Fire Safety Technician Job – Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Job Title: Fire Safety Technician

Organisation: Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

Reports to: Maintenance Electrical Engineer

Position Code: FST -622

About US:

The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.

Job Summary: The Fire Safety Technician will work as part of a team of Electrical team while undergoing professional training and field training. Technician will play a key role in operational fire safety management at the MRC at LSHTM Unit.

Under the supervision and guidance of the Maintenance Electrical Engineer and specialists, the job holder will be responsible for the maintenance of existing fire alarm systems, the installation of new alarm systems, the maintenance and checks on fire extinguishers, installation, maintenance and testing of emergency lighting and the installation maintenance and testing of automatic fire suppression systems. Over 12 months, they will be trained to ensure that fire-fighting equipment, including water bowser and pumps, are in perfect working order at all times.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provision of reliable fire safety systems in all MRC Uganda unit field stations and sites;
Design, plan, install, commission and test new fire alarm systems and other associated systems in existing buildings according to the manufacturer’s specifications;
To actively contribute to the design and commissioning of fire safety systems in new buildings;
Developing and implementing predictive, preventive, and periodic testing, inspection and maintenance of fire alarm systems and other related systems such as emergency lighting, active fire suppression systems (Fire trace, P50 fire extinguishers) and fire-fighting equipment (water bowser and pumps) as per MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda unit standards;
Undertaking reactive calls for fault finding and the repair of faulty fire alarms and other related systems. Should be able to interpret and use electrical schematics drawings and manuals in fault finding and repairs;
Review building fire risk assessments in conjunction with the health and safety team and other responsible persons identified by the Unit;
Prepare and issue timely reports for all installations, repairs, maintenance, and inspections conducted; distribute copies to the Maintenance Electrical Engineer and Head of HSE; and maintain accurate documentation of all reports;
Respond to all emergency calls relating to fire alarm systems and investigate to ascertain the cause of the problem; and where necessary activate the required emergency procedures;
Liaise with the health and safety team on all fire safety matters;
Conduct periodic fire drills in conjunction with the health and safety team;
Be aware of and comply with the ISO Quality Manual, British Standards (BS) or European Norm (EN) for building fire safety systems and applicable laws and regulations;
Where required, train staff and the security team on basic principles of the installed fire systems;
Undertake ‘On-Call’ duties as required;
Support the Maintenance Electrical Engineer by collating and providing data from fire safety systems in the preparation of reports and Key Performance Indicators regarding existing and potential engineering studies and projects; and,
Performs other fire safety and or emergency response related duties as directed by line manager.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Diploma in Electrical/ Electrical Engineering from recognised Institution;
At least three years of hands-on practical experience in Electrical and Fire protection systems maintenance;
At least three years of proven and extensive experience in installation, preventive maintenance, repair and commissioning of fire systems;
Should possess knowledge of the practical application of general electrical/electronic systems and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services;
Driving experience and current updated license;
Experience installing, commissioning, and servicing conventional and addressable fire alarm systems, self-contained emergency lighting systems, central batteries, and static inverter systems in a wide range of building types is preferred;
Experience of conducting or reviewing fire risk assessments and following through improvement actions until completion;
Should possess understanding of health and safety management procedures relating to electrical safety;
Familiarity with safe working practices and health & safety requirements;
Excellent organization skills;
Proficiency in computer use required in MS office packages and CAD systems;
Capability in preparing material schedule summary reports, electrical plans, technical specifications, line diagrams, and other project documentation for management review;
Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and drawings;
Ability to troubleshoot electrical / fire panels systems;
Attention to cost and downtime management;
Excellent communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization;
Flexibility to cope with new changing environment and method of delivery; and,
Commitment to Equal Opportunities and diversity