Fire Safety Training

🔥 Fire Safety Training: What Every Company Needs to Know

When it comes to health and safety in the workplace, fire safety is one of the most crucial areas to get right. Not only does it protect lives and property, but it also helps organisations stay compliant with legal obligations. Here’s a simple breakdown of what all companies need to know about fire safety training:

Why Fire Safety Training Is Important

Fire safety training is essential because it equips staff with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly in the event of a fire. A well-trained team can prevent a small spark from turning into a serious emergency. It teaches people how to identify hazards, raise the alarm, evacuate safely, and — where appropriate — use fire extinguishers correctly. Fires can develop in seconds, and in those moments, trained individuals can make all the difference between a safe outcome and a tragic one.

Who Can Give Fire Safety Training

Fire safety training should always be delivered by a competent and qualified professional. In Ireland, that usually means someone with recognised certification and practical experience in fire safety and firefighting. At Guardian Safety, our trainers are fully qualified and experienced in delivering tailored fire safety programmes for a wide range of industries. Employers should be cautious about using generic online courses without a live trainer, especially if the workplace has specific fire risks or if staff need practical extinguisher training.

How Long Fire Safety Training Is Valid For

There’s no fixed expiry date for fire safety training under Irish law, but it’s generally recommended that staff receive refresher training every 1 to 3 years, depending on the level of risk. For high-risk environments like kitchens, warehouses, or chemical plants, more frequent updates might be needed. Fire Warden (or Fire Marshal) training should also be kept current, especially if there are any changes to your building layout, fire procedures, or team roles.

How Much Does Fire Safety Training Cost

The cost of fire safety training can vary depending on the format, number of participants, and whether it's held on-site or off-site. As a rough guide, basic fire safety awareness courses might start around €50–€70 per person, while Fire Warden training or on-site group sessions may be priced per group or day, often ranging from €300 to €600. At Guardian Safety, we offer flexible pricing for group bookings and tailored training plans to make sure you get great value for a compliant, high-quality course.

What Is Fire Safety Training?

Fire safety training is a structured programme designed to teach employees how to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies. It covers key topics like the causes of fire, fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the safe use of firefighting equipment. Training is based on legal obligations and best practices, helping businesses meet the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and related fire regulations. It's both a legal and moral responsibility for employers to ensure their staff are trained.

What Is Basic Fire Safety Training?

Basic fire safety training is the minimum level of training that all staff should receive, regardless of their role or industry. It usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and includes topics such as how fires start (the fire triangle), how to identify hazards, what to do if a fire breaks out, and how to evacuate safely. This type of training does not usually include hands-on extinguisher use but focuses more on awareness and emergency response. It’s ideal for new staff inductions or as a refresher for low-risk workplaces.

What Should Be Included in Fire Safety Training?

A good fire safety training course should be practical, engaging, and relevant to the specific workplace. At minimum, it should include:

• An overview of fire legislation and employer responsibilities

• Understanding the fire triangle and common fire hazards

• How to raise the alarm and contact emergency services

• Evacuation routes and assembly points

• The role and duties of Fire Wardens

• Types of fire extinguishers and when to use them

• Optional live-fire extinguisher practice (for Fire Marshal/Warden courses)

Training should always be tailored to your business type — what’s relevant for a café will differ from what’s needed in a construction site or care home.