Learning objectives

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the causes of fires and how they spread
• Recognise fire hazards in the workplace
• Understand fire prevention measures
• Know the actions to take in the event of a fire
• Understand the role of the fire warden.

Course content

1. Introduction to Fire Safety:

• The importance of fire safety
• Legislation and legal responsibilities (e.g. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005)
• Employer and employee responsibilities.

2. The Fire Triangle:

• Elements of fire: heat, fuel, oxygen
• How fires start and spread.

3. Common Causes of Fire:

• Electrical faults
• Human error
• Arson
• Housekeeping failures
• Flammable materials and substances.

4. Fire Hazards and Risk Assessment:

• Identifying hazards in the workplace
• Reducing risks and implementing control measures
• Importance of maintaining good housekeeping.

5. Fire Prevention and Protection:

• Prevention methods
• Fire detection systems
• Fire alarms and emergency lighting
• Fire doors, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

6. Actions in the Event of Fire:

• Raising the alarm
• Safe evacuation procedures
• Fire assembly points and roll call
• Liaising with emergency services
• Personal safety considerations.

7. Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Use:

• Water, Foam, CO2, Dry Powder, and Wet Chemical extinguishers
• Correct extinguisher selection for different classes of fire
• Basic practical demonstration (if appropriate and time allows).

8. Role of the Fire Warden (Optional / Awareness Level):

• Duties and responsibilities
• Supporting evacuation procedures
• Checking designated areas.

Assessment

• Multiple-choice assessment (typically 15-20 questions)
• Pass mark usually around 70%.

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners receive the FAA Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness. This qualification does not expire but refresher training is recommended every 3 years.

Target audience

This course is highly relevant for all personnel working in housing organisations, housing associations, local authorities, and property management companies who may be exposed to fire safety issues as part of their role, including:

• Housing Officers / Tenancy Officers
  • Regularly visiting properties, interacting with tenants, responsible for tenant safety and property standards.
• Repairs and Maintenance Teams
  • Operatives and contractors carrying out property maintenance, who may encounter fire hazards while working.
• Property Managers
  • Staff overseeing blocks of flats, communal areas, HMOs, sheltered housing, and supported living schemes.
• Caretakers and Estate Managers
  • Staff responsible for cleaning, maintenance, and security of communal areas.
• Customer Service / Frontline Staff
  • Those interacting with tenants or taking reports about fire safety concerns.
• Compliance Officers
  • Staff responsible for supporting fire safety audits and checks.
• Facilities Management Staff
  • Who may control access to plant rooms, bin stores, electrical cupboards etc.
• Office-based staff within the housing organisation
  • Ensuring that HQ or satellite offices are compliant with fire safety legislation.

Secondary audience (optional but recommended)

• Board Members / Trustees (Non-executive)
  •  For an overview of organisational fire safety responsibilities.
• Tenant Representatives / Resident Panels
  • Where applicable, to support resident involvement in fire safety awareness.
• Third-party Contractors / Partners
  • External service providers who regularly work on housing sites.

Brian Claydon – Chartered Health & Safety Trainer and Consultant (CMIOSH)

Brian is a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) and a highly respected Health and Safety professional with a career spanning multiple industries, including construction, social housing, and tourism. After managing Health and Safety within various organisations. Since 2018 Brian focus has been on accredited Health and Safety Training and consultancy, bringing with him a wealth of practical experience and a clear vision: to make Health and Safety more accessible, engaging, and impactful for businesses of all sizes.

With a hands-on, down-to-earth approach, Brian has earned a reputation for delivering relevant, practical, and accredited training that resonates with real-world challenges. His consultancy work is built around a deep understanding of current UK Health and Safety legislation, helping clients not only meet their legal obligations but also create safer, more productive working environments.

What truly sets Brian apart is his engaging and relatable delivery style. Whether he’s working with frontline staff or senior management teams, his sessions are designed to be interactive, informative, and tailored to the needs of the audience. His goal is simple: to empower people with the knowledge, confidence, and competence to work safely.

Driven by a genuine passion for improving workplace safety, Brian is committed to upholding the highest standards of training, advice, and support. His clients value not only his expertise but also his ongoing dedication to their Health and Safety success.