SSIAP agent: job, role,
missions, training
SSIAP agents are qualified professionals trained in the prevention, detection and management of fire-related risks, and capable of carrying out additional safety tasks. In addition to their statutory fire-safety missions: surveillance, warning, assistance to people and coordination with emergency services. They are also involved in access control, patrols and the prevention of malicious acts. This versatility enables them to provide comprehensive protection for sites and occupants, while guaranteeing a reactive and reassuring presence on a daily basis.
To remember
Mission & roles: SSIAP agents, working for a fire safety company, are responsible for preventing fires, managing alarms, evacuating, receiving and guiding emergency services, and ensuring the safety of people and property.
Legal framework: the decree of May 2, 2005 governs qualifications (SSIAP 1/2/3), obligations (medical fitness, triennial retraining) and regulated missions (prevention, maintenance, central station, emergency reception).
SSIAP levels :
- . SSIAP 1: operational agent - rounds, checking equipment, evacuation, alerting and receiving emergency services.
- . SSIAP 2: team leader - coordination, operation of the fire safety control panel (SSI), training, compliance with rules.
- . SSIAP 3: department manager - strategy, audits, consulting, administrative management and compliance.
Training & prerequisites : approx. 67-70 h of initial training + theoretical and practical exam, first aid certificate (SST/PSC1), medical fitness less than 3 months old.
Career development : possible progression from SSIAP 1 according to experience (1,607 h for SSIAP 2, 3 years' experience or Bac+1+ diploma for SSIAP 3), with compulsory retraining every 3 years.
What is the role
ofa SSIAP agent?
When it comes to safety, the focus is on preventive measures. SSIAP agents are particularly involved in preventive missions, ensuring :
- compliance with safety instructions;
- installation conformity ;
- maintenance and upkeep of means of action ;
- control of working conditions, etc.
These preventive missions safeguard the integrity of people and property.
But a SSIAP agent is also trained to intervene in emergency situations where the safety of people and property is compromised. The actions of this professional are decisive in the event of :
- alarm triggering (fire or other) ;
- evacuation ;
- victim assistance ;
- to welcome rescue teams on site, etc.
- access surveillance and public control in sensitive areas;
- prevention of malicious acts to guarantee the safety of the site and its occupants.
As the SSIAP agent is often already on site, their intervention is fast and effective, and ensures that the consequences of a fire are kept to a minimum. The SSIAP is a real companion, helping to reassure those present before the emergency services arrive.
Legal aspects :
The decree of May 2, 2005 sets out the duties of SSIAP agents, defining their obligations in terms of fire safety in ERP and IGH buildings. All SSIAP staff must be medically fit and undergo refresher training every three years to maintain their qualifications. In the event of a fire outbreak, it is the agent's duty to alert and welcome the emergency services, and to guide the fire department to the site, always respecting regulatory rules and personal safety. Dress code is mandatory to clearly identify the specific function of SSIAP agent.

What skills and qualities are required?
In France, the SSIAP agent must obviously have specific skills to intervene seriously in different situations at the exercise site. These skills include in-depth knowledge of each facility, as well as enhanced knowledge of first aid and victim guidance. They know how to express themselves correctly to best inform those on site. They are also taught how to manage stress in an emergency situation, thanks to practical exercises designed to be as close as possible to real-life situations.
These security professionals have several qualities:
. human contact,
. above-average composure,
. and an undeniable responsiveness and availability.
With these qualities, an SSIAP agent can intervene in a wide range of situations, some of which are considered dangerous. A good level of physical fitness is also essential to the serenity of the job. These agents are sometimes required to run and move objects or even people. SSIAP training requires that all operatives be in good physical condition, as attested by a medical certificate, to ensure that they are operational in emergency situations.
Where does the SSIAP
agent work?
If establishments such as ERP (establishments open to the public) involve risks, the SSIAP agent is there to intervene. Examples of such establishments include :
- town halls ;
- schools ;
- places of worship ;
- cinemas and concert halls ;
- shopping centers ;
- airports ;
- amusement parks, etc.
These establishments welcome outsiders.
A SSIAP agent is also qualified to intervene in IGH, or high-rise buildings. These are sometimes private buildings housing company offices or apartments.
When intervening in these buildings, SSIAP agents take charge of initial emergency measures. This includes evacuating affected areas and alerting emergency services.
Training to become an SSIAP officer
Several diplomas can be obtained, but the first essential certificate is the SSIAP 1. This is a compulsory training course lasting just a few weeks. During this training, the future agent learns all the skills and knowledge involved in fire safety.
Other levels can also be taken to reinforce skills. There are also SSIAP 2 and SSIAP 3. Team leaders hold the SSIAP 2 and department heads the SSIAP 3. It's a sector that offers opportunities for SSIAP agents to progress.
In addition to the specific training required for many safety professions, they are also trained in the use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures. A validated SST (first aid diploma for the workplace) or one in the process of being validated is required to enter this profession.
SSIAP agents working in ERP and IGH buildings must hold these diplomas after completing a training course recognized for its thoroughness. The position occupied by each SSIAP agent must be in line with the level of training received (SSIAP 1, SSIAP 2 and SSIAP 3).
These first-aid and fire-fighting professionals can be found everywhere, and are indispensable in guiding people to the right place in the event of a problem. Their presence reassures victims and often facilitates the work of the emergency services and authorities. Are you in charge of recruiting professionals to secure an ERP or IGH? You need to find a team of SSIAP agents who can intervene on site at any time.
FAQ
What's the difference between a security guard and a SSIAP guard?
Thesecurity guard profession covers general risk prevention: access control, surveillance of goods and people, reporting anomalies, with a CNAPS card and CQP-APS certification.
TheSSIAP guard, for his part, carries out fire safety missions, but can also intervene in safety andassistance actions. They are trained to react in the event of a fire outbreak, handle and maintain emergency equipment, coordinate technical security operations, welcome the emergency services as soon as they arrive and guide the fire department.
These dual skills make the SSIAP agent a versatile security service professional, with a perfect knowledge of fire regulations, technical expertise and a keen sense of prevention and personal protection.
SSIAP 1, 2 and 3: what are the differences?
SSIAP 1: operational agent. His training (≈ 70 h) enables him to intervene effectively in the event of a fire outbreak, to ensure fire prevention, equipment surveillance, rounds, keeping a log, welcoming emergency services and assisting people.
SSIAP 2: team leader. In addition to the SSIAP 1 tasks, he coordinates the agents, operates the central station, supervises maintenance, plans interventions and ensures compliance with regulations. Accessible after SSIAP 1 and 1,607 h of field experience.
SSIAP 3: Department manager. Responsible for overall strategy, he/she designs audits, draws up fire safety policy, advises the operator, oversees training and ensures regulatory compliance. Entry requirements: minimum of 3 years' experience.
Do you have a question or a project?
Our experts are at your service.
In order to help you with your project, please complete the information below:
Please note that we will not process requests from private individuals.




