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Bc. Lukáš Blaha has been working at the Engineering Test Institute for eight years as a test technician and the guarantor for the field of fire protection. He focuses on testing helmets and fire extinguishers – products for which verifying safety is absolutely essential. In the interview, he describes what his work involves, what he enjoys most about it, and why testing these products is important for everyday life.
How did you get into testing?
From the very beginning of my professional career, I aimed to move further and higher – both in experience and in positions. I started as a quality inspector at Alstom, and later worked as a quality engineer, head of quality management, and eventually as a production manager. However, all of this was still within the field of manufacturing. Over time, I began looking for an opportunity to see production and quality "from the other side."
When a position for a test technician opened in the mechanical testing laboratory at the Engineering Test Institute, I didn’t hesitate and applied for the selection process. I succeeded, and now I have been working here for 8 years.
What has made you laugh at work recently, and why?
It’s hard to say “recently” – my job is actually entertaining all the time. I test helmets using so‑called impact tests. A helmet as a product is destroyed during impact, but by doing so, it fulfils its function of protecting the head. So with impact tests, I’m basically breaking the results of our customers’ hard work. If the tests pass, the customer is not upset, but satisfied – and even pays for their broken products. ?
What other products do you test?
Besides testing helmets, I am the guarantor for the field of fire protection – I test fire extinguishers.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most is that I’m paid to break things and start fires. ?
Is there a moment or project you are really proud of? Why?
I am proud of a project for one of the Italian manufacturers of fire extinguishers. We received an order for 11 types of fire extinguishers, and we managed to complete it in an extremely short time. It required a huge mental and physical effort from me. It involved dozens of tests and several hundred pages of documentation.
Does your work ever influence someone’s real life?
Since I enjoy my work, it’s a part of me. Whenever I buy anything, I always check the packaging, label, and manual to see whether the manufacturer used the correct standards, whether the marking is complete and no product information is missing. Buying something is never “just like that” for me. ?
What does your typical day look like? Or does no such day exist and every day is different?
There is no typical day in my work – every single one is different. From the outside, it may seem that we “just” test products and issue certificates. But the variety of products and procedures is so large that my work cannot be described as having a “typical day.”
Do you have any habit, ritual or saying you can’t do without?
I follow the quote: “I don’t look for 1,000 ways not to do something; I look for 1 way to do it right.”
What is something people don’t usually know about you?
Even though I’m a mechanical engineer through and through, I have several diverse hobbies. Few people know that I write poems, sing, and dance.
What is the biggest “mess-up” that ever happened to you – and what did you learn from it?
I don’t know if this is publishable, but I almost killed myself while ski racing. The lesson? Anyone or anything has limits defined by fear. But those who are not afraid do not improve. Fear keeps us cautious.
How do you recharge outside of work?
My relaxation and escape are cars. I used to take part in amateur hill climb races. Now, my main way to relax is the newest member of our family – my daughter Rozárka. ❤
What can lift your spirits the most on a bad day?
During the workweek – diving into work and giving it my maximum. Hard work drives away all worries.
In my private life – a fast drive in my car. When you’re focusing on driving, there’s no time or space for other thoughts.
What would you say to people who don’t know much about testing (the TIC sector)? Why should they know it exists?
From my perspective (testing helmets and fire extinguishers), it’s the verification of properties that protect against injury and, in the worst cases, protect life. Passing a product through the certification process verifies the properties the manufacturer claims.
Thank you, Lukáš, for the interview!
The SZU Team
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