Yes, in the UK, your company needs to provide fire safety training to your employees. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all employers in England and Wales, along with comparable regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, ensure their staff receive adequate fire safety training. This training should be carried out at the time of induction and periodically refreshed, typically annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes to the work environment or personnel.
Here’s what typically needs to be covered in fire safety training:
- Fire Awareness: Employees should understand the basics of fire safety, including how fires start (fire triangle), common fire hazards specific to their workplace, and how to prevent fires.
- Evacuation Procedures: Staff should be familiar with the evacuation routes and exits, assembly points, and the procedure for raising the alarm in case of fire. They should also know how to respond if the primary evacuation route is blocked.
- Firefighting Equipment: While not everyone is expected to use firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers, employees should know the locations of this equipment and the basic principles of operation. Specific training should be provided to those designated to use such equipment.
- Role-Specific Responsibilities: Staff with specific roles in the fire safety plan, such as fire wardens or marshals, should receive additional training relevant to their responsibilities.
- People at Risk: Training should also cover procedures for ensuring that visitors and individuals with disabilities can safely evacuate the premises.
- Action on Discovering a Fire: Employees should know what actions to take if they discover a fire, including how to sound the alarm and what information to provide to the emergency services.
- Practical Drills: Conducting regular fire drills will help ensure employees understand evacuation procedures and can react appropriately in an emergency.
The exact nature and frequency of the training will depend on the size of your company, the nature of its activities, the complexity of your organisational structure, and the results of your fire risk assessment. Remember, effective fire safety training can significantly reduce the risk of fire and can save lives and property. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all staff are adequately trained and that records of training are maintained.