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Fire Safety Training

Current fire safety legislation requires all employers to ensure thier staff have some form of fire safety training. It does not though say exactly what form that training should take, and this has led to some confusion as to what action employers should take. Broadly speaking, the level of training should be related to the risks posed to staff in the workplace. If the risk is very low, like in a small office, the training can be very basic; a car maintenance workshop naturally suggests a higher risk of fire, and therefore more training would be required. The first step must be to complete a fire risk assessment. This is not only a legal requirement, but it will help you to assess the fire risks in the workplace and who is exposed to them. You will decide on what training is right for you, based on this assessment.

Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended

These apply to virtually all places where people are employed to work. The main requirements are for the user of the premises relating to training are:

  • Carry out and review fire risk assessments.
  • Provide and maintain fire precautions to safeguard those who use the workplace.
  • Check that a fire can be detected in a reasonable time and that staff can be easily warned.
  • Check that staff can get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
  • Provide, check and maintain sufficient fire fighting equipment.
  • Plan for an emergency and provide appropriate training for staff.
  • Provide information, instruction and training to employees about the fire precautions provided.

Training Requirements

Under the sub heading training and instruction the regulations also state the following:

All people regularly employed in a workplace should be aware of the risk of fire… they need to know what action should be taken in case of fire including:

  • How to warn others.
  • The location and use of escape routes.
  • Assisting visitors or members of the public.
  • The location of a nominated assembly point.
  • The use of the fire equipment provided.
  • How to summon the fire service.

They go on to say:

“Everyone should know what hazards the fire extinguishers are provided to cover and the danger of using the wrong type of extinguisher. Sufficient numbers of employees trained in the use of fire extinguishers should always be present when the workplace is occupied…in larger places of work it may be appropriate to nominate certain employees to carry out specific tasks in the event of fire. These tasks might include acting as marshals, ensuring complete evacuation… the training provided should ensure these tasks are carried out effi ciently and safely.”

Different Levels of Training

So, the law is clear on what areas should be addressed during training. The level of that training though depends on the risks.

Basic training

For small, low risk workplaces, the training could consist of a walk around the premises and short discussion with the staff, covering all the points required in the regulations (e.g. where the fire escape routes are, how to raise the alarm, how to use the fire extinguishers). It’s always a good idea to keep a record of what training was given including the dates and and who was present.

Specific fire risks

You workplace may contain a small number of specific fire risks, such as a fork-lift truck or a flammable storage area. Your risk assessment would highlight these and you may decide additional training is necessary for the members of staff who work around these risks, e.g. practical fire extinguisher training giving each person hands-on experience in the use of extinguishers on real fires.

Fire Marshals

On completing your assessment you may decide to appoint a number of fire marshals or wardens. Many companies employing more than 10 staff or who admit members of the public on to their premises find fire marshals a great help. Duties can include:

  • Carrying out fire risk assessments.
  • Identifying fire hazards and minimising the risks they pose.
  • Checking escape routes to be functional and free from obstruction.
  • Overseeing the checking and maintenance of the fire detection system, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.
  • Helping to devise a fire evacuation plan and overseeing regular fire drills.
  • Ensuring good security is in place to minimise the risk of arson.
  • Developing a habit of good housekeeping and fire action awareness amongst all staff with regular training.

Appointing fire marshals helps to identify exactly who is responsible for each aspect of fire safety. Even in a very small workplace, such as a doctor’s surgery, just one fire marshal will mean everyone is clear who will:

  • Take charge in a fire situation.
  • Perform regular checks to ensure the public have not tampered with extinguishers or signs.
  • Organise a fire drill.
  • Liaise with the fire brigade.
  • Keep track of fire maintenance and training records.

Fire marshals may also find themselves giving basic fire awareness training to other members of staff in low risk areas. Keeping this kind of training in-house saves money and helps to maintain a high level of fire safety awareness in the workplace.

Training solutions available

We have been providing fire training solutions for 1000s of firms all over the UK since 1972. This has given us a wealth of experience in what firms of all sizes and types are looking for. Before we recommend a plan we like to gather information from you about your workplace. Ideally you will have already competed a fire risk assessment, which will help to decide who should be trained and to what level. We are happy to customise any session or program to your exact requirements, but there are three broad solutions available:

Training In A Box™ video packs

For the majority of firms, most staff will only require a basic level of fire training. You need a solution that’s straightforward, flexible, available whenever you need it and cost effective. For these staff, why not choose from our exclusive video training packs?

Accountability and training records are important. It’s one thing showing the staff a video, but whose to say they have taken any notice or learned anything? Each one of our packs contains everything you need to run a professional in-house session, including:

  • Questionnaires relating to the video presentation. You can use these completed questionnaires to demonstrate that each member of staff reached the required level.
  • Pocket guides for everyone to keep as a handy reference.
  • Certificates to issue to the staff, enhancing their sense of achievement.
  • A training record form, to be signed by each person as further proof of attendance.
  • Fact sheets, detailing everything they need to know.

We offer three three options for use:

  • VHS video tape
  • Windows® compatible CD-ROM
  • Licenses available for installation on your own Intranet for company-wide use.

On-Site Fire Lectures

We understand that many people do not have the time or the level of expertise to run in-house training sessions. For them we have devised a range of fire training lectures from basic to advanced topics. Our training manager, Ron Turner, has spent all his working life dealing with fire and safety. After 16 years with the West Yorkshire Fire Brigade and as the Fire & Safety Officer for an oil refinery, he established his own company and worked with clients such as The Petroleum Training Federation, The British Safety Council and all the major oil and gas companies, including offshore. He is a Member of IOSH, a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers and a Member of the Association of Petroleum and Explosives Administration. He is also a qualified trainer/instructor in the ADR courses, covering 7 out of the 9 categories of the dangerous substances.

Sessions can be surprisingly inexpensive, some starting from just £5 per person!

On-Site Practical Sessions

Sometimes there’s nothing to replace hands-on experience. If some of your staff are working in high risk areas you may decide this is the best solution. Practical fire fighting sessions can be tied in with your choice of fire lecture, so whether it’s good-housekeeping, general fire marshalling or handling petroleum mixtures, we can create the perfect training session for you.

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