Fire Marshal training for appointed staff is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005. The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 states that businesses must have a sufficient number of fire marshals/competent people to perform duties.
You can use an online tool to calculate how many fire marshals you require for your business. How many fire marshals your company needs will depend on: what type of workplace is it? What are the hours of work (24 hour or just day time with occasional early and late shifts)? Do staff turnover frequently? What risks are in the building? Is the building old or new?
PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE DUTIES
Fire marshal training ensures the marshal is proactive with day-to-day tasks and reactive in emergencies.
Proactive duties include: checking fire doors and exists and ensuring they are not obstructed, faulty or opened/closed inappropriately, watching out for the incorrect use of electrical equipment, ensuring that flammables and combustibles are handled and disposed of safely and appropriately. There are numerous other duties in addition to these.
Reactive duties ensure that the fire marshal reacts competently in the event of a fire, these duties include the following: raising the alarm quickly, using the correct use of fire extinguishers, knowing the suitable escape routes, checking everyone has evacuated the building, assisting people that may need help to escape. There are also other duties in addition to these.
FIRE MARSHAL TRAINING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
Relevant legislation
The effect of fire on companies
The chemistry of fire
Causes of fire
Fire protection including means of escape
The role of the Fire Marshal
Procedures in the event of fire
Practical Fire extinguisher training
HOW OFTEN DO FIRE MARSHALS NEED FOLLOW UP TRAINING?
It is advised that fire marshals should have refresher training every two years (this is the maximum amount of time you should allow in between courses). Although, the more frequent you train your staff, the better.