Fire safety arrangements should reflect the building, the people who use it and the work carried out there. For Irish employers, training is one part of a wider approach that includes suitable precautions, clear emergency procedures and regular review.
Training should help staff recognise how to raise the alarm, understand the action to take when the alarm sounds and follow the site evacuation procedure. People with a designated role should know their responsibilities and how these fit with the employer’s arrangements. The details will vary by workplace, so use the building’s own instructions and make sure new and temporary staff receive relevant information.
Consider the layout, exits, assembly point, alarm arrangements and any equipment staff may need to know about. Explain how to assist visitors and anyone who may need additional help to evacuate. Keep routes and exits clear, and tell staff who to contact if they notice a fire hazard or a problem with an escape route.
Employers should provide information and instruction appropriate to the risks and review arrangements when the workplace, staffing or processes change. Share the current procedure with staff and make sure people know where to find it. Fire drills and other checks should follow the organisation’s risk assessment and emergency plan.
The Health and Safety Authority provides guidance on fire detection and warning. ACE offers Fire Safety Training for individuals and workplace teams; contact us to discuss course details and group requirements.
