Content
Participants will develop an understanding of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021, and related legislation, while learning to apply fire safety principles, implement effective fire risk assessments, and support evacuation strategies. The programme emphasises the distinction between basic compliance and proactive fire safety management.
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a recognised qualification, enhancing their competence and confidence in managing fire safety risks in residential settings. The qualification supports individual career progression while enabling organisations to meet statutory obligations and build safer communities.
What will the outcomes be?
Upon successfully completing this course; learners will be able to:
Understand core fire safety principles
Learners will grasp fundamental concepts of fire science and fire safety management, including the fire triangle, fire spread mechanisms, and the importance of early detection, prevention, and effective response strategies in residential buildings.
Explain legal and regulatory requirements
Learners will be able to explain key fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the Responsible Person (RP), and understanding enforcement actions such as Prohibition and Enforcement Notices.
Analyse building design and construction in relation to fire safety
Learners will analyse how different construction methods (e.g., brick, timber frame, reinforced concrete, MMC) and external wall systems (EWS) impact fire performance, and evaluate principles of compartmentation and means of escape as critical components of building fire safety strategies.
Evaluate and apply fire risk assessment processes
Learners will evaluate the fire risk assessment (FRA) process, understanding the five key steps, and apply knowledge to assess and manage fire hazards, evacuation strategies, and maintain compliance in residential premises.
Assess the importance of passive and active fire protection measures
Learners will assess the role of passive (fire doors, compartmentation) and active (fire alarms, emergency lighting, AOVs, sprinklers) fire safety systems, understanding their contribution to occupant protection and overall fire safety strategy.
Demonstrate understanding of evacuation strategies
Learners will demonstrate knowledge of different evacuation strategies (stay put, simultaneous, phased) and assess their application depending on building design, resident vulnerability, and fire risk assessment outcomes.
Demonstrate knowledge of notable fire incidents and lessons learned
Learners will demonstrate an understanding of lessons learned from significant fire incidents (e.g., Grenfell Tower, Lakanal House), applying insights to improve fire safety management practices within residential housing environments.
What does the course cover?
Before the course: An online course book is provided; no pre-work is required.
During the course: This half-day programme is delivered online by an experienced fire safety tutor. The course covers:
- Introduction to Fire Safety in Housing
Legislation, Regulation & Enforcement (Regulatory Reform Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021)
- Responsible Person and Relevant Person Roles
- Building Design and Construction Principles (Compartmentation and Means of Escape)
- External Wall Systems and Their Fire Performance
- Fire Risk Assessment Process
- Evacuation Strategies (Stay Put, Simultaneous, Phased)
- Passive and Active Fire Safety Measures (Fire Doors, Alarms, Emergency Lighting)
- Notable Fire Incidents and Lessons Learned (Grenfell, Lakanal House, Knowsley Heights)
- Assessment: Online multiple-choice assessment