Let’s face it—nobody thinks a fire will ever break out in their workplace. It’s one of those “it’ll never happen to me” scenarios. But fires don’t exactly wait for an invite. Whether it’s faulty wiring, an overworked heater, or that sneaky cigarette butt no one admits to, fires can start when you least expect it. And when they do, will your team know what to do?
Fire safety training, especially learning how to use a fire extinguisher, isn’t just a box to tick. It’s essential. Why? Because the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) says so, for one. More importantly, it could save lives and your business.
Why Fire Safety Training is Essential
Let’s put it into perspective. According to Irish law—under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005—employers are required to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes having a plan for fire safety. That’s the easy part. But it also means equipping your team with the knowledge to respond quickly and safely to fire threats. Not to mention, penalties for non-compliance can be steep, with fines up to €3 million, or even imprisonment.
Now, imagine this. A fire starts in the kitchen. Smoke is rising, alarms blare. What’s the first thing to do? Grab an extinguisher? Evacuate? Call the fire brigade? With proper training, employees will know the right steps. Without it? Well, it could be chaos.
Fire safety training ensures that every employee knows the fire risks, how to prevent one, and crucially, how to respond when one erupts. Most workplace fires start small, and with the right knowledge, they can be handled before they turn into major disasters.
Extinguisher Training: The Right Tool at the Right Time
Not every fire is the same, and neither is every fire extinguisher. Yet, it’s shocking how many employees haven’t got a clue which extinguisher to use and when. A live demonstration and practice during the Fire Safety Training could be the key to stopping small fire from growing into catastrophe. Fire Extinguisher Training makes all the difference. Ireland’s fire safety regulations, specifically IS 291 standards, require that all workplaces maintain their extinguishers and train staff on how to use them.
Take, for example, a fire started by an electrical fault. Without training, an employee might grab a water extinguisher—disastrous for an electrical fire. However, with proper extinguisher training, they’d know how to use a CO2 extinguisher instead. Simple, but life-saving.
The Role of the Fire Warden
Every workplace should have at least one designated Fire Warden. But the role is much more than just standing at the door with a clipboard. Fire wardens oversee the fire safety plan and organise fire drills, ensuring that everyone knows how to get out in an emergency.
Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005 fire drills must be held minimum twice a year. Emergency procedures must also be in place and practised to ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire. It’s a legal requirement for Fire Wardens to receive special training, and it’s their duty to ensure the workplace fire safety plan is in place and up to date.
Practical Fire Safety in the Workplace: What You Need to Do
Now that we’ve established why fire safety training matters, what does this mean practically for your workplace?
1. Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment
This is the foundation of any fire safety plan. Employers are legally required to assess fire hazards and risks in the workplace and develop strategies to manage them. It’s not enough to just stick a fire extinguisher on the wall; regular assessments ensure you’re staying ahead of potential risks.
2. Organise Regular Training
Fire extinguisher training and general fire safety awareness sessions should be held at least every two years. Every new employee should undergo training as part of their onboarding, and existing staff should receive refresher courses. Fire safety isn’t just a once-off job.
3. Assign a Fire Warden
Every business, big or small, needs someone to take charge during a fire. This person, or team, will oversee the evacuation plan, make sure fire exits are clear, and coordinate fire drills.
4. Keep Fire Equipment in Check
Your fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting all need regular servicing. Under Irish regulations, fire extinguishers must be inspected and certified annually. Without this, your business is not only non-compliant but also at risk of equipment failure when you need it most.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Fire Safety and Extinguisher Training is about more than ticking off legal requirements. It’s about safeguarding your people and your business. Every small step—whether it’s learning to use a fire extinguisher, understanding evacuation routes, or simply being aware of fire risks—could make the difference between a controlled situation and a disaster.In 2023 alone, there were over 2,000 workplace fires across Ireland, and nearly half of these could have been prevented with proper safety measures in place. How many businesses could have been saved from the cost of repairs, or worse, lost lives? Can you afford to skip out on fire safety training?