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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) provides the focus for the administration of all safety programs to Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke University Health System.  OESO has the responsibility for developing institutional safety plans and policies; providing information and training to meet all regulatory requirements; providing technical consultation and guidance; conducting exposure and risk assessments; conducting safety audits; monitoring compliance with all safety policies; and investigating accidents, injuries, and reported unsafe conditions.

Specific to the Fire & Life Safety Division:

The Fire and Life Safety Division is charged with the responsibility to design, implement, and manage a vigilant fire safety program. The Fire and Life Safety Division conducts periodic assessments for compliance with the Life Safety Code and is highly effective at identifying, and minimizing the risk of fire in all Duke Health System, University, and Medical Center properties.

Primary Purpose of Position:

This position has the responsibility for the planning, administration and management of fire safety programs throughout the University and Health System to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards concerning fire and life safety, as well as applicable standards set forth by The Joint Commission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize and manage the fire protection function under senior management direction.
• Serve as the technical expert in fire and life safety matters and provide counsel to University and Health System administration, departments and personnel. Serve as the representative of OESO for in fire safety concerns at meetings and various committees as designated by the Director, OESO.
• Act as a liaison with the City of Durham Fire Prevention Division, Durham City-County Inspections Department, CAPS, The Joint Commission, and other regulatory personnel to conduct surveys and follow-ups, as required. Apply existing regulations governing these activities and promulgate new standards and policies as needed.
• Develop and implement fire protection programs and procedures to ensure employee, student and facility safety in accordance with all city, state and federal fire and life safety codes. Responsible for directing all activities associated with the fire safety programs,  and assessing fire protection systems and life safety implications in University and Health System owned facilities.
• Responsible for the review of building construction designs, fire protection oversight and audit programs, fire loss control methodologies, fire inspection reports, property damage reports from fire loss and fire prevention training activities.
• Provide technical leadership to all departments and personnel, attend departmental meetings and assist departments in implementing general fire safety policies, site specific fire plans and measures. Meets with community and civic organizations, as required, to promote fire safety.
• Maintains state-of-the art knowledge in areas of responsibility through contacts with industry peers and involvement with fire protection engineering associations.
• Provide technical assistance to fire alarm and fire suppression designers, contractors, architects and engineers regarding fire and life safety issues.
• Conduct detailed investigation of all fires and provides information and reports to administration, as required.
• Provide technical assistance to departments within Healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission Environment of Care standards.
• Determine divisional fiscal requirements and prepare budgetary recommendations. Monitor, verify and reconcile expenditures of budgeted funds.