Fire Marshal Training / Fire Wardens

Introduction

The scale of the problem and types of fire.

The fire triangle

The components of fire which play an important role in both prevention and extinguishing.

Ignition sources

Causes of fire, common ingnition sources and what can the attendees do to prevent them

Development of fire

How fires grow and spread, including fuel sources. Strong focus on how fast fires spread and on how little time there is to react, highlighting preventive action.

Classes of fire

The types of fire people and what this means in practice.

Containment

This is one of the most important sections, covering escape routes, fire doors, etc.

Extinguishers

The types of extinguishers available, chance to be a hooligan letting some off, their suitability for different fires including their limitations, the need for monthly inspection and the content of these inspections.

Identifying fire risks

Fire Marshals who attend this course are not expected to conduct fire risk assessments but they do need to be 'fire aware' and be able to identify potential fire risks. This section covers some of the main issues surrounding fire safety in the workplace.

Principles of prevention

A summary of the main methods for controlling fire risks. Includes some basic information on safe working practices and procedures, although this is minimised in this course to keep the Fire Marshal focused on practical actions.

Means of escape

The number, type and length of escape routes and the need for routine checks to manage them.

Means of protection

Introduction to fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire signs. This is intended to give the attendees an overview of them only so they can recognise when something is wrong and needs attention.

Identifying fire risks

For more complex sites Fire Marshals may be required to do more than an informal routine safety inspection, e.g. regular fire inspections of the workplace.

Alarms, lights and Signs

Additional depth of subject knowledge for the provision of fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire safety signs. Create ability to identify missing or inadequate detection or lighting. Includes practical exercises dealing with each element.

Extinguishers

The siting of extinguishers, how Fire Marshals can identify inadequate or inappropriate provision, assessing the workplace for improvements in the provision and the inspection elements related to them. Includes a practical exercise.

Fire management

Occasionally a Fire Marshal in sites where there is no Fire Manager or Health and Safety Manager may need to manage an organisation's fire safety management procedures. This module covers the training requirements for staff, organisation and conduct of fire drills, maintenance of log books, etc. The intent is, via the Fire Marshal, to give the organisation an in-house source of basic expertise who can manage the fire safety systems on a day to day basis.

Exam

This course has an optional exam which clients can specify. As the Fire Marshals completing the long course have a greater degree of responsibility for fire safety an organisation should consider proof of not just course attendance but that the Fire Marshal had a good comprehension of the subject material.