With November a popular time for fire, fireworks, and celebrations, we caught up with one of our expert Fire Marshal trainers to ask them a few of our burning questions. Now feels like the perfect time to consider how fire safe our homes and workplaces are.
Ahead of this year’s festivities, be sure that you plan ahead to consider the safety of those around you, as well as yourself. We’re urging everyone to learn some basic life skills to help prevent avoidable trips to hospital.
Q. Tell us something about yourself
A. Hi, I’m Pete! I spent over 30 years in the Fire Service where it was my job to protect the general public and now, as a trainer for St John Ambulance, I get a chance to pass on my knowledge and experience to others, therefore helping far more people as they also go on to do the same. As my wife has pointed out, I have probably saved or protected more lives with what I do now with St John, than during my time in the fire service.
A. People seem to think that fire safety is really hard to understand, that you need a degree in English, Law and Chemistry to get it! Admittedly, some aspects require a good understanding of the relative legislation combined with a practical application, but in reality, something as simple as moving a box of rubbish away from the fire exit is all that is needed to ensure you’re sticking to laws and guidelines.
Q. Have you ever had to use your fire safety skills yourself?
A. As a former fire officer, my skills have been called into action many times. Probably more often, I’ve used my knowledge to advise homeowners about fire alarms, escape plans and general fire safety.
Q. Has someone on a course ever attended really nervous but left really confident?
A. I see that a lot on our first aid courses but not so much on health and safety. I think this is because people attend when they have to, not because they want to. People arrive with the impression it might be dull or too obvious, but most often people learn a lot and leave with a different outlook. They’re keen to get back to their home/workplace with their newfound knowledge to make things safer for everyone.
Q. What can people expect on a Fire Marshal course?
A. The main thing about the Fire Marshal course is that it’s not a firefighting course - although you do get to have a go with a couple of extinguishers, which lots of people love to do! It’s about learning to make everyone safer at work and, by extension, safer at home because they are now more aware. I really enjoy seeing that change in the participants.
We’re asking you; would you know how to respond to a fire emergency?
With adequate measures and training in place, the risk to life and property can be considerably reduced.
