Aspects of Nationally Recognized Fire Safety Training in Australia

Not a single human being is safe from the wrath of nature. Natural disasters have caused a lot of havoc in the past, but fires are among one of the top mishaps globally. There have been plenty of cases of domestic or workplace fires which caused widespread destruction and took away many innocent human lives.

At a workplace, certain elements can cause a fire. Heavy machinery, complex server rooms, chemicals, etc., can lead to a fire if proper safety precautions are not present. Even after staying attentive all the time, sometimes you get to know about fire when it is in full flow.

For such moments, it is important to provide fire safety training and knowledge about emergency response procedures in the workplace to the employees. Let us know about some of the aspects of nationally recognized fire safety training in Australia.

Importance of Fire Safety Training

Fire can have devastating consequences for businesses, including property damage, financial losses, and most importantly, injury or loss of life. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were over 5,000 workplace fires in Australia between 2019 and 2020, resulting in 18 fatalities and over 200 injuries. These statistics highlight the importance of comprehensive fire safety training for all employees.

Nationally recognized fire safety training is designed to provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Identify potential fire hazards in the workplace
• Implement effective fire prevention measures
• Respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire
• Use fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment correctly
• Evacuate the workplace safely and efficiently
• Comply with relevant legislation and standards

Legislative Requirements for Fire Safety Training

In Australia, there are several legislative requirements related to fire safety training in the workplace. The primary legislation governing workplace health and safety is the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (WHS Regulations).

Under the WHS Act, employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for their employees, which includes implementing adequate fire safety measures and providing appropriate training. The WHS Regulations specify the minimum requirements for fire safety in the workplace, including:

• Provision of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment
• Maintenance and testing of firefighting equipment
• Provision of emergency evacuation procedures
• Training of employees in emergency procedures

In addition to the WHS Act and Regulations, there are several Australian Standards related to fire safety that employers must comply with, including:

• AS 1851-2012: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 3745-2010: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 4083-2010: Planning for emergencies – Healthcare facilities

Recognizing Potential Fire Hazards

The first and foremost aspect of a fire safety training course is to recognize potential fire hazards. You have to ensure that no fuel comes in touch with any heat source else a fire can break out. There should be heavy security outside rooms that store chemicals and flammable substances to reduce the risk of fires.

Even complex electrical systems run the risk of short-circuit. Make sure all wires and electric ports are new and in good condition. There should be proper smoke alarms fitted in the workplace, especially near hazardous spots so that you are alerted as soon as possible in case of any fire.

Warning systems and fire detection alarms are as important as fire-fighting equipment. If you do not know about the fire and it spreads, then a lot of damage will be done. A lot of damage and human lives can be saved if you get to know about the fire instantly and respond to it.

Prevention of Fires From Breaking Out 

The next most important thing is to stop a fire from spreading and breaking out after starting. This is really important because fighting a small fire is easy, but if it spreads, then it can be very dangerous and lethal. Every staff member should take part in the fire safety training so that they know what to do when a fire breaks out and help save precious lives.

The best thing is to use fire extinguishers or any heavy water source on the fire as soon as it starts. A small fire can be stopped this way but not a huge fire. You need to contact the fire brigade instantly, even if it is a small fire. In case of short-circuits, you should use sand to put out the electric fire.

Types of Nationally Recognized Fire Safety Training

There are several types of nationally recognized fire safety training available in Australia, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and workplaces.

Fire Warden Training

Fire warden training is designed for employees who have been designated as fire wardens in their workplace. Fire wardens are responsible for implementing evacuation procedures, ensuring that all employees are accounted for during an evacuation, and liaising with emergency services.

Fire warden training covers topics such as:

• Roles and responsibilities of fire wardens
• Fire prevention measures
• Evacuation procedures
• Use of firefighting equipment
• Communication with emergency services

Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire extinguisher training is essential for all employees, as it enables them to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a small fire. This type of training covers the different types of fire extinguishers, how to use them correctly, and when it is appropriate to use them. Participants learn about the PASS system (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for operating fire extinguishers and have the opportunity to practice using them in a controlled environment.

Evacuation Training

Evacuation training is designed to ensure that all employees know how to evacuate the workplace quickly and safely in the event of a fire or other emergency.

This type of training covers topics such as:

• Evacuation procedures and routes
• Assembly points
• Roles and responsibilities during an evacuation
• Assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs
• Re-entering the workplace after an evacuation

Emergency Response Training

Emergency response training is designed for employees who have been designated as members of the emergency response team in their workplace.

This type of training covers topics such as:

• Roles and responsibilities of emergency response team members
• Incident management systems
• First aid and CPR
• Use of specialized firefighting equipment
• Working with emergency services

How To Use Extinguishers and Other Equipment Properly

A big part of the safety training is how to recognize and use fire-fighting equipment. This equipment should be placed on each floor, and every staff member should know how to use these tools. Fire extinguishers can be helpful if used correctly at the correct time.

Workplace Emergency Management provides the best courses and training programs for offices in Australia. Make sure everyone at your workplace knows how to handle emergencies, especially fires, after taking safety courses here. Every course is tailor-made according to your workplace design and requirements. Safety comes first always, and the company wants every office in Australia to be safe.

Responding to a Fire and Escaping As Soon As Possible

Sometimes it is too late when you know about a fire and you have to fight it. You must know how to use fire extinguishers and heavy water sources on the fire to control it. If this does not stop the spread of fire, then escaping the building is the best option available. There should be emergency exits on every floor for emergency evacuations.

Stop thinking about everything and urge everyone near you in the building to leave the building from the fastest exit instantly. Fire causes destruction, and buildings can collapse, which makes evacuation the best option in such cases. Fire safety training will teach employees how to evacuate fast. You will also get plans and diagrams of the fastest escape routes from your workplace.

Conclusion

Fortune favors the brave, and a lot of fortune is needed when you experience workplace fires. All staff members of an office should take a nice nationally recognized fire safety training course as it comes in handy in emergencies.

Fire is not something to play with and can cause major destruction as well as kill people. After taking the safety course, you and your staff members will be better placed to detect and tackle workplace fires. Human life and health are really valuable, and each staff member should be trained to help themselves and others during fire emergencies.