Fire
Safety

Why this course matters

The potentially devastating effects of workplace fires, lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and the impact on business continuity, are well known, and it's believed that most fires are preventable. The importance of fire safety is underpinned by health & safety legislation that places a duty on employers to establish policies and procedures and ensure their employees receive appropriate training.

This qualification gives every employee a clear, practical grounding in fire safety, making it ideal for inductions, refreshers and whole-team awareness. Successful candidates are awarded a national Level 1 qualification (Level 4 in Scotland).

What's covered

• The common causes of fire
• The behaviour of fire
• Legislation (brief) and responsibilities
• Fire prevention
• What to do if a fire breaks out
• How to use fire extinguishers
• Emergency evacuation procedures

Learning outcomes

1. 01Understand basic fire safety and what to do in an emergency
   • State the main causes of fires in the workplace
   • Outline the main costs of fires for employers, employees and society
   • State your own duties and responsibilities in relation to fire safety at work
   • State the duties of fire wardens and others who may act during fire risk control or an emergency
   • Describe the action to take if a fire breaks out, including raising the alarm and contacting emergency services
2. 02Understand the principles of fire risk control
   • List the key elements for effective fire risk management in the workplace
   • Outline how the components of the fire triangle can be used to control fire risks
   • List active and passive fire risk control measures
   • Outline fire prevention measures that minimise fire risks
3. 03Understand the basics of practical fire safety
   • State the safe operating parameters for using portable firefighting equipment
   • Outline simple checks to ensure fire safety equipment is serviceable and safe to use

How it's delivered

Classroom-based, 4 guided learning hours (5 hours total qualification time), delivered in a single half-day or spread over a maximum of 2 weeks with each session at least two hours. Up to 16 learners per trainer.

Live virtual / distance learning, available by video conferencing, either as continuous-contact classroom delivery (4 hours) or a blend of self-study and webinars (2 contact hours), completed within 2 weeks. Up to 20 learners per trainer.

Assessment & certification

The qualification is assessed by a written assessment (or a professional discussion via video conferencing for distance learning). There is no grading: learners pass or are referred. Successful learners receive the nationally recognised FAA Level 1 Award (RQF) / SCQF Level 4 Award.

Who should attend

All employees, making it perfect for induction programmes and organisation-wide fire safety awareness, and a strong foundation for anyone progressing to fire warden or fire marshal training. Learners should be aged 14 or over; a minimum of Level 1 literacy is recommended. Note that a learner cannot assume a fire safety responsibility in the workplace until age 16.

Why this course matters

The devastating effects of workplace fires, lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and the impact on business continuity, are well known, and most fires are preventable. Health & safety legislation places a duty on employers to establish fire safety policies and procedures and ensure employees receive appropriate training.

This Level 2 qualification equips a nominated person to take real responsibility for fire safety in the workplace, complying with statutory requirements, creating a safer environment, delivering basic fire safety awareness to others and carrying out a workplace fire risk assessment. Successful candidates are awarded a national Level 2 qualification (Level 5 in Scotland).

What's covered

• The hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace
• How fire risk is controlled in the workplace
• The components of the fire triangle and how fire and smoke spread
• Means of escape, fire detection, raising the alarm and fire signage
• Principles of extinguishing fires and safe use of equipment
• Duties of employers and employees
• Fire safety inspection and fire risk assessment
• The role of the nominated fire warden and delivering a fire safety briefing

Learning outcomes

1. 01Understand the hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace
   • Identify common fire hazards and how fires are caused
   • Describe how fire and smoke spread, and the components of the fire triangle
2. 02Understand how fire risk is controlled in the workplace
   • Outline means of escape, fire detection, alarm and signage requirements
   • Describe the principles of extinguishing fires and the safe use of firefighting equipment
   • Outline the duties of employers and employees in controlling fire risk
3. 03Understand the role of the nominated fire warden
   • Describe the duties of a fire warden, marshal or steward
   • Outline how to deliver a fire safety briefing to colleagues
4. 04Understand the principles and practice of fire safety management at work
   • Outline the purpose and process of a fire safety inspection
   • Describe how to carry out a workplace fire risk assessment

How it's delivered

Classroom-based, a minimum of 6 contact hours, typically delivered in 1 day. Up to 16 learners per trainer.

Live virtual / distance learning, available by video conferencing as a blend of self-study and webinars (3 guided learning hours, 7 hours total qualification time), guided by a qualified trainer/assessor with all distance-learning resources included.

Assessment & certification

Classroom delivery is assessed by written assessment; distance learning is assessed by a professional discussion with the trainer/assessor (max 60 minutes), evidenced by a recorded video call. There is no grading: learners pass or are referred. Successful learners receive the nationally recognised FAA Level 2 Award in Fire Safety (RQF) / SCQF Level 5 Award.

Who should attend

Employees who have, or are taking on, a specific fire safety responsibility, such as fire wardens, marshals or stewards, and anyone who needs to manage fire risk or carry out a workplace fire risk assessment. Classroom learners should be aged 14 or over (18+ for distance learning); a minimum of Level 1 literacy is recommended. A learner cannot assume a fire safety responsibility in the workplace until age 16.