Basic Fire Fighting

INTRODUCTION TO THE BASIC FIRE FIGHTING COURSE

Fire in the workplace represents one of the most substantial workplace safety threats. It is a hazard not only for workers but potentially for the surrounding public as well.
Fires may result in serious injuries and death, it can also cause extensive damage to property, render worksites destroyed or indefinitely out of service.
Due to these reasons, and more, it is imperative to ensure that an effective workplace Fire Fighting and Prevention program, which is associated with an evacuation plan, is in place.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING

• Workers
• Supervisors
• Line Managers
• Any employee selected, nominated, and appointed as the designated Fire Fighter in the Workplace
• Health, Safety and Environmental Practitioners, and
• Any other individual who wishes to become acquainted and familiar with the processes and procedures involved with attempting to extinguish a fire or perform any other related emergency procedures.

PURPOSE OF THE BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE

Basic Fire Fighting course deals extensively with the necessary precautions that must be taken to minimise the risk of fires in and around the workplace.
There is an in-depth examination on how fires may be caused along with the provision of the first means to extinguish them.
Through this Basic Fire Fighting course employees who are responsible for firefighting in the workplace are provided with the necessary education and training in firefighting and prevention with the focus on:

1. The identification of different types of fire in the workplace along with a working understanding of the risks associated with fire and how they can effectively be minimized.
2. The ability of the learner to not only explain but practice basic fire prevention guidelines which are aligned with the NFPA Guidelines, and
3. Teaching the learner how to fight and extinguish fires along with searching for and recovering casualties.

In this Basic Fire Fighter Training course, the learner will learn how to safely use firefighting equipment such as Fire Extinguishers, Hose reels, and Fire Hydrants.
The successful candidate will be able to identify, contain, prevent, and extinguish different types of fire by applying the principles taught in this course and by operating basic firefighting equipment in addition to performing basic firefighting procedures.
This course also focuses on elements associated with fire emergency scene management along with introducing basic Emergency Evacuation Planning.
This course also aids in allowing for the elimination, prevention, and control of possible emergency situations that may arise in the workplace, at home, and outside of these environments.

BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE OUTCOME

Upon completion of this course, the attending candidate will be able to:

1. Identify the essential elements of a fire and subsequently know how to proceed safely in managing fire conditions and prevent the spread thereof.
2. Define their role as an emergency fire fighter along with describing how risks to themselves and others can be minimised effectively in addition to prescribing emergency contacts in the event of a fire.
3. Identify the need of establishing a firefighting team along with the responsible person in case of evacuation of the workplace and the steps to follow in completing an accident report form.
4. Identify the prescribed and required firefighting equipment which should be available in the workplace.
5. Describe the safe use of the firefighting equipment when fighting a fire and preventing its spread, and
6. Conduct and perform an emergency scene survey through the identification of fire hazards in the workplace in addition to impediments to safe fire evacuation unique to the workplace or job site.

BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE KEY CONTENT COVERED

The content of this course has been formulated around the prescriptive requirements as depicted in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, Construction Regulation, 29, and the Environmental Regulations including, but not limited to:

Theory:

1. The chemistry of combustion, heat transmission, classification of fire and its spread.
2. The causes of fire, fire precautions, fire extinguishers, and fire equipment. The causes of fire, fire precautions, fire extinguishers, and fire equipment.
3. Fire safety in the workplace and pre-planning for fires must be done.
4. Fire safety signs.

Practical:

1. Demonstration in the correct use of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
2. Practical demonstration on fire and evacuation drills.
3. The organising of a fire team along with evacuation procedures.

BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING ASSESSMENT

The candidate attending the course will be assessed against the outcomes of each element through the completion of a subscribed knowledge assessment along with a practical assessment. These assessments will cover the essential embedded knowledge as stipulated in the course and will ensure that the candidate can apply the learning to a working situation.

CONDITIONS OF BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE ENROLMENT AND CERTIFICATION

Attending candidates must obtain a pass mark of at least 75% or higher is necessary in each Modular Assessment. Should these conditions have been met, the candidate will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion.

BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE DATES