Fire Safety Awareness Training for Schools and Colleges

Course content

1Introduction

The opening chapter introduces the impact of fires in schools and colleges and highlights the importance of having robust Fire Policies and Procedures in place.

It outlines the key roles and responsibilities of staff in preventing and managing fires, including the roles of the Building Safety Manager and Fire Marshal/Warden. Guidance is provided on what a comprehensive School or College Fire Policy should include, ensuring that all staff are aware of procedures and expectations.

Practical advice is given for both teaching and non-teaching staff regarding your responsibilities in preventing fires, responding safely in the event of a fire, and understanding the critical role every individual plays in maintaining fire safety within their educational setting.

2Understanding fire

This chapter provides a detailed understanding of how fires start, spread, and how risks can be managed effectively in schools and colleges.

The Chemistry of Fire

• Explains the components required for a fire to ignite – heat, fuel, and oxygen, often referred to as the Triangle of Combustion.

• Highlights how understanding this triangle can help prevent fires before they start.

How Fires Start

• Covers common sources of ignition in educational settings, including electrical equipment, heating systems, and flammable materials.

• Explains how smoke and fire can spread through conduction, convection, and radiation.

• Provides practical examples of causes of fires and guidance on preventing arson.

Identifying Risks and Hazards

• Uses a real-life classroom scenario to demonstrate potential fire risks and hazards.

• You are encouraged to identify and assess risks in your own environment to promote proactive fire safety.

Housekeeping, Storage, and Waste Disposal

• Explains the importance of correct storage of combustible materials, including paper, cleaning products, and other waste.

• Guidance is provided on managing waste safely to reduce fire risk.

Natural, Physical, and Human Reactions

• Discusses human factors that influence decision-making during a fire.

• Highlights how staff awareness and preparation can improve safety outcomes for themselves and learners.

Knowledge Check and Summary

• At the end of the chapter, you will complete a brief multiple-choice assessment to consolidate understanding before moving on to the next section.

3Fire action

This chapter focuses on the actions you should take in the event of a fire, with a focus on maintaining personal safety.

What to Do on Discovering a Fire

• Explains how to respond immediately while prioritising personal and pupil safety.

• Guidance on correctly assessing a fire incident and identifying the level of risk, including steps to take if the risk is unclear.

• Emphasises the importance of staying calm and acting decisively.

Raising the Alarm

• Covers the correct procedures for raising the alarm, including the types of alarms commonly used in schools and colleges.

• Provides practical tips to encourage prompt reporting.

• Highlights common reasons why staff may hesitate to raise the alarm and the potential consequences of delays.

On Hearing the Alarm

• Details the evacuation process, including routes, assembly points, and considerations for vulnerable individuals.

• Discusses the role of human factors, such as panic and decision-making, and how preparation can reduce risk during an evacuation.

Tackling a Fire if Safe to Do So

• Outlines the conditions under which it is appropriate to attempt to fight a fire.

• Covers the types of fire extinguisher, their uses, and the severity of fires that can be safely managed.

• Reinforces that safety is the priority – tackling a fire is only suitable if it can be done safely.

Knowledge Check and Summary

• Concludes with a brief multiple-choice assessment to consolidate your learning before moving to the next chapter.

4Evacuation

This chapter focuses on the safe and efficient evacuation of schools and colleges in the event of a fire.

Effective Use of Time

• Explains factors that affect the duration of an evacuation, including human behaviour, preparedness, and environmental considerations.

• Highlights the importance of planning and practice to reduce evacuation times.

Location of Escape Routes

• Gives you guidance on identifying and using escape routes effectively.

• Emphasises the importance of all staff and learners knowing primary and secondary escape routes and assembly points.

Fire Doors and Means of Escape

• Covers the different types of fire doors and how they operate.

• Provides essential information about fire exits and their role in ensuring safe evacuation.

Reasons for Not Using Lifts

• Explains why lifts must not be used during a fire evacuation, due to the risks of smoke inhalation, toxic fumes, and electrical hazards.

PEEPS and Additional Procedures

• Details Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for staff or learners requiring assistance.

• Highlights additional procedures to ensure the safety of individuals with mobility, sensory, or other specific needs.

Fire Drills

• Guidance on conducting effective fire drills, ensuring they reflect realistic conditions.

• Emphasises the importance of regular drills to maintain familiarity and confidence in procedures.

Knowledge Check and Summary

• Concludes with a brief multiple-choice assessment to consolidate understanding before moving to the next chapter.

5Fire fighting equipment

This chapter introduces the main types of fire-fighting equipment in schools and colleges and how to use them safely.

It will give you:

• An overview of fire types and find out about the correct equipment for tackling each of them.
• An explanation of the key extinguishers and their uses (including Water, Foam, Powder, CO₂, and Wet Chemical).
• Information about using fire blankets for small fires or clothing fires.
• Guidance on safe use – only tackle a fire if it is safe and manageable.
• Short multiple-choice knowledge check to consolidate learning.

6Assessment

A short assessment comprising multiple choice questions, aimed at testing your knowledge and understanding of the course. Certificate available upon completion.

You may also be interested in our Fire Marshal / Fire Warden for Schools and Colleges online training or our Fire Training for Schools and Colleges Multipacks.