Fire safety training isn't just what fire extinguisher to use!  Not knowing procedures, means of escape routes and roles in a fire evacuation can have serious consequences.  Additionally, prevention is better than cure, and training staff in how to avoid fire is just as important as instructing them what to do if a fire does happen.

There is a requirement under the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) to provide staff fire safety training, and not doing so can lead to prosecution.  The training needs to be provided on induction into the business, periodically following this or when there have been significant changes in the business.   A record of the training need to be kept.

Training can be classroom based or through computer based packages and should include:

Fire Safety Instruction and Training

New Employees

On or before the first day of their employment, all new staff should receive fire safety training as part of their induction process.

The training should include the following material:

• The location and use of the escape routes.
• The location, operation and meaning of the fire alarm system.
  

 Annual Staff Training

• The action to be taken upon discovering a fire.
• How to raise the alarm.
• The action to be taken upon hearing the alarm.
• The procedures for dealing with visitors and members of the public.
• The arrangements for calling the Fire Service.
• The evacuation procedures.
• The location and use of the fire fighting equipment.
• The location of the means of escape routes.
• How to open all emergency exit doors.
• The importance of keeping fire doors closed.
• Where appropriate, how to isolate appliances and power/gas supplies.
• The importance of general fire safety and good housekeeping.

Employees who have special duties e.g. Managers, Fire Wardens etc will be given additional, appropriate training.

If you need advice on staff fire safety training, or any other fire safety matters, please call us on 01246 434 314.