Fire Safety Training

All employees should undergo some form of basic Fire Safety training when they join a company, complemented by refresher courses on a regular basis. By doing this, staff will be prepared in the event of a fire, ensuring their own safety and the safety of other people on the premises.

It is vitally important to ensure that all staff and contractors are informed on matters relating to the emergency plan and the relevant escape routes.

The premises fire risk assessment should directly relate to the training, ensuring all attendees fully understand the assessment’s findings.  In addition, training should also give all staff members an understanding of their roles in the event of a fire.

In larger premises this will probably mean some staff are provided with additional training to carry out specialist fire safety activities.

As well as the advice given to new employees, all staff should have an understanding of the following as a minimum:

• Items included in the emergency plan.
• Basic fire prevention measures and the importance of fire doors.
• The use of firefighting equipment, specifically the appropriate tools for certain situations.
• The importance of reporting to the relevant assembly area.
• The operation and location of exits and exit routes in the premises, including a practical walk through.
• How to assist disabled persons in the event of an emergency.
• General safety information such as the importance of designated smoking and cooking areas.

Training is essential:

• Whenever staff are employed or transferred to the premises.
• When alterations have been made to the emergency plan or any of the fire prevention and protection measures.
• When staff members’ responsibilities or working methods have changed.
• To ascertain the effects of any changes in the risks to staff or other persons.
• Ensuring that staff are aware of the measures to safeguard their personal safety and the safety of others.
• If any staff are expected to assist disabled persons on the premises.
• If a member of staff is to become a duty manager.

The repetition of training is extremely important and should take place within the hours of business.

The training you implement should be able to support the work of your Fire Safety Manager, the fire safety strategy and emergency plan.

Relevant authorities may wish to see proof of your training efforts by examining your records.

For further information or advice, please contact C-Link’s Health, Safety and Training Partner, 4see. You can visit thie Partner page here to gain access to exclusive C-Link discounts on 01327 811166 or email enquiry@4see.co.uk.

About Paul Heming

Paul was a Quantity Surveyor who gained 10 years experience of managing £200 million worth of flagship UK projects, including 20 Fenchurch Street and Battersea Power Station. In 2015, Paul founded C-Link with the intention of sharing his expertise of managing major projects with the SME market.