Ever wondered how someone becomes a locksmith? It is probably not an area that receives much thought but if you have a teenage son or daughter who has no idea what path to take at that 16 plus milestone then could this profession offer a good return?

Locksmiths make duplicate keys, repair all types of locks and install new lock systems for homes and businesses. People get locked out of their homes or vehicles very frequently and so there is no shortage of work. A self-employed locksmith can work on call outs and emergency responses to a lock-out and this can pay well.

There are many training courses to introduce you to the world of locksmithing and it’s important to hear reviews from other locksmiths who have taken these courses and talk to the course provider as well to find out exactly what is covered. The best course providers include those run by the British Locksmiths Institute, who are part of the Master Locksmiths Association. You may also be able to take an apprenticeship with some firms as a route into the profession. For a Belfast Locksmith, visit http://www.belfastlocksmiths247.co.uk/

There are no formal qualifications and on the job training may suffice but there are definitely some skills that are required. You will need excellent dexterity, customer care skills, patience, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

Locksmiths can become involved in other areas of safety and install and maintain security mechanisms, fit safes and set up closed circuit television systems. Some locksmiths specialize their services and one example of this would be providing a service for the unlocking of antique locks and padlocks, repairing them and providing unique key cutting for them.

A typical day in the life of a locksmith will include fitting locks to doors and windows. In a security conscious world and in high crime areas, a locksmith should be kept busy. You may also be promoting and selling various types of locks and security devices and offering advice on best options. Cutting keys and making new keys will be a large part of the job but you could also be fitting combination locks and timing mechanisms to safes. You’ll want to make sure that your customers treasure is safely stored and impenetrable to any would be burglars.

People often get locked out of their vehicles and so you could be involved in gaining access to cars and repairing any damage. Another aspect of the work involves attending crime scenes after break-ins and helping to secure a business property or home. A good working relationship with the police will be required. Unfortunately many victims of burglary often feel violated and nervous about what they once considered their haven. The ability to work well and sympathetically with members of the public will be of great benefit in this job as you will need to reassure and advise about security issues. They will probably want a complete overhaul of their locking mechanisms which could include both doors and windows. They may also want CCTV installed or an alarm fitted.

Ever heard of fire dampers? Probably not as they live hidden in the ceilings and ductwork of buildings. Everybody knows what a fire door looks like but probably wouldn’t know a fire damper if they fell over one! These are very clever devices that are designed to be installed in buildings to prevent the spread of fire through walls, partitions and floors. They have a duct or ventilation opening which operates automatically when fire is detected. Where a building has heating, ventilation and air conditioning, these dampers are employed and will close automatically in the event of a fire breaking out. A thermal detection device will melt and this triggers the closure.

When a new building is designed it is essential that effective fire damping systems penetrate properly and are properly sealed. The systems should be easily accessible to enable regular checking and testing. While most employers are great at conducting regular fire drills and fire alarms, many overlook the testing of the dampers that are installed in the building’s ducting.

Dampers are incredibly important as they help to save lives and greatly reduce the cost of fire damage. A company can be fined for not testing the system or could face two years in prison and the industry advice is that you should have them tested every two years. Sprint-operated dampers will need to be tested annually to meet regulation requirements. Only experts can do these tests as it’s too risky to leave it to any other contractor. For Ductwork fire damper, visit http://www.dustspares.co.uk/Butterfly-Damper.html

Dampers need to be able to tested to ensure their integrity, insulation and reduced leakage. The dampers will be cleaned and lubricated and then put to the test. If there is a fire and you have not had them tested then you may also have difficulties claiming for any damage from the insurance company.

Dampers may not be glamorous but they are vital. Ductwork and ventilation systems can easily pass smoke and flames throughout a building with frightening speed unless there is something in place to stop that. For public buildings, such as hospitals, fire dampers must be checked every year as they are busy places with many people staying in them. There are also combined fire and smoke dampers where the device will close on the detection of smoke and not just heat. Remember the difference between a well-maintained fire damper and a neglected one can be the difference between life and death.