Between the start of a fire and when firefighters arrive on the scene, enough time will have passed for people’s lives to be put in danger and for property to be damaged. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it only takes two minutes for a fire to become deadly and five minutes for a fire to envelop an entire house. A system that could delay the spread of a fire—or even extinguish the flames before firefighters are needed—could be a literal lifesaver.
This is exactly what a fire sprinkler system is for. A sprinkler system is essentially the first line of defense against smoke and fires. It gives people crucial time to escape immediate danger and follow fire evacuation protocols to get to safety. These systems are installed by certified sprinkler fitters who are dedicated to ensuring that you are protected if a fire strikes.
The Importance of Sprinkler Systems and Fitters
Sprinklers are the most commonly used fire protection systems. They are designed to suppress or extinguish a fire before it has time to grow and spread. These systems are not only efficient in managing fires, but they’re also highly customizable, allowing them to provide the right kind of protection in any setting.
The quick activation of a sprinkler system won’t just reduce the size and spread of an inferno, it can also help with cutting down on smoke and toxic fumes. It’s for these reasons that fire sprinkler systems are so important. And for related reasons, it’s also why sprinkler fitters are so important to our society.
What Is a Sprinkler Fitter?
A sprinkler system can’t just be installed and then forgotten about. It needs to be properly maintained and inspected annually; otherwise, the system could malfunction. This care and maintenance can’t happen without the knowledge and skills of a sprinkler fitter. These people are plumbing professionals who install, modify, and inspect sprinkler systems.
Most sprinkler fitters are employed by plumbing companies and are responsible for duties such as:
- Sprinkler installation
- Hose installation
- Repair
- Pipe assembly
- Sprinkler testing
- Educating the public
How Do You Become a Sprinkler Fitter?
If you want to help save lives as a sprinkler fitter, you’ll need to go through education and training to get the skills and qualifications necessary to earn a sprinkler fitter license.
Specifically, an aspiring sprinkler fitter needs:
- Plumbing knowledge: You’ll need to know how to perform pipe fitting and understand how to read blueprints.
- Comprehension of fire prevention techniques: It will be up to you to determine if a system is capable of preventing fires and saving lives.
- Basic engineering knowledge: Although you don’t need to be an expert, you’ll still need basic knowledge to be able to install and update a system.
- An eye for detail: There are numerous types of fire sprinklers, and some are vast and complex. These systems require careful attention to detail.
- Organizational skills: It’s not uncommon for a sprinkler fitter to be tasked with multiple projects. It’s important to be able to keep the information organized.
The Road to Becoming a Sprinkler Fitter
It’s necessary to go through the proper routes to acquire these skills and qualifications. This starts with enrolling in a training program. It’s here where you’ll pick up the requisite knowledge and skills. The next step is to join an apprenticeship where you’ll be able to get hands-on experience with sprinkler fitting. With the skills and knowledge you gain, you can then apply to get a license and get certified.
Get Started on Your Career
If you’re looking to start a career as a sprinkler fitter, get in touch with Southwest Pipe Trades Association. With our apprenticeship program and onsite training, you’ll have access to the support, tools, knowledge, and experience you need to secure a sprinkler fitter certification. That certification lets people know that you are an expert in your industry. It’s also a badge of pride for many sprinkler fitters.
Take the next step toward a promising career with Southwest Pipe Trades Association. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your career goals.
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