IN A MODERN society where large and complex buildings often accommodate thousands of people, fire safety is a major concern.
Not only is the design of the building important but also the design of fire detection and suppression systems. This is crucial for the creation of a safe environment.
Fire engineers are called on to make sure that buildings are safe and equipped to handle a fire should one occur.
Lindi Mujugira is a fire engineer with Protection Projects in Johannesburg. She says it's a career that demands excellence and commitment.
To become a business intelligence consultant, Mujugira recommends a BSc degree in computer science. You also need to have interpersonal skills and be able to work under high pressure.
"The job involves the application of scientific and engineering tools and expert judgment based on an understanding of the phenomena and the effects of fire to protecting people, property and the environment," Mujugira says.
It's this human aspect that first drew Mujugira to the discipline.
"I always had an interest in engineering and so the safety of people in buildings became an area of interest expressed in the form of fire engineering. Although my background is in mechanical engineering, it has provided a good foundation for branching into this field."
This specialised area of engineering requires an individual with an analytical mind, excellent organisational skills and the ability to observe and learn.
"Fire engineers work with architects and with other engineers in the mechanical, structural and electrical fields," explains Mujugira.
"They also work with draughtsmen, sub-contractors and site foremen. So one must be able to work well in a team."
Universities in the UK and the US offer dedicated fire engineering degree courses, but at present there aren't any offered at South African institutions.
Mujugira obtained her BSc in mechanical engineering at the University of Nairobi and her PhD in fire engineering in the UK.
To enter the field in South Africa, you will need to complete a degree in engineering (preferably mechanical or civil) with fire engineering subjects. You will then require some years of mentorship under a senior fire engineer, similar to mentorship required in other engineering disciplines.
You can also register with a fire engineering organisation such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) to build up a sound knowledge base. The internationally recognised IFE provides membership from a student grade through to fellow grade, based on experience and examinations passed.
Mujugira says this is her dream job but she would like to combine it with lecturing and research in a university setting.
She encourages anyone interested in science and engineering to consider the fire engineering discipline.
"There is a great satisfaction in seeing the final result as a building rises out of the ground and in the knowledge that users will be safer because of your input and expertise." - sacareerfocus
Career focus: Fire engineer
IN A MODERN society where large and complex buildings often accommodate thousands of people, fire safety is a major concern.
Not only is the design of the building important but also the design of fire detection and suppression systems. This is crucial for the creation of a safe environment.
Fire engineers are called on to make sure that buildings are safe and equipped to handle a fire should one occur.
Lindi Mujugira is a fire engineer with Protection Projects in Johannesburg. She says it's a career that demands excellence and commitment.
To become a business intelligence consultant, Mujugira recommends a BSc degree in computer science. You also need to have interpersonal skills and be able to work under high pressure.
"The job involves the application of scientific and engineering tools and expert judgment based on an understanding of the phenomena and the effects of fire to protecting people, property and the environment," Mujugira says.
It's this human aspect that first drew Mujugira to the discipline.
"I always had an interest in engineering and so the safety of people in buildings became an area of interest expressed in the form of fire engineering. Although my background is in mechanical engineering, it has provided a good foundation for branching into this field."
This specialised area of engineering requires an individual with an analytical mind, excellent organisational skills and the ability to observe and learn.
"Fire engineers work with architects and with other engineers in the mechanical, structural and electrical fields," explains Mujugira.
"They also work with draughtsmen, sub-contractors and site foremen. So one must be able to work well in a team."
Universities in the UK and the US offer dedicated fire engineering degree courses, but at present there aren't any offered at South African institutions.
Mujugira obtained her BSc in mechanical engineering at the University of Nairobi and her PhD in fire engineering in the UK.
To enter the field in South Africa, you will need to complete a degree in engineering (preferably mechanical or civil) with fire engineering subjects. You will then require some years of mentorship under a senior fire engineer, similar to mentorship required in other engineering disciplines.
You can also register with a fire engineering organisation such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) to build up a sound knowledge base. The internationally recognised IFE provides membership from a student grade through to fellow grade, based on experience and examinations passed.
Mujugira says this is her dream job but she would like to combine it with lecturing and research in a university setting.
She encourages anyone interested in science and engineering to consider the fire engineering discipline.
"There is a great satisfaction in seeing the final result as a building rises out of the ground and in the knowledge that users will be safer because of your input and expertise." - sacareerfocus
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos