Fire safety training for employees is one of the most effective ways to minimise fire risk for a business. It helps to safeguard the best possible outcome should a fire event ever happen. That’s why it’s a legal requirement in the UK, for all businesses to ensure that employees receive adequate fire safety training. But it can be hard for business owners to know exactly what they should be covering in fire safety training. And that’s where it can make sense to involve a professional training partner, such as 1st Class Fire Protection.
In this post, we’re going to talk you through everything you need to know about fire safety training for your business – and how we can help you to deliver it.
A Guide to Fire Safety Training for the Workplace
Do I have to provide fire safety training for my employees?
Yes. According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all premises used for non-domestic purposes (with a couple of minor exceptions) are legally obliged to provide fire safety training for their employees.
Why is fire safety training necessary?
Aside from being a matter of regulatory compliance, fire safety training has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to:
- Give employees the confidence to handle emergency situations.
- Reduce the likelihood of fires breaking out.
- Minimise the potential damage a fire event can cause.
- And save lives.
What should be included in fire safety training?
At 1st Class Fire Protection, we’ve spent more than 25 years working to deliver the best and most effective fire safety training available. We provide two levels of fire safety training:
Fire marshal training
Every business should have at least one trained fire marshal (also known as fire warden). Their role is to take responsibility for workplace fire safety.
In this course, we cover every aspect of fire safety in the workplace, including:
- Fire regulations and what they mean in the context of your business
- The role of the fire marshal
- Common fire hazards and how to recognise the hazards unique to your workplace
- Fire protection equipment and how to use and maintain it
- How to take charge in an emergency
- How to evacuate a building in the event of a fire
- Fire risk assessments and how to create, use, and update them
- How to use the fire safety logbook
- Staff training requirements
- The role of housekeeping in fire safety.
Fire extinguisher training
Suitable for all staff members, this is a hands-on training session.
Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence against a small fire event escalating into something catastrophic. So, it’s not only vital that all employees know where all fire extinguishers are located, but what each fire extinguisher is for, and how to operate them.
In this session, we not only teach your team everything they need to know about fire extinguishers – the different types, where to use them, how to store them, and when to replace them. But provide the opportunity for practical application. Enabling attendees to use a fire extinguisher to put out a contained fire.
How long does each fire safety training session take?
At 1st Class Fire Protection, we have planned our training sessions usually take no more than half a day to a day depending on how many staff members take part. This enables us to deliver all the pertinent information, while ensuring the sessions remain light and engaging.
Where do 1st Class Fire Protection fire safety training sessions take place?
All of our training sessions can be conducted either at your place of work or at our training facility. We’re happy to work with you to find the best solution for your needs.
How often do I need to provide fire safety training for my team?
In the UK, you are obliged to provide employee fire safety training at least once a year. You also need to ensure that all new employees and visitors to your site receive basic fire safety training on the first day they enter your building.
Can I provide my own fire safety training?
Yes, and no. While it’s essential that you provide basic fire safety training to anyone using your business premises (it’s usually the role of the fire marshal to do so), official fire safety training can only be conducted by a qualified professional. Fire marshal training is almost always outsourced to a registered provider, such as 1st Class Fire Protection.
How do I know which fire safety training service to use?
When looking for a fire safety training provider, look for experience, accreditation, and customer reviews. At 1st Class Fire protection, we not only have more than 25 years knowledge and experience of fire safety training, but we work with all of the relevant industry governing bodies. Our engineers are BAFE, CHAS, and FIA approved. And, as you can see from the below testimonial, our customers speak for themselves!
“We used 1st Class Fire Protection for our fire risk assessment, fire warden/ extinguisher training, and the servicing of our fire alarm system/ emergency lighting. I cannot fault the service we have received for all of these aspects, and found the whole experience with them easy and professional. In addition, all employees I have had the pleasure of meeting so far have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We look forward to working with them for years to come!”
Kim Baston, August 12th 2023
Employee fire safety training is integral for all UK businesses. It helps you to keep your employees and customers safe, and your business protected. That’s why finding the right training partner to work with is so vitally important.
1st Class Fire Protection is an industry-leading fire protection company. Serving customers throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and the surrounding areas. Our highly experienced team can support your business with fire safety training. Get in touch to find out more today.
