Fire safety assistants fight fires as soon as they start. They alert the emergency services, instruct the fire brigade and help evacuate people from the building. They must receive regular training for this task and should make up at least five per cent of the workforce.
Legal framework for company fire safety assistants
The tasks of fire safety and evacuation assistants in the company are clearly regulated by various legal provisions. The following framework conditions determine the training objectives and deployment of fire safety assistants in detail:
General conditions for fire safety assistants according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Section five of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the employer to assess the working conditions. This concerns the design and furnishing of workplaces as well as physical, chemical and biological effects. After safety and fire hazards, machines and systems, equipment and working materials must also be assessed according to the hazard.
Clause six expressly requires documentation of the risk assessment and the occupational health and safety measures defined by the employer. This also includes documented, regular inspections. In particular, hazards involving personal injury (accidents resulting in injury or death) must be recorded and reported.
In Section Ten of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Article Two in particular refers to the tasks of fire safety and evacuation assistants. In order to be able to carry out first aid, firefighting and evacuation measures in an organised and efficient manner, the designated fire safety assistants must be trained accordingly. Follow-up training is required at regular intervals.
Legal situation according to the workplace directive on the fire safety assistant obligation
Since 2012, the Workplace Directive (ASR) 2.2 has regulated the percentage of fire safety assistants that must be trained in the company. For companies with 20 or more employees, this is five per cent. If more fire safety assistants are required according to the risk assessment, this must be assessed and determined individually for each company. In addition, it is up to the employer to decide whether to designate a larger number of employees for this purpose.
It is not mandatory to name the current fire safety assistants. ASR 2.2 is bureaucratically restrained in the details. What percentage of fire safety assistants does a company need? This can also be weighed up based on personal experience and expert recommendations from local fire brigades. However, it should be checked which fire safety assistants should receive refresher training and how often.
The aim of ASR 2.2 is to Protecting companies from economic damage and, to a much greater extent, the protection of employees from danger to life and limb. If there are enough well-trained fire safety and evacuation assistants, panic can be avoided in an emergency. In the past, such situations have often caused greater personal injury than the fire itself.
Fire safety assistant training according to DGUV
The German Social Accident Insurance (DUV) requires new employees to receive initial training on the most important aspects of fire safety in the company. In addition, all employees must be informed once a year. For example, fire protection equipment is explained in theory and evacuations are rehearsed.
Fire safety assistants are specifically designated and undergo fire safety assistant training in theory and practice. They should handle fire extinguishing equipment safely and avoid endangering themselves. The orderly escape of employees in the event of a fire must also be regularly rehearsed. Experienced specialist personnel are responsible for instructing the fire safety and evacuation assistants in their tasks.
There is no company-wide answer to the question of which training for fire safety assistants is valid for how long. If employees with completed fire service training work here, they do not have to undergo additional company training as fire safety assistants. If there is a high turnover of staff, training must take place more frequently.
Requirements for the appointment of fire protection and evacuation assistants
Fire safety assistants are usually active in companies on a voluntary basis. They do not need any basic knowledge of fire safety, but should already have the appropriate soft skills for serious deployment as a fire safety first aider. In principle, companies can select their fire safety assistants according to the following three aspects:
Employees suitable for fire safety assistant training
If employees take on the duty of fire safety assistants, they should have been with the company for some time. This is because they are only required to be with the premises and potential hazards familiar. Training is also only recommended for employees working full-time, i.e. with several hours of presence at the workplace.
In the best-case scenario, fire safety assistants regard the obligation as motivation out of personal interest. They will train themselves personally between the validity periods of the certificates and thus represent added value for the entire company in the event of innovations. Those who voluntarily take on the tasks of fire safety and evacuation assistants will also seriously work on their expertise for emergencies.
The activity carried out has no influence on the designation as a fire safety assistant. However, the selection should be made in such a way that the fulfilment of the fire safety assistant duty does not have a detrimental effect on other roles. Soft skills such as a high sense of responsibility, good communication skills and a literally "cool head" in an emergency are prerequisites for suitability.
Who is better off not completing the fire safety assistant training
Temporary staff, part-time employees or holiday and sickness replacements are not suitable for fire safety assistant training. They are resources that are irreplaceable for the actual job. It would therefore be a waste of budget to designate and train them as temporary fire safety assistants at all. Shift workers are an exception.
The aim of fire safety first aider training is to improve safety in the company. Working from home, fire safety assistants cannot realise this goal in good time and certainly not when fighting fires in the initial phase. Likewise, trainees are far too often not on site. Sales staff in the field cannot reliably undertake such a serious role either.
People with physical disabilities should not be trained as fire safety assistants. After all, one of their tasks is to help other disabled people out of the danger zone in the event of a fire. Health problems with cardiovascular or chronic complaints must also be taken into account when selecting fire safety assistants.
Recommended number of employees for fire protection and evacuation assistants
Five per cent of the company's employees are required to be fire safety assistants. This is the minimum requirement for companies with at least 20 employees. However, SMEs with fewer employees are also reliant on the training and practical experience of several first aiders. To be on the safe side, more than the prescribed number of specialists can share responsibility.
Deviations from the recommendations are necessary if the fire risk in the company is higher than normal. In the event of an emergency, fire safety assistants must also fulfil the fire safety assistant duty in several places in commercial properties with a particularly large area. Disabled employees in inclusive companies also need more support.
The recommended percentage must also be taken into account in the long term, the number of employees on holiday, sick leave, training or frequent staff turnover is available at all. Fire safety assistants on fixed-term employment contracts may not be available long enough to act as fire safety first aiders. Such guidelines should be reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary.
Fire safety assistant training - details on duration and procedure
Specialists and specialised institutes offer the training as open courses for a recommended five people throughout Germany. The costs are shared by several companies. If there is a particular risk of fire in a company, it is advisable to organise the course at your own location. Such individual training courses are held on site for groups of six or more people. They can last longer than the standard open course and fire safety first aider prepare for special features at the location. These are the other details:
Duration of fire safety assistant training
The duration of the fire safety assistant training is as individual as the circumstances in the future area of responsibility of the fire safety assistants. At least two theoretical teaching units of 45 minutes each are planned. These units are followed by practical training of at least five to ten minutes per course participant. Ultimately, the more participants, the longer the training lasts.
An open course for fire protection and evacuation assistants in accordance with the DGUV is limited to general training content. The employer should allow for twice the duration of the course. This is the only way that fire safety assistants can fulfil their duty to secure, fight and rescue with routine later on. Even when refreshing the training, the minimum guideline value cannot usually be adhered to.
Closed fire safety assistant training takes place at the company site or in local training centres. Here, twice the duration of the course is planned for the theory from the outset. After all, company-specific content is taught. The training of the group of all fire safety assistants also takes correspondingly longer, but immediately with the fire extinguishing equipment available in the company.
Theoretical basic training for fire safety assistants
The theoretical fire safety assistant training begins with the basic principles of fire protection and information on the company fire protection organisation, including the function and mode of operation of fire extinguishing equipment. DIN regulations on fire safety regulations, fire hazards and causes, fire protection equipment and escape routes as well as safety labelling are explained in detail.
In the "Fire hazards" section, fire safety assistants learn about hazards from chemical, thermal and mechanical risks. Breathing poisons and smoke, heat radiation, flying parts, grease or metal fires and high fire loads are dealt with in relation to the company. In a closed course, prospective fire safety assistants can have additional questions about their own company answered.
Before moving on to the practical part of the training, the behaviour of fire safety assistants in the event of a fire is explained. This includes raising the alarm, operating fire extinguishing equipment and self-protection. Securing the independent escape of employees is also one of the tasks of the fire protection and evacuation assistants. Special tasks in accordance with Fire Protection Regulations Part C and extinguishing burning persons are also discussed in theory.
Practical training for fire safety assistants
The practical part of the training consists of training sessions of five to ten minutes per fire safety assistant. Fire extinguishing equipment is introduced, its handling and functionality as well as the triggering mechanisms are practised. A tactical approach is required when extinguishing fires, assessing the situation and proceeding without endangering the fire safety assistants themselves.
The fire safety assistants train realistically in crisis scenarios using simulators and systems with suitable superstructures. They familiarise themselves with the mode of operation and performance of the respective fire extinguishing equipment. This is important for a well-dosed approach to practical firefighting on site and the intelligent selection of the right equipment according to the type and extent of the fire.
Depending on the individual circumstances in the company, training units in the fire safety assistant training programme address company-specific features. The tactical approach to electrical systems in the event of a fire is practised, as is prudent firefighting in the event of grease or metal fires. At the end of the practical training, the specialists are familiarised with their area of responsibility.
Fire safety assistant training - details on duration and procedure
Fire safety assistant training is offered by specialists and specialised institutes as open courses for a recommended five people throughout Germany. The costs are shared by several companies. If there is a particular risk of fire in the company, it is advisable to organise the course at your own location. Such individual training courses are held on site for groups of six or more people. They can last longer than the standard open course and prepare fire safety first aiders for special features at the site. These are the other details:
Duration of fire safety assistant training
The duration of the training is as individual as the circumstances in the future area of responsibility of the fire safety assistants. At least two theoretical training units of 45 minutes each are planned for fire safety assistants. These units are followed by practical training of at least five to ten minutes per course participant. Ultimately, the more participants, the longer the training lasts.
An open course for fire protection and evacuation assistants in accordance with the DGUV is limited to general training content. The employer should allow for twice the duration of the course. This is the only way that fire safety assistants can fulfil their duty to secure, fight and rescue with routine later on. Even when refreshing the training, the minimum guideline value cannot usually be adhered to.
Closed training for fire safety assistants takes place at the company site or in local training centres. Here, twice the duration of the course is planned for the theory from the outset. After all, company-specific content is taught. The training of the group of all fire safety assistants also takes correspondingly longer, but immediately with the fire extinguishing equipment available in the company.
Theoretical basic training for fire safety assistants
The theoretical fire safety assistant training begins with the basic principles of fire protection and information on the company fire protection organisation, including the function and mode of operation of fire extinguishing equipment. DIN regulations on fire safety regulations, fire hazards and causes, fire protection equipment and escape routes as well as safety signage are explained in detail.
In the "Fire hazards" section, fire safety assistants learn about hazards from chemical, thermal and mechanical risks. Breathing poisons and smoke, heat radiation, flying parts, grease or metal fires and high fire loads are dealt with in relation to the company. In a closed course, prospective fire safety assistants can have additional questions about their own company answered.
Before moving on to the practical part of the training, the behaviour of fire safety assistants in the event of a fire is explained. This includes raising the alarm, operating fire extinguishing equipment and self-protection. Securing the independent escape of employees is also one of the tasks of the fire protection and evacuation assistants. Special tasks in accordance with Fire Protection Regulations Part C and extinguishing burning persons are also discussed in theory.
Practical training for fire safety assistants
The practical part of the training consists of training sessions of five to ten minutes per fire safety assistant. Fire extinguishing equipment is introduced, its handling and functionality as well as the triggering mechanisms are practised. A tactical approach is required when extinguishing fires, assessing the situation and proceeding without endangering the fire safety assistants themselves.
The fire safety assistants train realistically in crisis scenarios using simulation equipment and systems with suitable superstructures. They familiarise themselves with the mode of operation and performance of the respective fire extinguishing equipment. This is important for a well-dosed approach to practical firefighting on site and the intelligent selection of the right equipment according to the type and extent of the fire.
Depending on the individual circumstances in the company, training units in the fire safety assistant training programme address company-specific features. The tactical approach to electrical systems in the event of a fire is practised, as is prudent firefighting in the event of grease or metal fires. At the end of the practical fire protection and evacuation assistant training, the specialists are instructed in their area of responsibility.
Qualification of responsible fire safety assistants
Fire safety assistants only learn the basics for their later deployment as fire safety and evacuation assistants in a training programme solely for companies. However, there are different levels of specialisation, partly through continuous further training and partly through in-depth professional training in the fire protection sector. This is how the qualifications differ in detail:
Studies on operational and inter-company fire protection
University students specialising in fire protection are a blessing for companies, but are usually employed by external providers. Their advantage is their much more in-depth theoretical knowledge of fire extinguishing equipment, fire situations, behavioural variations and much more. They are often available as additional fire safety assistants for companies.
The advantage of such a well-founded degree is the comprehensive knowledge in theory and practice, through years of study and usually already ample practical experience in prevention and deployment as external fire protection and evacuation assistants. The disadvantage is the lack of company-specific knowledge in individual cases.
Despite the existing study qualification, follow-up training may be necessary in the company. Only this and the individual examination certificate ensure that the specialist can fulfil the fire safety assistant duty in the specific area of responsibility as required for the benefit of all employees. These highly qualified fire safety assistants are also not exempt from the obligation to undergo further training.
Training for occupational safety with specialisation in fire protection
Members of industrial and professional fire brigades as well as volunteer fire brigades must have already successfully completed the group leader training course for fire protection and evacuation assistants. In hazardous situations, they often act hand in hand with the less intensively familiarised graduates of an internal or open fire safety assistant training course.
Fire protection is also part of the training content for occupational safety specialists. Depending on the frequency of training and duration of the practical assignment, they can take on a teaching assignment for internal fire safety assistant training. In the event of an emergency, their task is to coordinate various actions, for example making arrangements with fire brigades or assigning responsibilities for several in-house fire safety assistants.
Of course, external fire safety assistants from specialised companies or manufacturers of appropriate fire extinguishing technology are also particularly competent. They can provide valuable tips for specific operational situations, for example on minimising the risk of thermal, chemical or mechanical hazards. In practical training sessions, they provide instruction in strategic and tactical procedures.
Company fire protection assistants with examination certificate
Fire protection and evacuation assistants are certified to provide basic protection in the event of danger. Their task is not to completely fight the fire, but merely to help with organising the escape, operating fire extinguishing equipment, self-protection and fighting in the initial stages of a fire. Fire safety assistants are also competent contacts for external help.
After initial training, companies and legislators decide on a case-by-case basis which fire safety assistant training needs to be refreshed and how often. The certificate for fire protection and evacuation assistants is valid, for example, in the event of claims against insurance companies or in recourse cases and investigations into the causes of fires due to negligence or intent.
Fire safety assistant training must be repeated at least once a year. The less previous training an assigned fire safety assistant has, the more closely they should be trained to fulfil their fire safety assistant duties. This also applies to teams in which several fire safety assistants work together in large companies. Renewed fire safety and evacuation assistant training is necessary at the latest when new regulations are introduced.
Legal requirements for the repetition of fire safety assistant training
If the initial conditions do not change, all fire safety assistants repeat the training after a minimum of three and a maximum of five years. Proof of which fire safety assistants have been retrained and how often is important for insurance checks, audits and the requirements of legal authorities. However, fire safety assistants are much more likely to change their areas of responsibility due to changes in business structures. In this case, the training intervals for fire safety assistants should be shortened according to the following internal safety considerations:
Requirements for fire safety assistant training and how often it is necessary
Significant operational changes affect all employees. Fire safety assistants must be enabled to carry out their fire safety duties properly and for the benefit of all. To this end, legislators and insurers may require a new risk assessment. It documents the effectiveness of the fire safety assistants' training and the need to expand their knowledge. This answers the question of which fire safety assistant training is necessary and how often.
New materials may be used, or spatial conditions may change with regard to alterations to production lines or administrative areas. In addition to repositioning fire extinguishing equipment, all fire safety assistants must be familiarised with the changes, both theoretically and through practical training. Fire safety assistants can be retrained by internal or external specialised personnel.
Transferring fire safety assistants to other commercial properties or other areas of the company on the same site also requires refresher training. A completely different approach to the initial firefighting training may now be necessary. These and other criteria are used to decide how often and how much time is needed for fire safety assistant training.
Reasons for shorter intervals between repetitions
How many fire safety assistants? Teams of fire safety assistants divide their responsibilities according to the size of the company and monitoring areas. This team composition can change due to transfers, leaving the company, new arrivals and other circumstances. The team of fire safety assistants must be retrained each time.
Changes or additions to the DGUV are usually made when inter-company hazardous situations change. The workplace guidelines also regularly respond to hazardous situations by amending their provisions. Fire safety assistants can only act as well as they learn through their training. Repetition therefore brings them up to date for better overall safety.
When it comes to the question of fire safety assistant training - as is often the case - it is also conceivable that the responsibilities of the individual fire safety assistants in the team overlap. The time and cost involved in this type of training is higher, but so is the level of competence in an emergency. By expanding their knowledge from the previous training course, the assigned persons can fulfil their fire safety assistant duties with an ever-increasing wealth of experience.
Renew fire safety assistant training with new responsibilities
Small companies expand when a new and better order situation arises. This can significantly change the responsibilities of the fire safety assistants. They may even have to fulfil their fire safety assistant duties at a completely different location. There, it is important to familiarise them with the local conditions by repeating the fire safety training again.
It is virtually impossible for young fire safety assistants to take over the fire safety assistant duties of their predecessors with the same level of expertise. If an experienced fire safety assistant retires, the only way to close such a gap is to provide training outside the prescribed intervals. It is favourable if the "old hand" accompanies his successor in the training course. This quickly and reliably establishes the previous routine in theoretical initial firefighting.
As is often the case, fire safety assistant training can also be reassessed in the event of management changes. The replacement of outdated fire extinguishing technology may require fire safety assistants to familiarise themselves with the new developments in order to fulfil their fire safety duties in the future. It is also conceivable that fire safety assistants in a new area of responsibility will have to develop different tactics for dealing with emergencies. The easiest way for them to learn this is to attend a course under the guidance of specialised personnel.
Special features for fire safety assistants on construction sites
Construction sites are temporary workplaces with frequent changes in fire hazards. Accordingly, fire safety assistants must always be kept up to date with fire extinguishing equipment and evacuation procedures in the event of a crisis. It is up to the employer to determine whether the fire safety assistant training needs to be repeated and how often. The following three safety and situational aspects can help with the decision:
Fire safety assistant training - how often - reasons for repetition
According to the workplace guidelines, fire safety assistants only need to be retrained for stationary equipment on construction sites. This includes office containers, construction site accommodation or workshops on site. The fire hazards posed by fitters on the construction site are much more variable. Here, fire safety assistants are confronted with soldering and painting work, welding, cut-off grinding and other activities.
For example, the progress of construction work may make it necessary to repeat fire safety assistant training as often as necessary following this progress. Refresher training sensitises fire safety assistants tactically and technically to new situations. Without this measure, they would act routinely despite the changed situation and possibly overlook risks.
If it is determined which fire safety assistant training is repeated and how often, this is also an advantage for those on the construction site who are not assigned as fire safety assistants. General theoretical course content can be passed on to all construction workers in general employee briefings. Through their own prudent behaviour, they make a significant contribution to relieving the burden on fire safety assistants on the construction site.
Proof of professional competence for fulfilling the fire safety assistant obligation
The required minimum number of fire safety assistants should be significantly exceeded on a construction site. This makes it easier to determine how often fire safety assistant training should be repeated with different team compositions. Between the specified intervals, the newly trained fire safety assistants now support each other in fulfilling their duty as fire safety assistants in their respective areas of responsibility under newly learnt aspects.
Who is suitable as a fire safety assistant on construction sites? For the most part, the construction workers themselves cannot be called away from their actual work. However, personnel monitoring the progress of construction work are the ideal candidates. Due to their purely supervisory function, fire safety assistants in this role discover potential hazards earlier and often not only in their own area of responsibility, but also in neighbouring areas.
As with the determination of fire safety assistants in normal operations, the necessary number of contingencies should also be taken into account on construction sites. Construction workers and site managers as fire safety assistants can go on holiday, be absent due to illness, accompany special construction projects or leave the company. Replacements are available if more fire safety assistants refresh their training than seems necessary according to regulations and the current situation.
Reassess fire hazards on construction sites for fire safety assistants
Construction sites never sleep, or so it seems, given the constant arrivals and departures, the moving of construction machinery and the work of construction workers. A constantly updated risk assessment also determines how the next fire safety assistant training course should be organised and how often for the respective areas of the construction site. Internal courses for fire safety assistants are particularly suitable for this purpose.
For example, the correct procedure for fire safety assistants differs depending on the type of construction site progress. Tactical evacuation is required differently for outdoor work than for the escape of construction workers from interior rooms that have already been completed or are currently being worked on. This also has an effect on the position and therefore accessibility of existing fire extinguishing equipment.
Practice through repetition is another purpose of reassessing which fire safety assistant training should take place and how often. This is because fire safety assistants can only act quickly and prudently once they have received practical refresher training. The suggested interval of three to five years is clearly too long for such a changeable workplace as a construction site.
Tasks of fire safety assistants in company and construction site practice
The best use of fire safety assistants is not even necessary. This is why regular training courses are organised for specialists. This enables fire safety and evacuation assistants to keep fire safety in their area of responsibility up to date and contribute to improvements through preventative measures. Overall, the tasks for fire safety assistants are divided into the following areas of responsibility:
Fire safety assistants - preventive and regular tasks
Fire safety assistants support the tasks of fire safety officers in companies with their inspection activities. They keep up to date with the operation of fire protection equipment and, in the event of a fire, are responsible for smoke extraction from interior spaces. Fire safety assistants also carry out alarm drills and instruct the fire brigade in the event of danger.
In normal business operations, fire safety assistants draw up company fire safety regulations and post them for all employees to see. They also draw up and publicise escape and rescue plans. One of their tasks is to check that smoke and fire doors are functioning correctly.
It is not the responsibility of the fire safety assistants to test existing fire extinguishers. However, they must check whether there are enough fire extinguishers per workroom and business floor in case of an emergency and whether they can still be used after their expiry date. They also regularly check that escape and rescue routes are clear of obstacles in the event of an evacuation.
Fighting incipient fires by fire protection assistants
People can still safely approach an incipient fire with a clear view. At best, the fire safety assistants can avert the danger with the wall hydrants or fire extinguishers provided. To do this, they must be well trained. They must also have experience in assessing the extent of the danger in order to rule out any risk to themselves in the event of smoke and heat development.
If the incipient fire cannot be fought, fire safety assistants alert the fire brigade. They operate push-button alarms or call 112 and report where there is a fire and what it is, how strong the fire already is and what dangers are currently present in the opinion of the fire safety assistants. They remain in contact until the firefighters have arrived. They then instruct them to enter the premises.
Evacuation and rescue of people by fire safety assistants
Rescuing people and therefore the orderly evacuation of employees and visitors is the top priority for fire safety assistants. They secure escape and rescue routes, organise barrier posts and take care of the evacuation of people with disabilities. Fire safety assistants monitor the evacuation and count people at the safe outdoor area. Missing persons are reported to the fire brigade for possible rescue.
Conclusion:
Fire safety assistants are part of the specialised staff in every company for maximum safety at the workplace, in the building and on the company premises. They receive regular training in order to be able to prevent, fight and save fires. Fire safety assistants must also regularly train in the operation of fire extinguishing equipment.
