A fire safety course is being held for business owners in Stone to help them prevent a blaze from breaking out at their premises.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering companies the chance to gain accredited qualifications designed to help them avoid falling foul of a fire and enable them to meet their legal obligations.
Fires cost UK businesses a staggering £1.29 billion a year. They also leave many companies facing ruin with up to 80 per cent of small businesses never recovering from a severe incident. In 2013-14 Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 300 commercial fires across the county. According to the Chief Fire Officers’ Association statistics show that in the same year nationally there were 2,139 fires in industrial premises, 5,561 fires in commercial/retail premises and 1,898 fires in schools, higher/further education and health/hospital premises.
In a bid to reduce the number of businesses in Staffordshire suffering a fire, and to protect the local economy and livelihoods, the Service’s Business Support Team is currently running two courses:
[box type=”info” ]Fire Warden with the Selection and Practical Use of Fire Extinguishers
This course is aimed at employees who want to develop their fire safety awareness. It outlines the responsibilities of a Fire Warden, and provides guidance on how to perform the relevant duties. There is also a practical element on the use of fire extinguishers. The course costs £75 per person and will take place at Stone Community Fire Station on Tuesday 2nd February
FAA Level 2 Award in Fire Safety (QCF) QFQUAL Accredited (Lifelong Qualification)
This course further extends the knowledge gained in the Fire Warden training. It provides a formal lifelong qualification which allows attendees to train their colleagues as Fire Wardens and to conduct simple fire risk assessments in the workplace. The course costs £150 per person and will take place at Tamworth Belgrave Community Fire Station on Friday 5th February and at Cannock Community Fire Station on 16th March[/box]
[box type=”shadow” ]Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “It is essential that businesses consider fire risks in their organisations, and make sure that their employees are aware of the causes and consequences of fire. As a Service we work closely with businesses, helping them to effectively manage their fire risks, safeguarding their staff, premises, stock – and potentially their livelihood. Keep it simple and keep your business safe.”[/box]
For more information on the fire safety training courses call John Berrisford on 01785 898916 or click HERE
