Fire Training For Employees – What is Required?

May 12th, 2023

Last updated: May 11th, 2023

If you run a business with employees, you have a number of responsibilities regarding their safety while they are on your premises. Fire training for employees is one of the ways to make sure that you are meeting these responsibilities.

In this guide, we explore whether fire training is essential and what the training may involve. Fortunately, it is usually relatively straightforward to bring everybody up to speed and do the right thing when it comes to fire safety.

Is Fire Training Essential?

Knowing your responsibilities when it comes to fire is absolutely crucial. These responsibilities include risk assessments, signage, fire alarms and detection systems, and of course, training.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires employers to provide an adequate level fire safety training to all employees, regardless of the size of the business or the industry you’re in. The law explains that employers must conduct a fire risk assessment, develop an emergency plan, and ensure employees are trained in fire safety procedures, including how to use fire extinguishers and how to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire.

Many of us who have worked in offices or large workforces before will have attended the sort of events that explain things about the fire risks in the business and even show us the emergency exits and emergency lighting to show the exits of the building.

Fire training is essential to prevent fires from occurring in the workplace and to minimise the potential damage caused by fires. It is also vital to ensure that employees know how to respond in case of a fire emergency, including how to evacuate the building quickly and safely. Fire training can also help employees identify potential fire hazards.

What the Law Says

While you need to refer to the Fire Safety Order for the full details, the Government outlines your responsibilities as the “responsible person” in a business. This may mean the employer or business owner.

Their official guidance explains that as the responsible person you must:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly
• Tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified
• Put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures
• Plan for an emergency
• Provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

What is Fire Safety Training?

Fire safety training will generally involve the following:

• Training upon induction. When a new member of staff is taken on they will undergo some fire training to learn about the procedures, fire detection systems and other aspects of fire safety.
• Regular training to refresh their knowledge on fire safety or if new equipment like fire shutters are installed.
• Specific duties. If someone is appointed as a Fire Marshal or will be carrying out weekly alarm tests, for instance, they might need specific training.
• Any further training deemed necessary in the fire risk assessment.

The areas covered in fire safety training for employees include:

Fire hazards. Employees are taught to identify common fire hazards in the workplace, such as electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and combustible materials.

Fire prevention. Prevention is better than cure. In this phase, employees learn how to prevent fires from occurring, such as ensuring that equipment is regularly serviced and maintained, and that flammable materials are stored correctly.

Fire safety procedures. Employees may be trained on what to do in the event of a fire, including how to raise the alarm, how to evacuate the building, and how to use fire extinguishers.

Evacuation. Employees should learn how to get out of the building quickly and safely and the fire assembly point.

Fire drills. Fire drills are conducted periodically to allow employees to practice evacuation procedures and to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed.

What is a Fire Marshal?

Businesses often have dedicated Fire Marshals. This is a role they do in tandem with their existing role.

Usually, a Fire Marshal is a designated individual who is responsible for overseeing fire safety and emergency procedures in the workplace. Their role is critical in ensuring the safety of employees, visitors, and the premises in the event of a fire, and it is also a further safeguard for employers to put in place, ensuring there is a plan for potential fires.

Fire Marshals are often responsible for assisting with the evacuation of the building in case of a fire, ensuring that everyone is accounted for, and liaising with the emergency services as required. They also play an essential role in promoting fire safety awareness among employees and may even be the people who provide the fire safety training to staff members.

Conclusion – Knowing Your Responsibilities

The training aspect of fire safety is just one part of the puzzle. At Robinsons Facilities Services, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive and reliable fire safety services. We can provide you with fire safety services including annual maintenance, and even emergency repairs as required, anywhere in the Yorkshire region. We can also provide you with advice regarding your responsibilities and help you to stay compliant.

Our team is on hand 24/7 to deal with any breakdowns or problems you might have.

Working across Yorkshire, we cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time to all breakdowns and repairs. Contact us today for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call out. Call 01423 226578 or get in touch to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.