Fire Training For Employees

Fire Training Employees

The Regulatory Reform Order 2005 states that employers have a legal responsibility to provide Fire Safety Training to their staff. The reason for this change in the law is that most of the employees will never experience a fire in the workplace, but, if that were to happen, the consequences could be devastating, and they have to be prepared.

One Fire – Two Different Scenarios

In a worst-case scenario, an untrained staff member that discovers or even causes a fire, wouldn’t know how to act. It would be unusual for them to watch the fire grow and do nothing, which means they will try to stop the fire, putting their lives in danger and in most cases doing more harm than helping.

This is difficult to imagine, but we have to understand that unexpected fires, frightens and panics people, who are unfamiliar with it. This will cause them to behave irrationally in this terrifying scenario.

On the other hand, if staff members were trained and knew what to do in these early stages of a fire, they would remain calm, confident and act responsibly. They will try to get help, call the fire rescue services and use a strategically located, adjacent fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire in its early stages before the fire brigade arrive. The Fire Training provided by MCFP would prepare them for this scenario, so their actions will be calculated, efficient and safe.

Our fire training programme follows all the procedures in Articles 15 & 21 and covers the induction training for new employees as well as further training to include any changes in the workplace.

MCFP Fire Training Employees Programme

1. Includes suitable and sufficient instruction and training on the appropriate precautions and actions taken by an employee to safeguard themselves and other relevant persons.
2. Be repeated when necessary periodically or when appropriate.
3. Be adapted to take into account any changes within the workplace, which change the risks to the employees
4. Be provided in a manner appropriate to the findings of the Fire Risk Assessment
5. Take place during work hours

All staff should be made aware of and comply with the company’s Fire Policy, which is usually drawn up with the Fire Risk Assessment. The policy should cover the basic items listed:

• No Smoking Rules
• Procedures for handling waste and rubbish
• Keeping escape routes clear and fire equipment unobstructed
• The use of fire safety equipment eg. Fire doors, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Alarm
• Immediate reporting of faulty equipment
• Reporting suspicious persons who may present security risks

Induction training is essential for new employees or any other persons on site, as untrained persons can be a danger to others. It should be provided on the first day of work and should include:

• Tour of the building to identify means of escape, fire exits and fire action notices
• Details of the fire alarm system, how to activate it, testing procedures/times and alarm sound
• The location of assembly point(s)
• Actions to be taken on discovering a fire or hearing the fire alarm and evacuation procedures
• Location of nearest fire safety equipment and who will use it
• The importance of keeping escape routes and fire exits clear of combustibles and fuel
• An explanation of the importance and functions of fire doors
• Company policy on fire drills, fire marshal, fire wardens and general procedures

Fire Warden Training

Fire warden training should be provided to employees who have been recognised as suitable candidates to take on this role. Sufficient Fire Wardens should be appointed to cover all areas of the premises, at all times. Deputies should be appointed to cover periods of holiday or absence.

Each course should be tailored to satisfy the company’s requirements and an example of a training agenda is listed below:

Introduction

Outline the aims and objectives of the course; i.e. firefighting familiarisation

Understanding Fire Principles

The current fire laws, understanding of the fire triangle, housekeeping in the workplace, ignition and spread of fire. Use of a DVD to highlight the importance of fire induction and general fire safety

Fire Risk Assessment

Explanation of what a fire risk assessment is and how to carry one out in sthe workplace. Group discussion about company premises.

Portable Fire Extinguisher- Theory

Classroom tutorial – The workings and selection of appropriate fire extinguishers. Different categories of fire and suitable types of fire extinguisher to use.

Practical Demonstration – Portable Fire Extinguisher

Practical use of portable fire extinguishers held outside in the car park or similar area. MCFP supplies the fire extinguishers for discharging and provide a portable fire simulator for a real fire experience. All delegates use the extinguishers to get a real feel for how they work and how to use them.

Legislation and personal responsibilities

Role of the Fire Warden- Supported with DVD film

Summary

Questions and certificates of attendance issued