The Law Requirements on Training

All persons employed should be instructed and trained to ensure that they understand the fire precautions and the action to be taken in the event of a fire. This should include persons engaged on regular duties outside normal working hours, (e.g. cleaners). The aim should be to ensure that all staff receive instruction and training appropriate to their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. It should be based on written instructions.

Instruction should be given frequently by a competent person, at such intervals as will ensure that all employed persons are instructed preferably at least twice and in all cases at least once, in each 12 month period.

Instruction and training generally should provide the following:-

• The action to be taken upon discovering a fire.

• The action taken upon hearing the fire alarm.

• Raising the alarm, verbally or manually activating the fire alarm systems. This should include the location of alarm points, internal fire alarm telephones and alarm indicator panels.

• The correct method of calling the fire brigade.

• The location and use of fire fighting equipment.

• Knowledge of escape routes.

• Appreciation of the importance of fire doors and of the need to close all doors at the time of a fire and on hearing the fire alarm.

• Stopping machines and processes and isolating power supplies, where appropriate.

• Evacuation of the building, (where members of the public are present this will include reassuring them and escorting them to the exits, etc).

In addition to the above, certain categories of staff are to be instructed and trained in any matters peculiar to their responsibilities at the time of a fire. Examples are:-

• Department heads

• Supervisors

• Security Staff (including night security staff)

• Telephonist

• Fire Wardens/Fire Marshalls