Fire Safety and Prevention Training for Security Guards

Fire safety and prevention training is a critical aspect of the job for security guards, especially those who work in commercial buildings. 

Fires can have devastating consequences, causing damage to property and endangering the lives of employees and visitors. 

Security guards play a vital role in ensuring that fire safety protocols are in place and adhered to, and they need to be properly trained to respond effectively in case of a fire emergency.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of fire safety and prevention training for security guards. 

We will discuss the most common causes of fires in commercial buildings, fire safety and prevention strategies that security guards should be trained in, the training requirements for security guards, the emergency response plan, and best practices for fire safety and prevention.

Common Causes of Fires in Commercial Buildings

Before discussing fire safety and prevention strategies, it's important to understand the most common causes of fires in commercial buildings. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the top five causes of fires in non-residential buildings are cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fires, and smoking materials.

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires in non-residential buildings, accounting for 30% of fires. 

Most of these fires occur in restaurants and cafeterias. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of fires, accounting for 15% of fires. 

These fires are more common in the winter months and are often caused by malfunctioning or improperly installed equipment. 

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment is the third leading cause of fires, accounting for 9% of fires. Intentional fires, which include arson and vandalism, account for 8% of fires, and smoking materials account for 5% of fires.

Security guards should be trained to recognize potential fire hazards and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. 

For example, they should be trained to identify improperly stored flammable materials, overloaded electrical outlets, and damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

Fire Safety and Prevention Strategies for Security Guards

To prevent fires and respond effectively in case of a fire emergency, security guards should be trained in a range of fire safety and prevention strategies. 

Here are some of the most important strategies that security guards should be familiar with:

a. Fire prevention measures

Security guards should be trained to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of fires. 

This may include ensuring that fire doors are kept closed, properly storing flammable materials, and regularly inspecting heating and electrical equipment.

b. Fire detection and alarm systems

Security guards should be trained in the operation of fire detection and alarm systems. 

They should know how to identify the different types of alarms, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors, and be familiar with the procedures for responding to each type of alarm.

c. Evacuation procedures 

In case of a fire emergency, security guards should be trained to evacuate the building safely and efficiently. They should be familiar with the evacuation plan and know the location of all emergency exits. 

They should also be trained in conducting a headcount of employees and visitors to ensure that everyone is safely out of the building.

d. Fire extinguisher usage

Security guards should be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. They should know the different types of fire extinguishers and which type is appropriate for different types of fires. 

They should also be trained in the proper technique for using a fire extinguisher, which involves the PASS method (pull the pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the handle, and sweep the nozzle).

Training Requirements for Security Guards

To ensure that security guards are properly trained in fire safety and prevention, there are several training requirements that they must meet. 

These requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, security guards are required to complete fire safety and prevention training as part of their initial training, and they may also be required to complete ongoing training and refresher courses.

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide fire safety training to employees, including security guards. 

The training must cover topics such as the types of fires, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and the emergency evacuation plan. The training must also be provided in a language and format that is easily understood by all employees.

In addition to OSHA requirements, security guards may be required to meet other training requirements set by their state or local regulatory agencies. 

For example, in California, security guards must complete eight hours of fire safety training as part of their initial training and four hours of fire safety training each year as part of their ongoing training.

Emergency Response Plan

An emergency response plan is a critical component of fire safety and prevention training for security guards. 

The emergency response plan should outline the procedures for responding to a fire emergency, including the activation of fire alarms, the evacuation of the building, and the notification of the fire department.

Security guards should be trained in the emergency response plan and should know their role in responding to a fire emergency. 

They should know how to sound the fire alarm, how to direct employees and visitors to the nearest emergency exit, and how to conduct a headcount to ensure that everyone has safely evacuated the building.

Best Practices for Fire Safety and Prevention

To ensure that fire safety protocols are being followed, security guards should follow best practices for fire safety and prevention. 

Here are some best practices that security guards should follow:

a. Conduct regular fire drills

Security guards should conduct regular fire drills to ensure that employees and visitors are familiar with the evacuation procedures and know the location of emergency exits.

b. Keep fire exits clear and accessible

Fire exits should be kept clear and accessible at all times. Security guards should ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the exit doors, and that the doors can be easily opened from the inside.

c. Properly store flammable materials 

Flammable materials, such as cleaning chemicals and gasoline, should be stored properly and in accordance with local regulations. 

Security guards should ensure that flammable materials are stored in a designated area that is well-ventilated and away from sources of heat.

d. Monitor heating and electrical equipment

Heating and electrical equipment should be monitored regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and not posing a fire hazard. Security guards should report any malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate personnel.

Final Words

Fire safety and prevention training is critical for security guards who work in commercial buildings. By being trained in fire safety and prevention strategies, security guards can help reduce the risk of fires and respond effectively in case of a fire emergency. 

They should be trained in fire prevention measures, fire detection and alarm systems, evacuation procedures, and fire extinguisher usage. 

In addition to meeting the training requirements set by regulatory agencies, security guards should follow best practices for fire safety and prevention, such as conducting regular fire drills and properly storing flammable materials. 

By following these strategies and best practices, security guards can help ensure the safety of employees and visitors and protect property from fire damage.