Fire Safety Training - Its Importance and Benefits

Fire safety training for the workplace is a legal requirement for employers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. But beyond legal compliance, there are numerous benefits to equipping your workforce with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to fires effectively – and prevention is the best method of firefighting.

We have online and classroom fire safety training courses for you to book. Here are the differences between them to help you decide which is best for your workplace and employees, as well as some of the benefits to having well trained and fire-aware employees.

Benefits of Fire Safety Training

Reduced risk of fires

Training increases knowledge and raises awareness of fire hazards, promoting safe work practices and early detection of potential dangers.

Better prepared staff

Employees learn proper evacuation procedures, what to do in the event of a fire, how to use fire extinguishers and how to know where the designated assembly points are, ensuring a swift and calm response in an emergency.

Reduced business disruption

Even a small fire can cause disruption, so knowing how to deal with one will minimise fire damage and allow for a faster recovery process, keeping business operations running smoothly. It’s obviously better to prevent one happening in the first place, but being prepared is a huge advantage.

Legal compliance

As well as the legal ramifications for not being up to date with fire training, fire safety training demonstrates your compliance to fire safety regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal repercussions. Feeling equipped and knowing what to do in a fire emergency also gives your employees a sense of security.

Online learning vs classroom learning – what’s best for you?

Every business and their needs are different and so the best choice for you depends on your specific workplace requirements, budget and resources. It may be that a mixture of the two is right. Some factors to consider:

• Workplace size and complexity. Larger or higher-risk workplaces might benefit from a blended approach, combining online learning with practical in-classroom sessions.
• Employee learning styles. Some employees may learn better through self-directed online courses, while others prefer interactive in-person training.
• Accessibility and budget. Consider online accessibility for all employees and weigh the cost implications of both options.

What does online learning offer?

• It’s convenient and flexible. Employees can access training modules at their own pace and schedule, which is ideal for busy workplaces and busy people.
• It’s cost effective. Online courses are often cheaper than instructor-led sessions, potentially saving on trainer fees and travel expenses, as well as less time away from the workplace.
• No size limitation. It’s easy to onboard multiple new employees or update training for the entire workforce all at the same time.

What about classroom learning?

• It can be interactive and engaging. Being in a room with an instructor can mean live Q&As, open discussion and practical exercises, all of which can promoting deeper understanding.
• Training can be tailored to the people attending. Trainers can tweak content according to the people on the training course and address individual learning styles or difficulties.
• Skill development. Hands-on practice with fire extinguishers, evacuation drills and other essential skills.

As you can see, there are different benefits to each style of learning. We have a range of online and classroom-based fire safety training courses including:

• Fire Warden / Fire Marshal online course – two to three hours of interactive online fire marshal training, outlining the role and duties of a fire marshal, general fire prevention, workplace risk assessments and lots more.
• Fire Marshal course – in-person classroom fire marshal training to make sure designated employees understand their duties and know how to make the workplace safer for all.
• Fire Extinguisher online course – two hours of online fire extinguisher training, explaining different uses and types of fire extinguishers, the fire marshal / warden’s role and general fire safety.
• Fire Risk Assessment online course – three hours’ online training to check your building is up to fire safety standards, including carrying out fire risk assessments, understanding the systems and equipment you need in place, as well as an overview of fire safety law.

Remember, regardless of online or classroom based learning, regular fire safety training is essential for protecting lives, property and business continuity. By carefully considering your needs, you can make an informed decision to ensure your workplace is fire-safe and prepared for any emergency.

We are only too happy to help you choose the right fire safety training course for you. Contact us on 01892 543000 for help booking or advice on which training course to book.