What are the Key Components of Fire Safety Training?

Author : Charles Wilson | Published On : 04 Jan 2024

Fire safety training is a structured program which is designed to teach the how to prevent, how to respond and how to reduce the fire. The curriculum covers everything from correctly using fire extinguishers to organized evacuations. This is an essential part of workplace safety that should be taught to everyone in the organization, from top management to independent contractors and service suppliers.

The Key Components of Fire Safety Training

The fire safety training is mainly depending upon the what is the size of organizations and businesses. Organizations are facing some dangerous risks like mining, large constructions, oil and gas. Because of the inherent dangers in their locations, they must prepare a more thorough program; yet, all businesses must ensure that the fundamentals are addressed:

Fire Prevention: Fire prevention is the best method to protect the property and people from the fires. This method minimizes operational disruptions which prevents fire from starting in the first place. It may appear to be a simple concept that does not necessitate extensive training. However, the occurrence of fires has never stopped, therefore it should remain a high focus. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Identification of fire hazards (primary and secondary ignition sources)
  2. Materials should be stored safely, especially combustible gases and explosive things.
  3. Assessment of high-risk activities such as welding, grinding, and blasting 
  4. Occupant behaviour such as smoking on-site or a lack of housekeeping measures

Fire Detection and Communication: In the past, people detected fires by smelling smoke; once the fire had developed, it could be felt and seen. Today, there are automatic devices that can detect and suppress fires. This training should cover the many types of detection and alarm systems in use, as well as how to properly maintain them.

Should an epidemic occur, the organization should be able to mitigate its impact by rapidly sharing comprehensive information with specialized professionals such as firemen and emergency response teams, as well as alerting stakeholders who may be affected by the crisis.

Suppression of Fire

Most modern buildings have a fire suppression system that activates as soon as any indication of a fire is detected (e.g., smoke, electrical spark, temperature increase).

Sprinkler systems are the most frequent since water extinguishes fires. Others, on the other hand, use nitrogen and argon systems in the event of an electrical fire.

Hand-held fire extinguishers or suppressors are essential for all organizations. It is 93% successful at putting out fires in two minutes. This is also why the use of fire extinguishers is usually a part of all fire safety training programs.

  • Operating a fire extinguisher via P A S S or pulling the pin, aiming low, slowly squeezing the lever, and sweeping the nozzle side to side)
  • The various types of fire extinguishers (for example, water, foam, dry powder, CO2, and wet chemical) and when to employ them
  • The position of the building's fire extinguishers
  • Testing and maintenance of equipment

Occupant Response: This section of the program aids with fire avoidance and escape. Fire and smoke spread swiftly. Without knowing where to go, the chance of becoming stuck grows. Here are some specific topics to be explored under this important component:

  • Evacuation procedure
  • Complete floor and building plan
  • Exit or escape routes (main and secondary)
  • Activating other alarms on-site while fleeing the building Designated assembly areas following evacuation
  • Location of first-aid stations
  • Procedure for assisting people with disabilities

Emergency Response: Local fire departments, rescue teams, and emergency medical services are all called in during a fire. They provide skilled assistance when the problem is too serious for the organization to handle.

However, it is the role of the in-house safety officials to instruct the workers on what should be done. While the employees' primary goal should be to evacuate to a predetermined location as far away from the facility as possible, they should still have a general understanding of the entire procedure based on workplace emergency preparations. Here are critical points to be aware of:

  • Method for reporting occurrences and notifications
  • Procedures for an emergency shutdown
  • A clear chain of command with distinct duties and responsibilities
  • Emergency contacts for coordination, particularly safety officers, team leaders, and department heads

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