When you consider people who work in the field of fighting fire, you probably imagine firefighters alone if you are like the average business owner. However, there are other people who are just as important in fire safety and fire protection. Fire protection engineers serve a highly valuable purpose in the field, and as a business owner, this is a type of consultant that you really should get to know for the benefit of your business and the people in it. Take a look at some of the things you probably want to know about fire protection engineers. 

What exactly is a fire protection engineer?

A fire protection engineer, which is sometimes also referred to as a fire prevention engineer, are professional consultants who combine their knowledge of fire safety and protection with structural engineering. These individuals are well-versed in what causes fires, so they are fully capable of looking at a structure and figuring out what kind of fire protection methods should be in place. They can also design customized materials or fire protection devices that are going to protect a property. 

What kind of training and education does a fire protection engineer have?

Fire protection engineers can have several different levels of training and education. The majority of those you may find working as an engineer will have some background in firefighting, whether professionally or as a volunteer. However, they will also have more formal training and education in studies of fire science and structural engineering. It is not uncommon for people to start out as firefighters and later take college courses to become a fire protection engineer or vice versa. Fire protection engineers often have a diverse background that includes working in several different fire-related job positions. 

Why is it important to work with a fire protection engineer as a business owner?

Working with a fire protection engineer as a business owner is really important because this consultant can give you some of the most valuable insight into how to protect your business structure and the people in it from a fire and the hazards that can come along with a fire. For example, if you are in the process of building a new business structure, bringing in the fire protection engineer will mean your building is created with fire safety and fire protection in mind, right down to the implemented equipment that is installed for active or passive fire protection.