When you run a business and are responsible for employees, customers, and critical infrastructure, emergency planning is vital. Essentially, emergency planning is about protecting lives and enabling your organisation to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. Fire safety training at work should be at the core of your plan.
Fires can devastate businesses, and some never recover. More than 70% of fires in UK businesses are accidental, with electrical faults being the most common cause.
How Does Fire Safety Training Fit Into Emergency Planning?
Emergency planning involves identifying risks to your business and mitigating the potential damage. Fire safety training at work equips you and your employees to act appropriately when an incident occurs by following agreed procedures that protect lives and minimise disruption. It also enables you to review what worked well and identify areas for improvement.
Importantly, fire safety training should be conducted regularly to ensure your emergency plans remain up-to-date. Any changes to your business operations, working environment, or staffing must be reflected in the plan, with refresher training provided for all staff.
Fire Evacuation Drills
At the heart of emergency planning and fire safety training at work is the health and safety of your employees and customers. Staff must know exactly what to do in an emergency, and visitors need to be guided effectively.
Your employees should be thoroughly trained in your fire evacuation procedure, ensuring it is simple and effective for everyone to follow.
If you are a UK employer, you are legally required to conduct at least one fire evacuation drill every year. This drill should be as realistic as possible and include all staff.
Additionally, your team should be trained on how to assist customers during an evacuation, which may involve learning to use fire evacuation chairs to help individuals with mobility challenges.
Legal Compliance
Having a comprehensive emergency plan, supported by fire safety training at work, ensures that your business complies with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
By prioritising fire safety, you will also reduce the risk of prosecution in the event of an emergency and demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding employees, customers, and the future of your business.
Talk to Experts in Emergency Planning
Is your workplace prepared to prevent fires, respond effectively to emergencies, and recover quickly?
Benfield Fire Safety are experts in emergency planning, offering consultancy and fire safety training at work to help businesses develop and maintain robust fire safety procedures.
Our services include fire safety assessments, policy creation, and realistic fire safety training using state-of-the-art equipment.
Explore our case studies to learn how we’ve supported businesses and charities with their fire safety needs.
To find out more about our fire emergency planning and fire safety services, contact Benfield Fire Safety today on 0300 303 3277 or email us at customerservice@benfieldfs.co.uk.
