New research by Fire & Safety Australia has shown some alarming results on Australia’s workplace fire safety trends, highlighting significant gaps in preparedness and confidence amongst Australian workforces when facing an emergency.
These findings demonstrate the need for improvements in fire safety training, ensuring employees are equipped to respond to emergencies effectively. Let’s dive into the data:
Less than 50% of staff feel confident in an emergency
The research reveals that over half of Australian workplace occupants are not confident to respond in an emergency, acknowledging they wouldn’t know what to do or where to go.
Mandatory annual evacuation exercises under the AS3745-2010 standard aren’t just a compliance requirement but an opportunity to equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to decisively respond during an emergency. Regular drills help can help employees understand evacuation routes, and safety processes and procedures.
Less than 50% feel confident operating a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are critical tools for managing small fires before emergency services arrive. In fact, in approximately 80% of all fire incidents, a simple portable fire extinguisher is all that is needed to put out the fire.
Fire extinguisher training doesn’t just teach staff how to operate the equipment but helps employees identify fire types, select the appropriate extinguisher, and respond effectively under pressure. When employees are equipped with this knowledge, they can act quickly and confidently, which can prevent fires from escalating.
75% can’t locate the nearest fire extinguisher
Less than a quarter of employees know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located. The speed in which a person can respond, can significantly influence the impact of the fire.
By implementing regular safety training and clearly marking emergency equipment, workplaces can ensure employees are able to locate fire extinguishers instinctively, saving invaluable time in an emergency.
Over 50% operate fire extinguishers incorrectly or dangerously
Even when fire extinguishers are used, more than half of operators misuse them, either selecting the wrong type of extinguisher or failing to follow proper techniques, such as sweeping at the base of the fire.
Practical, hands-on training makes a significant difference.
Immersive learning has been shown to significantly enhance both cognitive retention and practical application of skills acquired during training. The Training Journal reported that immersive learning events deliver a hands-on, experiential approach that enhances knowledge retention and application. This suggests that by engaging staff in realistic scenarios, immersive learning methodologies can lead to improved acquisition and application of skills.
Only 13% of people understand the different types of fire extinguishers
Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can have a catastrophic consequence, and yet only 13% of people can identify the different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate use.
The solution: effective training for improved knowledge, skills and confidence
Australian workplaces are legally required to have fire extinguishers on-site, but without proper training, staff are not equipped to respond safely and confidently in the event of a fire emergency.
The data suggests that basic fire safety training is proving to be insufficient. Training programs that can boost cognitive retention of crucial information and facilitate skills acquisition should be used to prepare staff to respond safely and confidently in an emergency.
Fire Extinguisher Training and Fire Warden Training gives employees the tools they need to respond effectively, extinguish small fires, and prevent business disruptions.
Workplace Safety – Fire is FLAIM’s immersive fire safety training solution to equip workplaces with a cost-effective tool to support workplace fire safety training programs. Through immersive learning staff can acquire the correct motor techniques to extinguish a fire, without the human-health and environmental impacts of live fire burns.
Want to learn about immersive fire extinguisher and fire warden training? Download the brochure!
To read Fire & Safety Australia’s full report, click here.