Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all staff must receive training to manage fire emergencies. Regular and mandatory training ensures everyone understands their role and can respond effectively. For most staff, this means completing Annual Fire Safety Awareness training, which is available on EEC and can be downloaded from the Fire Awareness Training PowerPoint on Blackboard.
Fire Safety Awareness training typically covers:
- General fire prevention
- Actions to take in the event of a fire
- Evacuation procedures and escape routes (reference should be made by Premises Managers about the school’s Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan), which can be found within the school’s policies and guidance documents, Policies and Guidance
- Location of assembly points and alarms (bespoke information to the site documented in the Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan)
For staff with specific responsibilities (such as fire wardens), additional hands-on training is required. This includes:
- Use of firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and fire blankets
- Supervising evacuations
- Assisting those with disabilities
- Liaising with emergency services
- Practical exercises and drills
Mandatory Renewal of Hands-on Fire Safety Training
All hands-on fire safety training must be renewed every three years. Bespoke Hands-on Fire safety training can be arranged via CHSU@somerset.gov.uk or via your competent fire prevention supplier.
Sharing Fire Safety Information with Tenants
‘Tenants’ include clubs such as holiday clubs, as well as any third-party users of school premises. It is important to ensure tenants are provided with:
- Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan details.
- Fire Risk Assessment and outstanding actions relevant to their use of the premises.
Along with clear instructions on evacuation routes, assembly points, and responsibilities during a fire drill or emergency.
Further Training for Premises Managers
F10 Fire Form & Fire Door Training provides clear guidance on the implementation and management of fire safety measures and arrangements in the workplace. This includes outlining the necessary safety checks, inspections, and arrangements to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
Available now and £25 per delegate, bookable via Support Services for Education (SSE): Training and Events – Somerset Council Training Portal
- 11 February – Bridgwater House
- 16 March – Taunton Broughton House
- 24 March – Brympton Way
On the European Education Consultants (EEC) platform, there is a Training Video on the duties for the responsible person for Fire Risk Assessments and it explains fire safety measures such as Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, and amendments to the Fire Safety Order.
Learn more:
- Ensuring Safety Compliance – Sharing Asbestos and Fire Safety Information with External Users
- Fire Safety Info sheet 46
- HSG10 Fire Policy Guidance
- HSG10 Workplace Fire Safety Policy
- Fire Emergency Evacuation Template
