Train security personnel as fire safety managers for industrial buildings
I have observed that in many industrial and commercial buildings, the management usually does not have an in-house fire safety manager, and this important duty is usually outsourced.
More often than not, these outsourced fire safety managers manage several properties, and there is the possibility that they are too busy and are unable to ensure that equal time for fire safety/hazards inspections is given to all their clients.
In the security industry, there are many who have graduated with a Workforce Skills Qualifications Diploma in Security Management.
Some are also certified in fire protection and building safety, but their certifications have expired.
I propose that these security specialists be given the opportunity to be trained as fire safety managers, since some do have a basic foundation in fire-safety skills.
Upon completion of the Fire Safety Manager course, they could be paid an additional S$700 a month to carry out their fire safety duties, on top of the salary they draw as security personnel.
Outsourcing fire safety manager duties can cost managing agents about S$1,000 to S$2,000 a month per building.
By implementing this suggestion, it is a win-win situation for all parties concerned, as security specialists also pick up more skills, and find their jobs more meaningful and worthwhile.
