Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Getting the message across
Whenever a training programme is developed, it should 
be borne in mind that people undergoing training will 
remember the information at a different rate depending 
upon their personal learning preferences. The way the 
information is presented also has a signifi cant bearing 
Figure 4.6
Training for safety – a typical training cycle
Identify training
objectives and
methods
Deliver
training
Evaluate
effectiveness
Prepare
training
programme
Decide if training
is necessary
Identify training
needs
Feedback loop
to improve training
process

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Safety culture
69
on how much people will remember. As a guide people 
will generally remember at the following rates:
➤
10% of what they READ – notes, handouts, etc.
➤
20% of what they HEAR – audio presentations
➤
30% of what they SEE – pictures/diagrams
➤
50% of what they SEE and HEAR – audio-visual 
presentations
➤
70% of what they SAY – case studies and feedback
➤
90% of what they SAY and DO – role play and 
simulation.
Safety training
As stated above, the specifi c needs for training within 
an organisation will vary greatly. However, the common 
types of training having relevance to safety are:
➤
Induction 
training
➤
Job or skills training
➤
Refresher or continuation training
➤
Remedial or corrective training, e.g. on identifi cation 
of non-compliance with procedures.
Induction training
Statistics show that signifi cant numbers of accidents 
occur to people within a relatively short time after enter-
ing new workplaces, either on initial induction or on job 
transfer. Induction training is, therefore, vital to enable a 
person to quickly and effi ciently fi t into the work environ-
ment. It should provide the employee with the informa-
tion they need in order to act safely during the fi rst few 
days on the job and to carry out their tasks without cre-
ating risks to themselves or their colleagues. The training 
will also assist in the employer and employee integration 
process and reduce damage to equipment or premises 
due to ignorance.
The common areas covered during induction training 
may include:
➤
The safety rules and procedures as defi ned in the 
safety policy
➤
The responsibilities for health and safety in the 
organisation, including their own responsibilities
➤
The reporting procedures for hazards, accidents, 
near-miss situations, etc.
➤
The major hazards on site which may affect their 
safety
➤
Safety monitoring procedures in operation
➤
The access, egress and safe travel within the work 
areas
➤
Areas they should not enter, or where specifi c add-
itional safety controls or training are required
➤
Who they report to and who will oversee their initial 
training and introduction to the workplace
➤
The availability and location of facilities, e.g. toilets, 
hygiene facilities, fi rst aid, etc.
➤
The personal and occupational hygiene requirements
➤
The personal protective equipment available and 
how it should be used and maintained
➤
The emergency procedures, such as fi re, evacuation 
and rescue, including the location and operation of 
emergency alarms and refuges
➤
The person who will take control of emergency situ-
ations in their work area, e.g. local fi re wardens
➤
The terminology used in the workplace, especially 
any verbal ‘shorthand’ used.
It is likely that a new employee, especially a young per-
son, entering the workplace will be unable to assimilate 
all of the relevant information on day one or in a single 
training session.
The training programme should be planned, where 
necessary, to take account of this and may require the 
training to be delivered in stages, with reinforcement and 
feedback sessions to confi rm the learning.
Job or skills training
The relevant safety topics should be included in any 
job or skills training required and the training provided 
should be based on task analysis. Inclusion of safety 
issues at this stage reinforces the importance and com-
mitment attached to safety by the organisation.
Again, the training content will vary greatly; however, 
the common topics may include:
➤
Legal 
responsibilities
➤
Site-wide safety rules and practices
➤
Specifi c practices for both on and off the job safety
➤
Current workplace procedures and codes of prac-
tice relevant to the task