Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
Fire Protection Systems
Certificate
Overview
The Fire Protection Certificate is designed for those who wish to work in the fire industry as technicians, inspectors or consultants. The focus in this program is on the design, installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire protection systems in all occupancies. Topics include familiarization with legislation, codes and standards relating to the classification of occupancies, hazards and the fire protection systems designed for them.
Career Opportunities
For the individual who is interested in a career change to fire prevention with a municipal fire department, the Fire Safety certificate provides the information required to write the knowledge-specific entrance test used by most fire departments. This certificate also provides individuals, who are currently employed and find that fire safety is part of their job, the opportunity to enhance their fire knowledge.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements.
Prerequisites
It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Curriculum
This course covers the basics of fire science based on its chemical and physical properties. Topics include introduction to fire codes and standards, properties of and protection from hazardous and combustible materials, life safety, containment and compartmentation as related to building construction and extinguishing methods, limitations and effects on various combustibles.
Current employment in the fire safety industry/ related field is strongly recommended.
This course provides a general understanding of fire alarm protection systems. It discusses the purpose and specific application of the different codes and standards that regulate the industry. It introduces the student to architectural considerations regarding fire containment. Information about testing laboratories, their procedures, testing methods and how listed/approved materials achieve greater degrees of life safety are covered. Other topics include: the nature of fire, extinguishing methods, fire alarm testing methods, interpretation of drawings, specifications and other contract documents.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the requirements for design, fabrication, installation and approval of automatic sprinkler systems. Relevant codes and standards are included with a special emphasis placed on the NFPA13 general code.
ALS190, PRC625, ELF190, and ETR290 - if taking the Fire Alarm Technician Program (CFAA requirements)
This course addresses applications of fire alarm systems and the operation, testing and inspection requirements of fire alarm systems as outlined by the various Codes and Standards. The student will learn the basics of field wiring circuits, field devices, emergency voice communication systems and addressable fire alarm systems.
Also covered are principles and technology of fire detection devices, signal appliances, control equipment and ancillary devices
This course is taught by a CFAA certified instructor and together with the pre-requisite courses, leads to the student becoming a CFAA Fire Alarm Technician as required by the Fire Code.
For CFAA Certification, a Grade of C or better is required.
HDS 395 or equivalent. A Windows operating system is required to use the SprinkCAD® software.
Students must have SprinkCAD® installed and working on their computers.
Most software is available through Seneca College Centre for Flexible Learning.
Access to NFPA Codes and Standards essential for Sprinkler Design program. (Provided by College).
Students investigate positive displacement and centrifugal pumps as they are used in fire protection. Pump components, ancillary devices, electric motors, diesel engines, controllers, fittings and valves are covered. Students reference NFPA 20 regarding the selection and installation of Fire Pumps, and NFPA 25 regarding acceptance, maintenance and testing. Fire pumps are included in hydraulic calculations.
This course covers classic fluid mechanics and how to apply hydraulic calculation techniques to the design of sprinkler systems using NFPA 13 standards. Computer software will be used to predict system hydraulic performance.
This course includes installation, navigating the editing screen, setting up a drawing, inserting and editing entities, using object snaps, managing files, controlling layers, using coordinates, dimensioning and plotting.
PRV290 is a specialized course designed as an introduction to reading and interpreting construction drawings. The student will be using both imperial and metric units including scale rules. Architectural working drawings are studied to develop an appreciation of the interdependency of structural, electrical, and mechanical systems and the importance of the coordination of building components.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students are able to:
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the chemical and physical properties of fire
- Apply knowledge of provincial fire codes and standards
- Apply knowledge of building construction, hazardous and combustible materials and extinguishing methods to fire protection, containment and compartmentation
- Describe the emergency planning requirements for fire and life safety as stipulated in the Ontario Fire Code
- Prepare and present a comprehensive fire safety plan for a particular occupancy
- Discuss the legal framework in which fire inspections are conducted
- Analyze a safety inspection case and the application of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire Code and the Provincial Offences Act to it
- Identify proper handling, storage, process, transfer and use of flammable and combustible liquids as per Part 4 of the Ontario Fire Code for fire and life safety
- Discuss the role of public fire and life safety education in the public and private sectors
- Describe the main components and contribution to fire safety of fire protection systems
- Assist in the analysis of a fire or explosion incident
Credit for Prior Learning
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Transfer Credit
Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
More Information
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Graduation/Convocation
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Minimum Performance for Graduation
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
Residency Requirements
A faculty of Seneca College may recommended a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.
Program Contacts
Maria Graziosi
Program Assistant
Maria.Graziosi@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0964
Melanie Rubens
Program Coordinator
Melanie.Rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0973
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.