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.