Fire safety training at work: what should employees know?
How clear workplace fire safety instruction helps staff understand the risks, precautions and actions expected in an emergency.
Fire safety training is most useful when employees can connect it to the premises where they work. People should understand the relevant risks, the precautions in place and what they are expected to do if the fire alarm sounds.
In England and Wales, the person responsible for fire safety in most non-domestic premises must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment, put appropriate safety measures in place, plan for emergencies and provide staff with information, instruction and training. The exact arrangements should reflect the workplace and its fire risk assessment.
Make the emergency plan familiar
Employees should know how to raise the alarm, which escape routes apply to their work area, where to go after leaving the building and how to report a problem. They should also understand any specific responsibilities they have, such as supporting an agreed evacuation procedure.
Avoid assuming that people will know what to do because they have seen a fire drill before. Explain local arrangements during induction, repeat key information when it changes and make sure temporary or newly assigned workers receive relevant instructions.
Explain the precautions people rely on
Training and instruction can cover the precautions and equipment relevant to the premises, including keeping escape routes clear and reporting damaged or obstructed fire-safety equipment. Keep information specific to the site: the locations, alarm arrangements and evacuation routes differ between workplaces.
Where employees have designated fire warden or fire marshal responsibilities, make those duties clear and provide suitable instruction and training for the role. Training supports the workplace arrangements; it does not replace the responsible person's assessment or other required safety measures.
Review training when things change
Review what employees need to know after changes to the premises, work activities, staffing or emergency procedures. Shared premises may have more than one responsible person, so arrangements need to be coordinated where responsibilities overlap.
Keep a record of what instruction was given and when, then check whether employees can follow the emergency plan in practice. A drill or review can reveal where instructions need to be made clearer.
For official guidance, read GOV.UK’s overview of workplace fire safety responsibilities. Fire safety rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the guidance that applies to your location.
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