Fire Service offering safety training for local businesses

Friday 23 February 2018

The Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service is giving people the chance to learn about the correct responses, and use of fire-fighting equipment; specifically tailored to the workplace.

It is asking if you know what action to take if you discovered a fire in your workplace, beyond just knowing the location of the extinguisher.

Head of Fire Safety, Martin Lucas: "We launched these courses three years ago and they’ve proved consistently popular with employers across the board.

"The training we offer can be applied to a wide variety of working environments, whether it be an office, hotel, warehouse or restaurant.  The certification is valid for three years and can be tailored to the individual workplace – to cover the role of a fire marshal, extinguisher training or a combination of both."

He added: "We would encourage all employers to put designated employees through the training to ensure that they are fully aware of fire risks and the best and safest way to deal with any incident."

Above: Guernsey media and other business members attended one of the courses yesterday, and learnt the theory of being a Fire Marshall and how to use extinguishers. A number of scenarios were also run through to give the attendees practical experience.

As part of the training, the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service provides realistic, practical scenarios in the controlled environment of the island's on-site training tower. 

The training helps to highlight how quickly a dangerous situation can develop and stresses the importance of reacting immediately.

Forty-eight courses were held during 2017, with four hundred and forty-six people completing the training; which covers everything from fire alarm systems and evacuation procedures to the correct use of extinguishers on different types of fire, depending on the chosen course.

Courses cost £46 per person and the training takes half a day. 

Bookings can me made directly with the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service via email, or by calling 724491.