What is fire safety training?

In today’s rapidly changing regulatory landscape, staying compliant with legal obligations is paramount for businesses. Fire safety training is a critical aspect of this responsibility as it plays a vital role in safeguarding employees and property.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what fire safety training is and why it’s important in keeping your property and people protected. We’ll also look at who is qualified to deliver fire safety training and how often you should be undergoing this vital piece of training.

What is fire safety training?

Fire safety training is a structured program designed to educate people about fire hazards, prevention techniques, and appropriate responses in the event of a fire. It’s an essential aspect of workplace safety, aiming to prevent fires, minimise damage, and most importantly, save lives.

At its core, fire safety training covers the fundamental aspects of fire prevention, detection, and response. It often begins with an understanding about the common fire risks in a specific workplace, along with identifying potential sources of ignition, such as faulty electrical equipment, flammable materials, and careless smoking.

Once the fire risks are identified, the training will often move on to focus on fire risk assessments, which involves evaluating the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences. The training will also delve into the importance of evacuation procedures, including highlighting where the escape routes and assembly points are in a building.

Effective fire safety training goes beyond sharing information. It should include practical demonstrations, interactive sessions, and simulated scenarios to equip people with the necessary knowledge and skills to react confidently during real fire emergencies.

Why fire safety training is important

Fire safety training is of paramount importance in protecting lives, property, and ensuring business continuity. It plays a direct role in protecting employees and property by providing them with the knowledge and skills to react swiftly in the event of a fire. This will include applying their knowledge of fire alarms, evacuation procedures, and the location and whereabouts of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers.

Providing fire safety training for your employees also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being as well as compliance with legal obligations. This kind of workplace safety means businesses and employees learn how to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards, which reduces the likelihood of a fire incident occurring in the first place.

Is fire safety training a legal requirement?

The short answer to this is yes, fire safety training is a legal requirement for employers in the UK. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers have a legal obligation to provide adequate fire safety training to all employees, regardless of the business size and industry.

It highlights the legal obligation on employers, also known as the “responsible person”, to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises in case of a fire. As well as that, employers are required to conduct a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and plan for potential emergencies. It’s also strongly recommended to review their fire risk assessments regularly and make updates to their training and procedures where necessary.

Failing to provide adequate fire safety training to employees can result in severe legal consequences. Penalties for non-compliance can include formal enforcement notices requiring immediate action, substantial fines, and even prosecution. In cases of serious negligence, or if a fire occurs due to inadequate training, individuals deemed responsible, including directors and managers, could face imprisonment.

With this in mind, it’s essential for businesses to recognise the importance of providing proper fire safety training. It’s not only a legal obligation, but also a moral obligation to protect employees and avoid potentially devastating legal repercussions.

How often do you need to do fire safety training?

Whilst there is no legal requirement on frequency, the general recommendation is that refresher training should be provided regularly to ensure employees remain aware of fire safety procedures. The frequency of fire safety training may vary depending on the specific industry and the level of risk associated within the workplace. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to the frequency of refreshing fire safety training.

For example, if your workplace has any changes made to the layout, there are any new fire risks, or there are changes to your fire safety procedures, then a refresher to your fire safety training will be needed. This is to ensure your employees are aware of any updates to your fire safety protocols.

New employees will also need to undergo fire safety training as part of their induction process, covering all the essential aspects such as fire hazards, evacuation routes, and the use of fire extinguishers.

Ultimately, employers need to assess their unique circumstances and implement a training schedule that highlights the specific fire safety risks present in their workplace.

Who can give fire safety training?

It’s highly recommended to speak to qualified external providers to deliver proper fire safety training, especially for organisations operating in higher-risk sectors. Some of examples of who can give fire safety training include:

• Certified health and safety professionals – these individuals hold the recognised credentials from accredited organisations, which demonstrates their expertise in health and safety, including fire safety. They possess a deep understanding of fire safety regulations, risk assessment methodologies, and best practices for fire prevention and response.
• Fire safety consultants – these are specialised professionals with extensive knowledge in fire safety management. They work closely with businesses to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects related to fire hazards, prevention, and emergency planning. Their expertise in fire dynamics and fire protection systems enables them to provide practical solutions and training to enhance fire safety within a business.
• Qualified fire safety trainers – possessing a strong understanding of fire safety regulations, these individuals specialise in delivering impactful fire safety training that equip people with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies. They themselves undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure their competency in delivering high-quality instruction.

How long does fire safety training last?

Some certificates of fire safety training courses don’t have an expiry date, and this is determined by the type of course and the course provider if and when they provide an expiry date. There is no legal mandate for when fire safety training expires as there are different factors that can change this, for example staff turnover, business changes such as building layout, and changes to fire risks and assessment findings.

However it’s crucial to remember that fire safety knowledge and skills can deteriorate over time. That’s why regular refresher training is recommended as this ensures that individuals maintain their awareness of fire safety practices and procedures, enabling them to react calmly, confidently, and effectively in the event of an emergency.

We can help provide fire safety training for your business

As you can see, fire safety training is not just a legal requirement but a critical aspect of ensuring the safety of employees and property. Regular training is essential for preparedness and when you speak with professional fire safety experts like the LS Fire Group, you can save lives.

At the LS Fire Group, our nationwide qualified fire safety professionals are committed to delivering proper and in-depth fire safety training to your employees so they understand their role in the event of a fire. If you’d like to learn more about our fire safety training services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.