Mechanical Engineer

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Fire Protection System Design

  • Design fire sprinkler systems, fire hydrant systems, fire hose reels, fire pumps, and fire water tanks.
  • Design fire alarm and detection systems.
  • Design smoke control, fire suppression, and other fire protection systems as required.
  • Prepare fire protection layouts, calculations, specifications, and drawings.

• Fire Risk Assessment

  • Identify potential fire hazards in buildings, industrial facilities, warehouses, and other areas.
  • Evaluate fire risks and recommend suitable protection measures.
  • Conduct fire risk assessments and hazard analyses.

• Code and Standards Compliance

  • Ensure designs comply with applicable fire codes and standards, such as NFPA, IBC, local building/fire codes, and authority requirements.
  • Review projects against statutory requirements and fire safety regulations.
  • Coordinate with fire authorities and regulatory bodies when required.

• Hydraulic Calculations

  • Perform hydraulic calculations for sprinkler and hydrant systems.
  • Determine required water flow, pressure, pipe sizes, pump capacity, and storage requirements.
  • Verify that the system provides adequate coverage and fire-fighting performance.

• Fire Alarm & Life Safety

  • Review fire alarm and detection system design.
  • Coordinate emergency lighting, fire alarm, evacuation systems, and other life-safety systems.
  • Ensure appropriate fire compartmentation, means of escape, and occupant protection.

• Engineering Drawings and Documentation

  • Prepare or review fire protection drawings and technical specifications.
  • Develop equipment schedules, design calculations, material specifications, and technical reports.
  • Review shop drawings and engineering submissions from contractors.

• Construction and Site Supervision

  • Inspect installation of fire protection systems.
  • Verify that installations comply with approved drawings and specifications.
  • Attend site inspections and coordinate with contractors and consultants.
  • Identify installation problems and recommend corrective actions.

• Testing and Commissioning

  • Witness testing and commissioning of fire pumps, sprinklers, hydrants, fire alarms, and other systems.
  • Review test reports and ensure systems are operational.
  • Participate in integrated testing of fire and life-safety systems.

• Authority Approval

  • Prepare documents and submissions for approval by the relevant fire authority.
  • Respond to authority comments and coordinate required modifications.
  • Support inspections and final approval/certification.

• Maintenance and Inspection

  • Develop inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements.
  • Review existing fire protection systems and identify deficiencies.
  • Recommend upgrades or corrective measures for aging or non-compliant systems.

• Project Coordination

  • Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, electrical engineers, and other disciplines.
  • Participate in design meetings and technical reviews.
  • Provide fire protection engineering support throughout the project lifecycle.

Typical Deliverables

A Fire Protection Engineer may be responsible for:

1. Fire protection design drawings
2. Hydraulic calculation reports
3. Fire pump sizing calculations
4. Fire water tank sizing
5. Fire alarm layouts
6. Fire risk assessment reports
7. Technical specifications
8. Equipment schedules
9. Method statements and inspection plans
10. Shop drawing reviews
11. Testing and commissioning reports
12. Authority submission documents