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Fire risks during employee training sessions: how to identify and manage them

Why fire risks during employee training sessions matter

Training is essential. However, the activity of training itself can introduce hazards that do not exist in normal operations. Practical demonstrations that use heat, smoke, electrical equipment, or fire extinguishers create specific ignition and ignition‑spread risks. Inadequate planning, poor housekeeping and unclear roles make those risks worse.

Addressing fire risks during employee training sessions protects people and property. It also demonstrates that you, as the responsible person, have considered foreseeable risks under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Good practice reduces the chance of enforcement action and ensures your training sessions are useful rather than hazardous.

Identifying fire risks during employee training sessions

Start with the basics. A simple, systematic walk‑through before every session will quickly identify obvious issues. Look for potential ignition sources, fuels and the ways oxygen could feed a fire. Consider the following specific training‑related risks.

Practical demo equipment: kettles, heat guns, portable cookers, and fog machines can generate heat or smoke.

Electrical load: temporary extension leads and multiple adaptors increase overload risk.

Temporary sets and props: paper charts, cardboard boxes and fabrics can act as fuel.

Smoking and open flames: any authorised use of matches or candles is a clear hazard.

Fire extinguisher misuse: inexperienced delegates can discharge or damage extinguishers, causing injuries or reducing available protection.

Obstructed escape: rearranged seating or training aids can block fire exits or corridors.

Poor ventilation: smoke or extinguishing agent residue may affect breathing or visibility.

Arson or malicious acts: public or mixed‑group training may expose materials to deliberate misuse.

When you inspect, record hazards in plain language. Note who might be harmed and how. A clear record helps when you update your fire risk assessment or when you need to justify controls to an enforcing authority.

Planning safe training: pre-session checks and controls

Good planning prevents most problems. Before any session, assess whether the topic requires practical elements that use heat, live equipment or extinguishers. If so, implement controls.

Carry out a pre-session site check: Verify that escape routes are clear and that alarms and emergency lighting are working.

Limit equipment: Use low‑risk alternatives such as videos, simulations or inert training aids where possible.

Use fixed equipment only: Ensure equipment is correctly installed and maintained. Portable heaters and temporary electrical setups should be avoided.

Appoint a safety officer: This person will pause the activity if a hazard emerges.

Provide clear briefings: Start every session by explaining emergency procedures, assembly points and who the fire marshals are.

Keep numbers manageable: Smaller practical groups reduce the chance of accidental damage and make evacuation simpler.

Control smoking and hot work: If hot work is necessary, use permits, fire watches and appropriate fire‑resistant barriers.

Check first‑aid and PPE: Ensure suitable gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection are available when demonstrations produce dust, smoke or chemical residues.

These actions reduce the chance of an incident and make training safer without diluting learning outcomes.

Managing live demonstrations and extinguisher practice

Practical extinguisher training is valuable but needs careful control. Trainers should be competent and equipment must be appropriate.

Use manufacturer‑approved training extinguishers: These are designed for repeated use and reduce mess and inhalation risks.

If using live discharge exercises: choose an outdoor area or a well‑ventilated zone with non‑combustible surfaces. Avoid enclosed rooms where extinguishing agents linger.

Ensure delegates are supervised: The trainer should demonstrate correct posture, aim and stance and supervise delegates at all times.

Replace or service discharged extinguishers: Make sure records are updated in your fire logbook.

Consider alternatives: virtual reality or simulated fire scenarios can be used when space, ventilation or occupant safety is an issue.

In all cases, document the exercise in your records. This helps with future training planning and demonstrates that you have considered risk during the training activity.

Recording and integrating findings into your fire risk assessment

Training‑related hazards must feed back into your formal fire risk assessment. The assessment should reflect activities that take place on site, including training sessions. If your training introduces new risks, amend your FRA immediately.

Record the hazard, the people at risk, and the control measures applied.

Update evacuation plans: if training changes occupant routes or assembly points.

Note equipment maintenance needs: ensure servicing is scheduled.

Keep a training log: showing who attended, instructor competence and the date of any practical extinguisher discharge.

For detailed legal guidance on maintaining and recording fire risk assessments, refer to the GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance and the HSE introduction to fire safety for practical hazard examples and enforcement information.

Designing training that reduces fire risk

Training design influences safety. Thoughtful design removes hazards while retaining learning value.

Use blended learning: Combine short in‑person practicals with online theory to limit time spent on higher‑risk activities.

Stagger practical stations: This reduces people density and limits simultaneous use of equipment.

Create scenario‑based training: use role play rather than live fires to build decision‑making skills without physical risk.

Limit use of smoke effects: Where visual cues are necessary, use LED lighting or simulated smoke that poses no combustion risk.

Ensure trainers are competent: Trainers should demonstrate ability in both subject matter and risk control and must be able to stop an exercise if unsafe.

If you need external expertise, Total Safe Fire Marshal Training provides both Fire Marshal and extinguisher training to help you deliver safe, compliant sessions. Consider booking a session with a certified trainer to manage practical elements safely.

Site controls, equipment and maintenance

Equipment and site condition are frequent causes of training incidents. Controls fall into three groups: physical, administrative and maintenance.

Physical controls — Ensure clear signage: for exits and firefighting equipment. Provide suitable fire extinguishers and ensure they are correct for the risk. Keep combustible props to a minimum and use fire‑retardant materials where possible.

Administrative controls — Issue pre-session safety briefings: written instructions, limit numbers and supervise practical areas closely. Use permit‑to‑work systems for hot work or high‑risk demonstrations.

Maintenance — Check certification: alarm systems, emergency lighting and extinguishers should have current certification. Replace or service extinguishers immediately after use during training. Keep records in your fire safety logbook so evidence of maintenance is available during inspections.

Total Safe can support maintenance and compliance with specialist services such as extinguisher servicing and formal fire risk assessments. For a full site review, see the Total Safe Fire Risk Assessment.

Communicating roles and responsibilities

When a training session starts, everyone must know what to do in an emergency. Clear communication prevents confusion.

Identify and announce fire marshals and the safety officer at the start of a session.

Explain escape routes, assembly points and the alarm signal.

Confirm how delegates will be accounted for after evacuation.

Provide written guidance and a short safety checklist with every practical session.

Responsible persons must ensure training does not undermine existing safety arrangements. If you host external trainers, check their method statements and risk assessments before they run any practical components on your site.

Checklist: protecting training activities from fire hazards

Use this short checklist before any session:

Has a pre-session walk‑through been completed?

Are escape routes and exits clear and signed?

Are alarms and emergency lighting functional?

Are practical activities necessary and justified?

Is electrical load controlled with certified equipment?

Are trainers competent and briefed about site hazards?

Are extinguishers and other firefighting appliances present and serviceable?

Have attendees received a safety briefing and written instructions?

Have post-session records been logged into the fire safety logbook?

A formal checklist helps you prove reasonable steps were taken and supports continuous improvement.

The responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment and provide appropriate information and training to staff. Failure to identify and manage fire risks during employee training sessions can lead to enforcement by the local fire and rescue authority or HSE where applicable.

For official detail on your duties and the five steps of a fire risk assessment, consult GOV.UK guidance and HSE resources. If you lack the time or expertise to manage complex risks, appoint a competent third party. Organisations such as BAFE and the Fire Protection Association provide accreditation and guidance on selecting competent providers.

Conclusion and next steps

Fire risks during employee training sessions are manageable with simple, consistent controls. Start with planning, then reduce exposure by prioritising lower‑risk methods, supervising practicals and updating your fire risk assessment. Keep clear records and ensure all equipment is maintained. If you need help, consider bringing in a competent provider to review your approach and deliver training that is both effective and safe.

To get practical support, book a site assessment or professional training with Total Safe. Their services cover risk assessment, competent training delivery and ongoing maintenance to help you stay compliant and confident.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to include training activities in my fire risk assessment?

A: Yes. Any activity that changes the risk profile of your premises, including practical training, should be recorded and reflected in your fire risk assessment.

Q: Can I use live fire or smoke effects during training?

A: Live fire and smoke effects increase risk and should be avoided unless necessary. Use controlled alternatives or external specialists and always complete a permit and risk assessment beforehand.

Q: Who is responsible if a fire starts during a training session?

A: The responsible person for the premises retains legal responsibility. They must ensure competent supervision and adequate control measures are in place during training.

Q: How should extinguishers used in training be managed afterwards?

A: Any extinguisher discharged must be replaced or professionally serviced. Update your maintenance records and fire logbook to show the action taken.

Q: Where can I find official guidance on workplace fire safety and training?

A: Official guidance is available on GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance and on the HSE introduction to fire safety for practical advice.