Are you thinking of becoming a fire safety officer and wondering how to pass the SSIAP training course? It's an important step, requiring a good level of physical fitness, validated by a medical certificate. SSIAP 1 training, for example, is organized in groups of up to 12 trainees and lasts around 67 hours, excluding exams. The course culminates in an assessment comprising a written and practical test. Once passed, you'll be awarded the SSIAP 1 diploma.
Prerequisites for SSIAP training
To qualify for SSIAP training, candidates must meet a number of conditions. Firstly, a medical certificate attesting to physical fitness, dated less than three months, is required.
Secondly, you need to hold a valid first aid certificate. This may include Attestation de Formation aux Premiers Secours (AFPS), Prévention et Secours Civiques de niveau 1 (PSC1), or Sauveteur Secouriste du Travail (SST). These certificates must have been obtained within the last two years.
Finally, the ability to transcribe anomalies onto a log is also required. This skill is crucial to incident management and effective communication within the fire safety department.
Understanding the role of a fire safety officer
A fire safety officer plays a crucial role in preventing risks and protecting people and property. His or her main mission is to ensure that safety measures are respected and technical installations are functional.
To do this, he makes regular rounds, checks safety devices such as fire extinguishers and alarms, and ensures proper evacuation in the event of an emergency.
In the event of an incident, the fire safety officer intervenes quickly to bring the situation under control. They alert emergency services, apply evacuation procedures and provide assistance to people in danger.
He is also responsible for training and raising staff awareness of safety instructions, including regular practical exercises to prepare all occupants to react effectively in the event of a disaster.
Duration and content of SSIAP 1 training
SSIAP 1 training is divided into several specific modules, each lasting a set amount of time. Participants will first learn about fire behavior and its consequences, over a 6-hour period. This includes practical exercises in a smoke-filled room to better understand how fire spreads.
Next, fire safety is studied for 17 hours. This covers technical installations, rescue equipment and public evacuation procedures. Trainees will also learn how to handle fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.
The role and missions of fire safety officers are covered over 14 hours. Finally, knowledge is put into practice through simulations and case studies, ensuring comprehensive, operational training.
Passing the SSIAP 1 practical exam
During the SSIAP 1 practical exam, candidates must complete a 15-minute inspection round. This test involves identifying anomalies and simulated disasters.
The agent must resolve situations or refer them to the team leader. For example, he may detect a faulty alarm or an obstruction in an emergency exit.
At the end of the round, the candidate is asked to transcribe any anomalies discovered onto a log. This is a crucial step, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to communicate incidents effectively.
To pass, it is essential to be familiar with the procedures and to be able to react quickly and correctly to the different scenarios proposed. The assessment is carried out by a jury, generally comprising a representative of the safety commission and a professional firefighter.
How to obtain the SSIAP 1 diploma
Before taking the final exam, candidates must undergo rigorous training. This includes theory and practical exercises, spread over several weeks. Topics covered include fire regulations, fire extinguisher handling and evacuation management.
At the end of the course, participants must take two tests:
- A written MCQ test, comprising 30 questions. This test assesses the theoretical knowledge acquired.
- A practical test where candidates must demonstrate their skills in the field. They will be assessed on their ability to manage emergency situations and carry out safety rounds.
To pass the exam, it's crucial to prepare well. A minimum mark is required for each test to obtain the SSIAP 1 diploma.
SSIAP 1 diploma validity and renewal
To maintain the validity of your SSIAP 1 diploma, you need to take a refresher course every three years. This training, which lasts a minimum of 14 hours, updates your fire safety knowledge and skills.
If you cannot provide proof of the required 1607 hours of activity over the last three years, you should opt for a refresher course. This is a more comprehensive training program, which allows you to update your knowledge and remain fully operational.
These courses can be financed via the Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF ) or Pôle Emploi. To register, you will need to provide documents such as your valid SSIAP 1 diploma and a recent first-aid certificate.
What is SSIAP 1 refresher training?
The SSIAP 1 refresher course renews the validity of the diploma for a period of 3 years. This training is essential to keep fire safety officers' skills up to date, particularly with regard to the latest changes in regulations.
The refresher program is structured in several sequences, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. During these sessions, participants review the fundamental principles of fire safety and familiarize themselves with new prevention and intervention techniques.
Practical exercises include fire simulations and real-life situations, enabling agents to reinforce their safety reflexes. Participants must also pass an assessment, often in the form of multiple-choice questions, to validate their training.
In short, SSIAP 1 retraining ensures that your operatives remain efficient and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Prospects after obtaining the SSIAP 1 diploma
Holders of the SSIAP 1 diploma are eligible for a variety of positions in the fire safety field. They can work in establishments open to the public (ERP), such as shopping centers, hospitals or concert halls.
High-rise buildings (IGH) also represent a major sector for recruitment. Agents are responsible for fire safety and monitoring technical installations.
The career prospects are interesting. After accumulating 1,607 hours of experience, a SSIAP 1 agent can train to become a SSIAP 2 team leader.
The team leader's tasks include managing the team of agents, coordinating with the fire department in the event of an incident, and supervising the maintenance of safety equipment.
