Is your business fire safety savvy? Our Fire Safety Awareness Training will ensure your workplace is clued up on fire safety, which isn’t just best practice; it’s absolutely essential. Our Onsite Fire Safety Awareness Training course provides your staff with the crucial knowledge to recognise fire hazards, understand emergency procedures, and play their part in keeping everyone safe and sound. Delivered directly at your premises across Ireland, this course is the first step in creating a fire-safe environment and a legally compliant workplace.

Investing in Fire Safety Awareness Training is more than just ticking boxes; it’s about genuine peace of mind for you and real protection for your employees. Equipping your team with this fundamental training empowers them to act confidently and effectively in an emergency, minimising risk and potential damage. This course not only meets your legal obligations under Irish fire safety legislation, but it also demonstrates a clear commitment to the well-being of your staff, fostering a safer and more responsible workplace culture.

Ready to make fire safety a top priority in your organisation? Discover how our engaging and practical Onsite Fire Safety Awareness Training course can benefit your business. Explore the course details below to learn exactly what your team will gain, and get in touch today to discuss your training needs and book a session at your premises across Ireland. Let Phoenix STS Training help you create a safer, more compliant, and ultimately, more resilient business.

Benefits of the Fire Safety Awareness Training

Having your staff undergo Fire Safety Awareness Training offers a whole host of advantages, both for your employees and the business. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating a safer, more resilient workplace:

For Your Employees

• Enhanced Personal Safety: First and foremost, it equips your staff with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. They’ll learn how to spot fire hazards, understand fire risks, and, most importantly, know how to react calmly and effectively if a fire breaks out. This is about giving them the confidence to protect themselves and their colleagues.
• Increased Confidence in Emergency Situations: Fire emergencies can be incredibly stressful and disorientating. Training provides employees with a plan of action and familiarises them with emergency procedures like evacuation routes and fire alarm signals. This preparation reduces panic and allows them to respond more confidently and decisively, potentially saving lives and minimising injuries.
• Understanding of Fire Hazards in the Workplace: Training helps staff identify potential fire hazards specific to their workplace. They’ll learn to recognise things like overloaded sockets, blocked fire exits, improper storage of flammable materials, and other common risks that might go unnoticed. This proactive hazard identification can prevent fires before they even start.
• Empowerment to Contribute to Workplace Safety: It’s not just about individual safety. Fire safety awareness training empowers every staff member to actively participate in maintaining a safe working environment. They become extra pairs of eyes and ears, contributing to your organisation’s stronger safety culture.
• Greater Awareness of Fire Prevention Measures: Training isn’t just about what to do during a fire; it’s also about prevention. Employees learn about simple, everyday actions to minimise fire risks, such as ensuring equipment is switched off properly, reporting faulty wiring, and keeping work areas tidy and free from clutter.

For Your Business

• Legal Compliance—Ticking the Right Boxes: In Ireland, fire safety training is a legal requirement for most businesses. Providing this training ensures you are meeting your legal obligations under fire safety legislation and avoiding potential fines, legal action, and business interruption. Compliance is essential, and training helps you demonstrate your commitment.
• Reduced Risk of Fire Incidents: By proactively training your staff to recognise and prevent fire hazards, you significantly reduce the likelihood of fire incidents occurring in the first place. Prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than cure. Fewer fires mean less disruption and lower costs.
• Minimised Damage and Losses in Case of Fire: Even with the best prevention efforts, fires can still happen. Trained staff are better equipped to react swiftly and appropriately during a fire, helping to contain the spread, using fire extinguishers effectively (if trained to do so and it is safe), and assisting with evacuation. This can dramatically minimise property, equipment, and stock damage and reduce potential business interruption.
• Protection of Your Business Reputation: A fire incident, especially involving injury or significant damage, can seriously damage your business’s reputation. Comprehensive training demonstrating a strong commitment to fire safety shows your clients, customers, and the public that you take safety seriously, protecting your brand image.
• Lower Insurance Premiums (Potentially): Insurance companies often look favourably at businesses that invest in fire safety training and risk reduction measures. You may be able to negotiate lower insurance premiums by demonstrating a proactive approach to fire safety management through trained staff.
• Improved Business Continuity: Fire incidents can cause significant business disruption, leading to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and damaged customer relationships. By minimising fire risks and ensuring staff are prepared to react effectively, you improve your business’s ability to continue operating even in an emergency.
• Investing in fire safety awareness training demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being: It shows your employees that you value their safety and well-being. This can boost staff morale, improve employee retention, and create a more positive and caring workplace culture. A safe and caring workplace attracts and retains good staff.

In a Nutshell

Fire Safety Awareness Training isn’t just a cost; it’s a valuable investment. It protects your employees, safeguards your business, and demonstrates your commitment to safety and responsibility. Highlighting these benefits on your website will clearly show potential customers why this training is vital for their organisations.

Legal Requirements for Fire Safety Awareness Training

In Ireland, businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure fire safety in the workplace, including providing adequate fire safety training to their employees. The primary legislation you need to be aware of is the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 and the regulations made under that act, particularly the Building Regulations. While there isn’t one regulation explicitly titled “Fire Safety Awareness Training”, the legal requirements are woven throughout various legislation and guidance.

Here are the key legal obligations that necessitate Fire Safety Awareness Training

• Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003: Ireland’s primary legislation governing fire safety. It places a general duty of care on building owners and occupiers to take reasonable measures to prevent fires and ensure the safety of people in the event of a fire. This overarching duty is the foundation for all fire safety requirements.
• Building Regulations, Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety): This document, issued under the Building Regulations, provides detailed guidance on achieving compliance with building safety requirements. While primarily aimed at building design and construction, it informs the standards expected for fire safety management, including training. It outlines fire detection and alarm systems requirements, emergency escape routes, and fire safety measures – all of which employees must be aware of.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: This act places a general duty on employers to ensure their employees’ safety, health, and welfare at work as far as is reasonably practicable. Fire safety is undeniably a part of workplace safety, and providing fire safety training falls under this general duty. Employers must identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures – fire safety training is a crucial control measure for fire risks.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (and amendments): These regulations provide more specific details on various aspects of workplace safety, including emergency procedures and arrangements. Employers are required to:
  • Prepare adequate emergency plans and procedures for dealing with fire and other emergencies. Train employees on these procedures, including fire safety awareness.
  • Provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure their safety and health at work. Fire safety training is essential to meet this requirement regarding fire risks.
  • Appoint competent persons (Fire Wardens/Marshals): While not every employee needs to be a fire warden, the regulations require the appointment of trained individuals to take on specific fire safety responsibilities. These individuals must receive more in-depth fire safety training beyond basic awareness.

Key Legal Requirements that Translate to a Need for Training

• Duty to Protect Occupants: The Fire Services Act and Building Regulations impose a duty on building owners/occupiers to protect the safety of all people on their premises, including employees, visitors, and customers. Training is a fundamental way to meet this duty.
• Provision of Safe Escape Routes and Emergency Procedures: Regulations require businesses to have clear escape routes and emergency procedures. Training is essential to ensure employees know these routes and procedures and can use them effectively in an emergency.
• Fire Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct a Fire Risk Assessment. The findings will directly inform the type and level of fire safety training required. More comprehensive training will be necessary if the risk assessment identifies significant fire hazards.
• Competent Persons (Fire Wardens/Marshals): The regulations require the appointment of competent persons to assist with fire safety. These Fire Wardens/Marshals legally require more advanced training to fulfil their duties effectively beyond essential fire safety awareness.

In Summary (Key Takeaways):

• Fire Safety Awareness Training is a Legal Obligation in Ireland: Irish businesses must provide fire safety training to employees to comply with the Fire Services Act, Building Regulations, and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation.
• Protect Your Staff and Your Business – Comply with Irish Fire Safety Law: Investing in proper training isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your employees from harm and safeguarding your business from the devastating impact of fire.
• Tailored Fire Safety Training to Meet Irish Legal Requirements: Ensure your training provider understands Irish fire safety legislation and can deliver courses that meet your legal obligations and the specific needs of your workplace.
• Fire Risk Assessments Determine Training Needs: A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment is the starting point for identifying fire hazards and determining the appropriate level of fire safety training required to meet legal standards.

Who Should Attend Fire Safety Awareness Training?

Essential Attendees – For a Safer Workplace

• All Employees: Basic fire safety awareness training benefits every staff member, regardless of their role or level. It’s fundamental for workplace safety and legal compliance.
• New Starters & Inductees: Fire Safety Awareness Training should be a core part of the onboarding process for all new employees.
• Staff Taking on New Roles: Employees changing roles or responsibilities, particularly in higher-risk areas, require updated fire safety awareness.

Key Groups Requiring Specific Attention

• Staff in Higher Risk Areas: Those working in kitchens, workshops, with flammables, or in electrical/server rooms need enhanced awareness.
• Temporary Staff & Contractors: Ensure temporary workers and contractors receive fire safety induction and awareness relevant to their work area.
• Lone Workers: Employees without direct supervision need robust fire safety awareness for independent emergency response.
• Fire Marshals / Fire Wardens: While requiring further in-depth training, Fire Safety Awareness is a valuable foundational and refresher course for designated fire safety personnel.

In Summary: Train Everyone For Fire Safety

• Universal Benefit: Fire Safety Awareness Training benefits all staff, enhancing workplace safety.
• Legal Responsibility: Providing training helps businesses meet legal fire safety obligations in Ireland.
• Targeted Training: Prioritise training for new staff, those in higher-risk roles, and designated fire safety personnel.
• Proactive Safety: Equipping all employees with fire safety awareness creates a safer, more prepared, and legally compliant workplace.

Course Aims

• To Instill Foundational Fire Safety Knowledge: Provide all staff a comprehensive understanding of basic fire safety principles and practices relevant to the workplace environment.
• To Enhance Workplace Safety Culture: Foster a proactive approach to fire safety, empowering every employee to contribute to a safer working environment.
• To Meet Legal Compliance Requirements: Ensure businesses can confidently meet their legal obligations for fire safety training under Irish legislation.
• To Reduce Fire Risks and Prevent Incidents: Equip participants with the skills to identify fire hazards and implement preventative measures, minimising the likelihood of fire emergencies.
• To Protect Staff and Business Assets: Emphasise the importance of fire safety for safeguarding employee well-being and protecting business premises, equipment, and continuity.

Fire Safety Awareness Training Course Objectives

Upon completion of this Fire Safety Awareness Training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand Basic Fire Safety Principles: Explain the fire triangle, common causes of fire, and the different classes of fire.
• Recognise Fire Hazards in the Workplace: Identify potential fire risks specific to their work area and general workplace environments.
• Implement Fire Prevention Measures: Describe simple, proactive steps to minimise fire risks and maintain good fire safety practices.
• Respond Correctly in a Fire Emergency: Follow established fire emergency procedures, including raising the alarm and understanding evacuation routes.
• Use Portable Fire Extinguishers Effectively (Practical Session): Demonstrate the correct and safe use of portable fire extinguishers in basic fire scenarios (if the practical session is included).
• Contribute to Fire Safety in the Workplace: Actively maintain a safe environment by reporting hazards and adhering to fire safety protocols.

Our Instructors

Our instructors, experienced in providing fire safety training, are our course’s backbone. They will outline the staff’s duties and roles in preventing fire and provide a comprehensive understanding of the necessary actions to respond to a fire within your workplace. Our instructors are members of professional bodies such as NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI. Additionally, all our instructors have achieved a minimum level of recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems (IIESMS) at the Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) level, further ensuring the excellence and reliability of our training programmes.

Pre-Course Requirements

• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential for effective communication during the training. Learners must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English to fully engage with the course material and participate actively in discussions.
• Disclosure of Relevant Medical Conditions: To maintain safety during practical modules, learners are required to disclose any medical conditions that could make physical activities unsafe. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure the well-being of all learners during the course.

What You’ll Learn on the Fire Safety Awareness Training Course

On this Fire Safety Awareness Training Course, you will learn to:

• Understand the Fundamentals of Fire: Gain a clear grasp of the fire triangle – fuel, heat, and oxygen – and how fire starts and spreads.
• Identify Common Fire Hazards in Irish Workplaces: Learn to recognise typical fire risks in Irish workplaces, from offices to industrial settings.
• Know Your Legal Fire Safety Responsibilities in Ireland: Understand your individual and your employer’s legal duties concerning fire safety under Irish legislation.
• Implement Everyday Fire Prevention Measures: Discover simple yet effective actions you can take daily to minimise fire risks and contribute to a safer environment.
• Recognise Fire Safety Signage and Equipment: Become familiar with essential fire safety signs, fire alarm systems, and emergency lighting in your workplace.
• Understand Fire Evacuation Procedures: Learn your workplace’s fire evacuation plan, including escape routes, assembly points, and procedures for assisting others.
• Raise the Alarm Effectively: Know how to raise the alarm quickly and correctly in a fire emergency.
• Learn About Different Types of Fire Extinguishers: Become familiar with the fire extinguishers commonly found in Irish workplaces and their appropriate uses.
• Practise Using Portable Fire Extinguishers Safely (Practical Session): Gain hands-on experience in safely and effectively operating portable fire extinguishers in a controlled environment (if practical session included).
• Contribute to a Positive Fire Safety Culture: Develop a proactive mindset towards fire safety, empowering you to play your part in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace for everyone.

Training Methods

• Interactive PowerPoint presentations (all learners receive a printed handout in full colour).
• Workshops and practical training on portable fire extinguishers.

Assessment of the Fire Safety Awareness Training Course

Throughout the Fire Safety Awareness Training course, we ensure learners grasp key principles and practical skills through ongoing observation and engagement. Assessment on the course takes the form of:

• Practical Fire Extinguisher Competency: During the hands-on session, our instructors will observe learners to ensure they can confidently and correctly select the appropriate portable fire extinguisher and demonstrate its safe and effective use. This practical element allows learners to implement their knowledge and receive immediate feedback.
• Question and Answer Engagement: Throughout the training session, and particularly during designated Q&A moments, learners’ understanding will be gauged through their participation and responses to questions. This interactive approach allows us to clarify any points of confusion and reinforce key learning outcomes for all participants.

Important Note: While learner engagement and practical skills are observed and encouraged throughout the course, the Fire Safety Awareness Training is designed as an awareness and practical session. Therefore, the assessment is based on participation and anticipated understanding rather than a formal examination or graded assessment. Successful attendance and engagement in the course will provide learners with the essential fire safety awareness skills and knowledge detailed within the course objectives.

Certification

• Upon completing the Fire Safety Awareness Training course, each learner will be awarded a Phoenix STS Training certificate. This certificate formally recognises their participation and attainment of the key learning outcomes of the course.
• This certificate will be valid for two (2) years from the date of training to ensure ongoing competency and best practices in fire safety. Refresher training is recommended to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Please note: As fire safety training is specific to the workplace and its unique fire risks and procedures, this certificate is relevant to the workplace in which the training was provided only and is non-transferable.

Maximum Number of Learners

To ensure the Fire Safety Awareness course remains highly effective and provides optimal learning, the number of participants is limited to a maximum of 20 learners per session.

Duration

We can deliver the Fire Safety Awareness course in multiple sessions to accommodate larger organisations and ensure all staff receive this vital training. We can schedule up to six classes per day, each accommodating a maximum of 20 learners and lasting approximately two hours.