OSHA fire safety training and certification plays a major role in protecting your property, people, and other assets in case of fire outbreaks. By training your employees on the best fire safety strategies and practices, you can prevent significant losses that could damage your reputation and lead to your business being shut down.
Learn about fire detection and prevention training here including the related standards, its importance, who needs it, when it is required, training topics, and more.
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What is Fire Safety Training?
Fire safety training is an OSHA requirement that business owners should comply with to avoid costly citations and ensure workplace safety. It aims to train employees how to effectively respond to fire emergencies which will also help in minimizing damage to your property and in preventing liabilities. It covers fire prevention, protection, and suppression techniques including fire hazard identification and control measures. (More on the training topics later.)
Moreover, OSHA fire safety training certification courses usually take an hour to finish in which participants will be given a certificate of completion after passing the final exam.
What is OSHA’s Fire Protection & Prevention Standard?
OSHA’s fire safety standards can be found mostly in 29 CFR 1910 & 1926 which are the standards for the general and construction industry:
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E (Exit Routes and Emergency Planning)
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection)
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart C (General Safety and Health Provisions)
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart F (Fire Protection and Prevention)
Fire safety standards for both industries may be similar, but there are a few differences covering specific types of buildings in the construction industry. In summary, OSHA fire safety standards require employers to:
- Develop emergency action plans that include emergency training to ensure that employees know their roles and responsibilities during fire emergencies
- Train employees on how to deal with workplace fire hazards and emergencies, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire extinguishers including other fire safety devices depending on their responsibilities
Take note that workers have the right to receive proper training about the potential hazards in the workplace, including fire hazards, and how to prevent them.
Also Read: 11 Benefits of Hiring 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Guards for Your Business
OSHA Fire Protection and Prevention Safety Training Topics
Among the possible topics that fire safety training providers might cover include the following:
- Fire safety requirements and standards including fire prevention, protection, and suppression methods
- Definition of terms and the importance of fire safety
- Types of fires and fire hazards, such as electrical hazards, specific to the workplace
- Fire risk assessment
- Fire-related injuries
- Fire prevention strategies
- Types of fire extinguishers and what types of fire hazards they can control
- How to determine the right type of fire extinguisher to use
- Using the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) technique when using fire extinguishers
- Fire inspection, maintenance, and testing
- How to know when a fire is too big to handle
- Installing and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems
- Elements and requirements of fire prevention plans
- Emergency response protocols
- Effective evacuation methods and exit route requirements
- Safe use, movement, and storage of combustible and flammable materials
- Hazard communication
- Respiratory protection
- Fire watch procedures
Also Read: 7 Top Fire Risks & Consequences of Inadequate Fire Protection Systems
Why Is Fire Safety Training Important?
The main objective of fire protection and prevention safety training is to improve workplace safety by equipping employees with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively deal with fire hazards. Its benefits include the following:
- Ensure compliance with fire safety standards and prevent costly violations
- Organize employee actions during fire emergencies to reduce potential accidents, fatalities, and property damage
- Prevent liabilities and minimize financial losses
In addition, keeping documentation of the training programs you’ve conducted will serve as proof that you’ve taken actions to prevent fire damage. Because once it is found that a fire was caused by your negligence, you might end up facing lawsuits and be held liable for the damages. Conducting employee fire safety training can help avoid these.
Also Read: Top 8 Fire Safety Tips & Best Practices for Property Owners & Managers
Who is the Fire Detection and Protection Safety Training For?
Individuals who might need fire detection and protection or prevention safety training include those whose work environments are prone to fire hazards. They may be:
- Business owners
- Supervisors
- Managers
- Safety personnel
- Foremen
- Construction workers
- Architects
- Engineers
- Contractors
Employees who are expected to use fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment as well as those who will assist in emergency evacuation procedures can also take the training. Fire safety training is especially important in the construction industry including factories, production facilities, offices, and others.
When is Fire Safety Training Needed?
OSHA’s standards require fire extinguisher training for employees upon hiring and refresher training at least annually thereafter. OSHA also recommends conducting live fire training periodically. In addition, covered employees should also receive training on the company’s emergency action plan when:
- Their responsibilities have changed
- The plan has been updated or changed
Also Read: 9 Importance of Fire Protection Systems to Property Managers
Where Can You Get OSHA Fire Safety Training & Certification?
You can find OSHA fire safety training courses that meet OSHA’s compliance requirements and other regulatory agencies online. As we’ve mentioned, you can get your certification after completing the course successfully. Most suppliers of fire extinguishers and some local fire departments also offer live fire training where trainees will have hands-on experience in extinguishing a fire.
Fire Safety-Related Statistics to Know
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fires and explosions are among the top major causes of fatal occupational injuries. In addition, below are some of the key findings of the NFPA’s research:
- Fire departments respond to a fire every 21 seconds
- Apartment complexes and distribution facilities under construction face the largest losses
- The trend of reported property loss due to fire continuous to go upward
Also Read:
- Top 8 Fire Safety Tips & Best Practices for Property Owners & Managers
- Fire Code Violations: Can a Fire Marshal Shut Your Business Down?
- 11 Common Fire Code Violations & Helpful Tips to Prevent Them
- 5 Fire Marshal Responsibilities: How Do They Protect Your Business?
FAQs
OSHA’s fire safety requirements include implementing a fire protection and prevention program which should also cover employee training. The training should equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively deal with fire hazards and emergencies including the use of fire extinguishers.
Fire safety training helps in maximizing safety in the workplace, protecting your people and property, and avoiding significant financial losses. Lawsuits, violations, penalties, and business shutdowns can be avoided through a well-planned fire prevention program that includes fire safety training.
OSHA requires fire extinguisher training for all employees upon employment and refresher training at least annually thereafter. Retraining might also be required when the fire prevention plan has been updated or changed or if the responsibilities of the employee have also changed.
Conclusion
OSHA fire safety training and certification can greatly benefit your business and save you from costly liabilities in case of fire emergencies. Aside from protecting your employees from fire hazards which is among your responsibilities as an employer, it protects your property from significant damage that could lead to further financial losses.
Scout Security has certified fire watch guards who can help you maximize fire safety in your workplace and building by identifying and controlling potential fire hazards. We offer customized solutions tailored to your business’s and building’s specific needs. Contact us now!
