Fire risks exist in every workplace. Even in seemingly low-risk settings like offices and shops, the presence of electrical equipment like kettles and printers and combustible materials like paper and cardboard are enough to present a very real fire risk. In higher-risk settings, like workplaces containing flammable or hazardous materials, the fire risk is of course much higher.
South African legislation stipulates that employers must put measures in place to control all workplace fire risks. This can be done by implementing fire prevention programmes, providing adequate firefighting equipment like extinguishers on site, and having trained firefighters, called Fire Wardens, on staff.
In this article, we’ll explain why you’re legally required to have a trained firefighter at work, go over the benefits trained Fire Wardens bring to the workplace, and provide guidance on how to select the right OHS firefighting training for your Health and Safety Team.
What are the legal requirements for workplace firefighter training?
Section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 clearly states that employers have a legal duty to eliminate or mitigate hazards and risks arising out of, or in connection with, work performed. This includes fire risks. Furthermore, according to Section 8.2(e), the duties of employers specifically include“providing such information, instructions, training, and supervision as may be necessary to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees.” It is clear that under the OHS Act, employers are required to provide OHS firefighter training to protect employees from fire risks.
How many firefighters do you need in your workplace?
The number of trained Fire Wardens you need on your workplace Health and Safety Team depends on how many people your organisation employs. For most workplaces, the recommended ratio of firefighters to employees is one firefighter per group of 50 employees (1:50). For high-risk workplaces, such as those dealing with flammable or hazardous materials, it may be necessary to train additional Fire Wardens, and to train them to a more advanced firefighting level.
How are workplace firefighters selected and appointed?
The best workplace firefighters are those who volunteer for the role. Employers should make it known that there is a need for a firefighter to be appointed and ask staff to volunteer. Should no one volunteer, employers should meet with HR and take the time to determine who is a suitable candidate for the role. Fire Wardens should be relatively physically fit as there is a physical aspect to firefighting and should also be present in the office full time. There are no other entry requirements for OHS firefighter training.
Once a Fire Warden has been selected, they should sign a detailed appointment letter and be sent on an accredited firefighting training course.
What are the benefits of having trained firefighters in the workplace?
There are many benefits to having a trained firefighter in the workplace, including the following:
Improve workplace fire prevention programmes:
OHS firefighter training equips delegates to assist in conducting fire risk assessments and implementing fire prevention programmes.
Extinguish small fires quickly:
OHS firefighter training equips delegates to extinguish small fires quickly and effectively, preventing small fires from becoming large fires that are more difficult to extinguish.
Prevent damage to assets and property:
Extinguishing fires quickly, or preventing fires from starting in the first place, protects property and assets from damage. This in turn protects the company from financial costs and downtime.
Improve employee safety:
Fire Wardens play a vital role in ensuring employee health and safety.
OHS Act compliance:The OHS Act states that employers have a duty to provide any training necessary to protect employees from hazards and risks, including fire risks. Sending Fire Wardens on accredited firefighter training ensures OHS Act compliance in this regard.
What does OHS firefighter training include?
It’s important to note that OHS firefighter training and OHS advanced firefighter training differs from professional firefighter training and does not qualify delegates to join the Fire Department or fire service. OHS firefighter training equips delegates to extinguish small fires and to implement fire prevention programmes in a workplace setting.
OHS firefighter training (one-day course) covers the following content:
- Introduction to the theory of fire
- Common causes of workplace fires
- Fire safety and fire prevention programmes
- Fire detection and reporting methods
- Firefighting equipment including fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets, fire buckets, and automatic sprinkler systems
- Firefighting equipment maintenance
- Evacuation procedures
- How to extinguish small fires using a fire extinguisher
- Fire risk assessments
- Introduction to fire investigation and scene preservation
- Hands-on practice
OHS advanced firefighter training (two-day course) covers the following content:
- All content covered in the ‘basic’ OHS firefighter training course
- Firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE)
- How to use high-pressure hoses and hydrants
- Types of fire attacks
- Burn wound treatment
- Additional practical firefighter exercises on the second day of training
How to select an OHS firefighter training provider
QCTO and HWSETA accreditation:
It is essential to select an occupational health and safety training provider that is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). The QCTO is the controlling accreditation body for all Skills Programmes in South Africa, while the HWSETA works hand in hand with the QCTO to assess training providers and courses.
Practical training:
Look for firefighter training that includes both theoretical and practical elements. Hands-on training on how to operate a fire extinguisher, for example, is a vital aspect of building the skills and confidence needed to successfully tackle fires in a real emergency.
Training facilities and resources:
Look for an OHS training provider that has dedicated training centres and well-maintained training resources, including fire extinguishers, firefighter PPE, hose reels, fire blankets, etc.
On-site training option:
Some providers will come to your business premises to conduct on-site firefighter training (FAFST offers on-site training for groups of eight or more delegates).
Certificate turn-around time:
Because firefighter training is an OHS compliance requirement, Department of Employment and Labour inspectors often request to view firefighter training certificates during inspections. Select a training provider that commits to a certificate turn-around time of no more than 14 days to ensure that your firefighter training certificates are available on file as soon as possible.
Reputation and reviews:
Always vet potential training providers by checking online reviews and ratings.
Ready to book accredited firefighter training?
FAFST offers two levels of OHS firefighter training:
- Firefighting course (one-day training)
- Advanced Firefighting course (two-day training)
Contact us to find out which course is right for your delegate or to make a booking.
