FIRE! What happens now…?

Did you know that the easiest (and probably cheapest!) way to increase your fire safety is staff fire training?

A survey carried out recently revealed that nearly half of employees haven’t received workplace training on what to do in the event of a fire. Over a third of employees didn’t feel competent to cope with emergency procedures. This is even despite the fact that employers are legally obliged to ensure staff are given appropriate instruction!

Training carried out by professionals isn’t always necessary: it could be as simple as showing staff the Fire Action Notices dotted around the building.

As a minimum, staff training should provide information, instruction or training on the following:

• Fire risks in the premises
• The fire safety measures in the building
• Action in the event of fire
• Action on hearing the fire alarm signal
• Method of operation of manual call points/fire alarm
• Location and use of fire extinguishers
• Means for summoning the fire and rescue service
• Identity of persons nominated to assist with evacuation
• Procedures for the safe evacuation of all occupants (including disabled persons, visitors, children etc.)

Fire drills also help to fix procedures in people’s minds – practice makes perfect. (You should make sure all staff (including part-time workers) take part in at least one fire drill a year).

If you still feel that some or all of your staff need to be more confident about fire safety, why not contact us for information on our fire safety training courses – all of which can be tailored to your circumstances and budget. Phone us on 0330 7000 555 or contact us here.