Fired up for training
December 1st 2006

There are two key considerations when deciding what fire safety training your organisation requires: how best to comply with the law and – more importantly – the practical measures necessary to reduce fire risks to protect both your workforce and your business.

Graham Holloway of Vulcan Fire Training comments Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them, but each year there are over 40 000 fires in UK workplaces killing an average of 38 people and injuring over 1300. It is a sad fact that about 45% of these fires are started deliberately.

So there are compelling reasons to invest in fire safety training but, with so many different training organisations offering courses, it can be confusing knowing where to start. Every organisation is different, so there are no 'one size fits all' solutions. You'll need to consider the fire risks that affect your business and what competencies the individuals managing fire safety already have. You may decide to invest in developing your employees or you may wish to employ a consultant with a solid background in fire safety to advise you. Either way you should be aware of the right questions to ask.

Fire Risk Assessments The new legislation introduced in October 2006 has made it a legal requirement for all organisations to self-regulate fire safety. A competent person must carry out regular fire risk assessments on their premises. The previous system of fire certificates has become obsolete.

But what qualifies as a competent person? Stuart Cockings from the Institute of Fire Safety Managers says there is a common misconception as to what level of training is required to become a competent fire risk assessor. "There seem to be a lot of companies who feel this responsibility can simply be delegated to existing fire wardens. Although this is feasible, the skills required to undertake a fire risk assessment are more complex than a fire warden's role and cannot be learnt on a one-day course." The key principle of risk assessments is that it is an ongoing process which is continually reviewed. So if you are weighing up the option of outsourcing your fire risk assessment then remember to consider the cost of future consultations.

Whether you train your staff or employ a consultant, you need to do some ground work. Your fire emergency plan will need scale drawings of your premises, showing fire resisting construction, fire doors, emergency lighting, signage, fire warning arrangements and fire fighting equipment.

When sourcing a training company or consultant it is important to check their credentials. You can get reassurance that you are dealing with a reputable organisation or individual by checking they are at least Technician grade members of a recognised fire safety organisation like the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) or Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE).

If you opt for a consultant to perform your fire risk assessment on your behalf then make sure you establish the level of after-service you will receive. Will your consultant be prepared to act as your representative if the enforcing authorities challenge the risk assessment? When will the assessment be reviewed and what is the associated ongoing cost? Fire Wardens You are required to ensure your organisation has sufficient Fire Wardens; with suitable Deputies appointed to fulfil their duties when they are not present. There is more to the role than wearing the 'not so fetching' fluorescent jacket that might come with the job.

A one-day training course which covers the warden's responsibilities, a basic understanding of fire and rescue techniques, should be adequate to induct new fire wardens. They should then attend a refresher course every 2-3 years to reinforce what they have learnt.

It's important that wardens are familiar with your evacuation plans so they can perform their role effectively in the event of an emergency.

Fire Safety Awareness Creating a safe working environment is everybody's responsibility. Ultimately the best way to reduce fire risks is to promote a culture of awareness of fire safety throughout your workforce. Many fire awareness and fire warden courses also offer a practical fire fighting element using extinguishers to put out a simulated fire.

Successfully tackling a fire in a controlled environment can give your workforce confidence if ever faced with a real life situation.

The most cost effective way to train your staff is to train everybody in the organisation in fire awareness and fire extinguishers on one day, split over several sessions.

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