a lot.

If you really wish to pursue some form of recognised certification I'd choose the IFE route. GIFirE or MIFirE I would suggest is universally accepted in identifying a competent and experienced fire safety professional.

Whilst some fire safety proffesionals quiver at the thought of "jack booted blue guide weilding ex fire officers" undertaking private work I doubt anyone could argue that you are not competent, and I'm sure you'd find the IFE more than accomodating and helpful.

Wishing you all the best in which ever direction you take.

[Tom Sutton]

I agree with the poster above. 30 Years experience counts for a hell of a lot.

Surely it depends what the experience was in Operational or Fire Safety.

[Firewolf]

Well yes sorry you are right I am presuming that messy has had a few good years in fire safety.

[messy]

Thanks for your suggestions.

Research as to what is the more suitable course is now underway!!!