Diploma in Fire Technology

Purpose

The Diploma in Fire Technology is a vocational learning qualification on Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) with the minimum Credits of 360, preparing learners for qualification purpose careers in the fields of Fire Emergency Services and training them to be Fire Officers. This qualification seeks to increase Fire Officers knowledge in scientific and technological principles underlying the phenomenon of fire and hazards associated to emergencies. Qualifying learners should have knowledge in emergency and non-emergency situations including but not limited to structural fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material, public education, law enforcement and humanitarian services using sophisticated fire equipment and machinery. The qualification enables learners to support the strategic objective of life safety, property conservation and the environment. The curriculum is based on three main disciplines, namely: fire science, fire technology and emergency management in line with international practice. Members of the Academic Advisory Committee of the Fire Technology qualification, comprising emergency services personnel and the staff of the institution assisted in putting the curriculum together.

The qualifying learner will be able to demonstrate the understanding of building technology, modern management style, fire science and hydraulics to rationalise beyond every fire related matter. The qualifying learner should display a high level of discipline in all the interactions. The Fire Officer should be able to communicate effectively using variety of media, establish and maintain effective working relationship with personnel in various levels towards the fulfilling of the mission of the department. The qualification encompasses fire protection which focuses on fire prevention, fire detection, suppression and mitigation. The qualification seeks to empower graduates to plan, coordinate, apply and implement Incident Management System principles and techniques in all their daily tasks.

A 60 Credit bearing Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a form of experiential learning at assigned fire station is incorporated in the qualification as module to be done in the 2nd and 3rd years. An industry mentor will be appointed to oversee compiled tasks that should be done and assessed over the stated period. The completion of this qualification will meet the minimum entry requirement for an Advanced Diploma. A qualification may not be awarded for early exit from a Diploma qualification.

Rationale

This qualification can further employment and/or advancement to a supervisory position in the fire and rescue operations environment and provides learners with knowledge and skills in meeting a range of emergency, fire and rescue needs. This qualification targets emergency and fire and rescue services personnel at a supervisory level, and is required by all emergency services (Municipal, Military, Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), Sasol, and Eskom) as the minimum qualification for appointment as an Officer in the Emergency Services. The expectation of emergency services industry will be met fully with the Distant Learning mode of teaching and learning. All emergency services personnel, scattered across the country, as well as in other African countries, can now improve their knowledge and skills with the availability of the extended provision of this qualification.

This qualification is therefore aimed at emergency services learners' who are pursuing supervisory careers within emergency services by performing management and supervisory functions relating to emergency services in the context of fire and rescue including risk and hazard identification at operational incidents. Emergency services in fire and rescue operations is a priority function in the country and plays an important role in ensuring the safety of all citizens from fire and any disastrous situations. The qualification is structured in such a way that practical and theoretical components are addressed. The qualification provides underpinning scientific knowledge in Fire Physics and Fire Chemistry as well as the understanding required to save lives and minimise disruptions caused by fire or any emergency occurrences that will have a negative impact for the economy, infrastructure and the general environment. Students are trained in the tactical as well as operational arenas. It will enable learners to take charge in incidents in the workplace in order to make tactical spontaneous decisions. Learners will be provided with competencies to lower risks and mitigate negative circumstances thus increasing safety for the individual and the broader community. Students completing this qualification will be able to conduct basic fire safety inspections, risk assessment fire investigations, and pre-incident planning using applicable legislation and evaluate safety plans. The qualifying student will be able to supervise and coordinate the effective use of resources in the workplace.

The qualification will equip fire fighters in the emergency service industry in operational areas that involve: fire technology, fire science, fire management. Qualifying learners in this qualification will have in-depth knowledge in the listed areas that is at par with their international counterparts.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

Or.

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory modules, 150 Credits

• Communication Skills, 2 Credits.
• Life Skills, 2 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
• General Physics I, 24 Credits.
• General Chemistry I, 24 Credits.
• Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
• Fire Technology I, 18 Credits.
• Fire Construction I, 14 Credits.
• Emergency Management I, 14 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 210 Credits

• Fire Physics II, 18 Credits.
• Fire Chemistry II, 18 Credits.
• Fire Hydraulics I, 18 Credits.
• Fire Technology II, 12 Credits.
• Fire Construction II, 12 Credits.
• Emergency Management II, 12 Credits.
• Fire Physics III, 18 Credits.
• Fire Chemistry III, 18 Credits.
• Fire Hydraulics II, 18 Credits.
• Fire Technology III, 12 Credits.
• Fire Construction III, 12 Credits.
• Emergency Management III, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) II, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of fire science, fire technology, building construction and emergency management and also demonstrate the ability to apply fire physics/dynamics, fire hydraulics and fire chemistry principles, in fire technology and building construction leading to the application of quantitative reasoning, problem solving strategies and decision making in emergency activities.
2. Demonstrate the ability to professionally evaluate information of the incident and select appropriate resources and procedures by applying fire science, and building construction techniques and principles.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically analyse available scientific and technical information relating to fire dynamics to solve problems in the emergency services environment by conducting fire investigation and applying acts, codes and procedures appropriate to the fire service environment.
4. Demonstrate the understanding of ethical implications of emergency Service's Acts and Codes to achieve strategic objectives of the fire service during emergency and non-emergency situations using professional communication methods to relay relevant information.
5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate technical, managerial and construction principles in making professional and ethical decisions to solve challenges during emergency and non-emergency service operations.
6. Demonstrate an ability to present and communicate technical information reliably and coherently using accurate measurements and units, occupational conventions, formats and technologies during emergency.
7. Demonstrate ethical conduct and the ability to communicate decisions and act professionally and appropriately in an emergency environment, demonstrating and understanding relationships between fire systems, and how actions, ideas or developments in one system impact on other systems, including various environments.
8. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate performance against professional standards and codes, and accurately identify and address his or her training needs in the emergency services environment, and to provide support to the learning needs of others where appropriate.
9. Demonstrate leadership ability to work professionally in a team by means of problem solving and decision making, and to take responsibility for his/her ethical conduct and actions and that of others, within the guidelines of relevant Fire Acts and Codes.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. These include written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments, practical examinations and a research report. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during their classes. Integrated Assessment will be both formative and summative. Formative assessment will take place during seminar presentations, discussions and project sessions. Self and peer assessment will contribute to formative assessment. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.