Fire Safety Training: Forging the Path to Workplace Safety
Discover the essential elements of fire safety training, from prevention to emergency preparedness, and rewards the company reaps from safeguarding the workforce.
Discover the essential elements of fire safety training, from prevention to emergency preparedness, and rewards the company reaps from safeguarding the workforce.
Published 22 Oct 2023
Fire safety training is a structured program designed to teach individuals how to prevent, respond to, and reduce the risks associated with fires. The curriculum encompasses fire hazard identification, safe practices, and prompt emergency responses, from correctly using fire extinguishers to organized evacuations. An indispensable aspect of workplace safety, this should be taught to everyone in the organization—from top management to independent contractors and service providers.
Workplace fires are a serious concern for companies across industries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are more than 200 fire incidents in the workplace every day, with over 5,000 getting injured annually. With these numbers, taking proactive action through fire safety training for employees is a must-do.
Topics covered in fire safety training greatly depend on the size of the organization and the industry they belong to. While businesses in high-risk industries (e.g., mining, large-scale construction, and oil and gas) need to plan a more comprehensive program because of the inherent dangers in their environments, all companies should make sure the basics are tackled:
The best method to protect people and property from fires and to minimize operational disruption is to prevent the fire from starting in the first place. It may seem like a commonsensical idea that does not require rigorous training. But the occurrence of fires has never ceased, so it should still be a top priority. Here are some points to take note of:
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
In the past, people discovered fires when they smelled smoke; when the fire had grown, it could be felt and seen. Fortunately, there are automatic systems that can detect and suppress fires today. Training for this should focus on the different types of detection and alarm systems in place and how to properly maintain them.
Should an outbreak occur, the company should be able to minimize its impact by promptly sharing detailed information with skilled personnel like firefighters and emergency response teams and alerting stakeholders who may be affected by the incident.
Most modern buildings are equipped with a fire suppression system that would turn on as soon as any indication of fire is detected (e.g., smoke, electrical spark, temperature increase).
Sprinkler systems are the most common since water puts out flames. But others use systems with nitrogen and argon in case of electrical fires.
Hand-held fire suppressors or fire extinguishers are a must-have for all organizations. It is incredibly effective in dousing fires within two minutes 93% of the time. This is also why fire extinguisher use is always a part of all fire safety training programs.
Other safety equipment that could effectively keep fires under wraps are fire hose reels (for Class A fires), hydrants and other sources, and fire blankets (for Class F fires).
This part of the program facilitates the avoidance and escape from fire. Fire and smoke tend to spread quickly. Without knowledge of where to go, the possibility of getting trapped increases. Here are some specific topics to be discussed under this key component:
The best way for workers to learn about this and apply it effectively in real-life situations is by regularly conducting fire drills. It would also be helpful if managers get feedback from employees to determine if they understood the exercise and if improvements are needed in the evacuation plan.
Various parties are deployed in any fire crisis, including local fire departments, rescue teams, and emergency medical services. They provide expert support when the incident is too grave for the company to handle.
Nonetheless, training the workforce on what should be done is the responsibility of the in-house safety officers. While the main focus of the employees is to evacuate to a pre-determined site as far away from the facility, they should still have an idea about the entire process based on the workplace emergency plans. Here are some vital points to be apprised of:
Having a fire safety training program can make the difference between chaos and order during a fire emergency. Managers often face numerous challenges throughout the process, from developing a comprehensive curriculum to engaging the trainees during learning sessions. But the following best practices may clear the way for success.
Technology is integral to learning and development. SafetyCulture’s Training is the platform that can assist you in your goals of protecting the entire workforce in case of fire emergencies. Whether you’re just in the planning phase, designing courses and specific drills, or sharing online fire safety training modules and quizzes with different teams, this digital solution you need for effective onboarding, upskilling, and safety training.
Training and development are essential to an organization’s success. Without it, employees will get stuck with the knowledge and skills they had when they were hired. Unfortunately, their failure to grow will also retard the company's progress. When workers fail to receive adequate fire safety training, getting stuck in a blazing workplace is much worse. Preparing your workers for any emergency protects them and the entire organization. Investing in a digital solution like SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) that can help you achieve your goals for a fire-proof work environment is a good call.
Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.
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