Best practices in fire safety for teachers

In educational settings, especially schools, students are dependent on teachers to keep them safe. Many pupils, particularly those on the younger side, can find the likes of fire drills frightening if they don’t fully understand what’s going on. In fact, this is the case for most people, regardless of their age.

In schools, teachers play an integral role in implementing safety measures and protecting students in their care. Let’s look at the expectations on teachers and what they can do to ensure the safest outcome should a real fire occur.

Responsibilities vs best practices

It’s important to distinguish between responsibilities and best practices. Responsibilities are must-dos, whereas best practices are ways to do it well.

When it comes to fire safety, it’s a teacher’s responsibility to ensure that:

• Nobody gets left behind.
• Fire evacuation procedures are followed.
• Students are supervised and guided promptly during evacuations.
• They participate in fire drills.
• Fire hazards or faulty equipment is reported without delay.
• Fire exits and routes are accessible and free from obstructions.
• Students who need additional support during evacuation are assisted.
• Fire doors are closed where required to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Best practices include:

• Ensuring students are being safe when using plugs and other electrical equipment.
• Remaining calm.
• Reassuring students so they remain calm.
• Reviewing and refreshing knowledge of fire safety resources for teachers.
• Keeping personal workspaces tidy and free from unnecessary clutter.
• Periodically walking evacuation routes to stay familiar with them.
• Labelling personal electrical equipment.
• Knowing who the fire wardens or marshals are.

Fire safety training for teachers

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all school staff must receive basic fire safety training, which covers recognising alarms, knowing evacuation procedures, and supervising students.

Training is typically provided by specialist fire safety companies, local fire and rescue services, and private training providers accredited in fire safety and first aid.

Most schools have designated fire marshals to support fire safety arrangements, and these individuals are required to undertake additional training.

Fire marshals in schools

Schools are not required by law to have fire marshals; however, it’s strongly recommended for safety and compliance purposes by fire safety experts and regulatory bodies like the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which oversees workplace safety including schools, and fire safety consultants and insurers.

Guidance about completing a fire safety risk assessment for people responsible for educational premises also emphasises the need for a responsible person(s) to make effective fire safety arrangements.

Additional training for fire marshals in schools involves the use of fire extinguishers, fire prevention and reporting procedures, and liaising with emergency services.

Where to get fire safety training for schools in Hampshire

At Arundel Firecare, Security & Electrical, we provide fire safety training tailored to educational settings, including schools, colleges, and universities.

We are based in Hampshire and offer on-site training courses such as Basic Fire Awareness and Fire Marshal/Warden training, designed to meet the specific needs of institutions. These courses cover essential topics like fire safety legislation, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Training is delivered on-site to minimise disruption, and upon successful completion, participants receive certification confirming their competence in fire safety protocols.

Don’t leave safety to chance. Contact us for certified, expert on-site fire safety training to ensure your staff respond confidently and effectively in an emergency, protecting your most important asset—the students.