Q) Do I have to train my staff in fire safety?
A) Yes, this is a legal requirement. Article 21 (1) Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 states
“You must provide induction training to all new staff and provide refresher training.”
Q) What is the minimum training requirement?
A) Depending on the size and use of your premises you must appoint one or more competent persons to carry out preventative and protective measures (this can be yourself). To be competent e.g. someone with enough knowledge, experience or has received suitably training to carry out these measures.
You must provide training to all staff regarding fire precautions relevant to your workplace, taking into account work processes and explain your emergency plan, including all escape routes.
You must inform your staff: how to raise the alarm, who will call the fire service, how to evacuate the building and where to assemble, of the first aid fire-fighting equipment e.g. how to identify the different types and what type of fire they can be safely used on, how to shut down machinery and not to use lifts in the event of fire.
You must inform staff how to direct members of the public to the nearest exit.
Q) Do I have to appoint fire wardens or fire marshals?
A) You have to appoint sufficient competent persons to assist in emergency evacuation and these should receive training by a competent person. Where you employ or give access to disabled persons then a written plan must be produced.
Q) What is the difference between a fire warden and fire marshal?
A) None, you can call them anything you like. However fire warden and marshals are commonly recognised names for supervisory staff during an emergency.
Q) Can I train my own staff?
A)If your premises are very small and the fire risks minimal then yes, however this will be subject to the findings of your fire risk assessment. In larger premises with significant fire risks a competent person should provide training.
Q) Do I have to train my staff in the use of fire extinguishers?
A)Staff with no training should not be expected to extinguish a fire. However, all staff should be familiar the basic operation and location; where fire wardens are appointed and are expected to use them. Then competent training should be provided.
Q) Does the training for fire extinguishers require live fire?
A) There is no legal requirement during training to use live fire. However, well designed training courses using live fire under controlled conditions will undoubtedly provide staff with the confidence to use them. As a minimum, staff can be shown how they operate and can practise this during training sessions without live fire.
Q) Where can I get more detailed guidance?
A)The government has printed a series of fire guides to suit all industries, which can downloaded free from the following link http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/
Or you can simply contact Firesafe Design Ltd for all your training and consultancy requirements.