Understanding The Importance Of Fire Safety Training Both At Work And At Home


By Dominic Donaldson

Ever since the fire safety regulatory reform (fire safety) order 2005, fire safety training has become a legal requirement for staff members around the country. As a result, basic fire safety awareness has become dominant in both the workplace and the home. Whether you are an employer, employee or simply a general member of the public, understanding what to do in a fire could well be one of the most important set of skills you ever learn. From understanding basic safety precautions to enrolling in full fire safety training, it is imperative you are familiar with a few basic facts.

Within the workplace, certain members of staff may find they are allocated as fire wardens, expected to tackle small fires with extinguisher equipment, understand where all the emergency exits are and what to do in the event of a fire. When taking on these roles, fire marshals will require training in order to perform their role effectively. It is important for employees to learn not only what to do in the event of a fire, but also how to prevent one breaking out in the first place.

Those enrolling on a fire safety training course will be taught the current fire safety legislation, the effects a fire has on companies, the chemical processes that result in a fire (think of the fire triangle), the causes of fire, the effective evacuation procedures, how to react to fire, calling the fire services, fire protection methods and also basic fire extinguisher training, as well as daily and weekly checks.

These courses are well worth investing in and while they will only take up a few hours out of one day, the skills learned will be invaluable for life. Each trainee on the programmes receives an IFE approved certificate of attendance to recognise their achievements. Apart from physical recognition, the training courses allow staff members to feel suitably prepared for the responsibility of controlling the workplace and their colleagues, in the event of a fire.

Similarly, there are courses available for managers, who require the set up and running of basic fire safety induction sessions in their workplace within current legislation. Training staff will spend time with managers assisting them in the implementation of an induction plan for staff, looking at company fire safety policies and procedures, responsibilities that should be given to specific employees, key issues from the key risk assessments and a summary of the legal position regarding fire training and induction. This training course usually takes a full day and will also result in an IFE approved certificate of attendance.

Similarly, there are plenty of every day fire safety precautions the general Joe Public should be aware of, even if attending a training course is not an option. Ensuring you have fully working fire alarms, extinguishers and fire blankets fitted in your home and fire escape routes planned is basic human survival.

These precautionary measures must be well maintained and adequate for the number of residents and the size of the property. Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install, and can be bought at any DIY or electrical shop from as little as five pounds. It is important to regularly check the batteries to ensure they are in fully working order.

To help minimise the risk of electrical fires, it is important to unplug appliances that aren't in use and never overload adaptors with too many plugs.
For those who own an electrical heater, never cover it and never leave burning candles unattended. If young children are in the house, be sure to keep matches well out of their reach and for those who smoke, never do so in bed.

Whether you are an employer, looking to improve fire safety training in your workplace or simply need to familiarise your home with fire safety precautions for the family, be sure you are familiar with what to in the case of a fire. No one ever expects to fall victim but like the scouts say, Always Be Prepared.



 
About the author

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in Fire Training Programmes.
Find out more about Fire Safety Training and how it will provide you with invaluable skills of how to deal with a fire. from http://www.ContentHere.com


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