Fire safety officer in companies: duties, obligation and training

A fire safety officer takes care of everything to do with fire protection in a company. He advises management, assesses hazards and trains employees. Here you can read when a company needs a fire safety officer and what his duties are.

Is a fire safety officer mandatory?

Not for every company. In Germany there is no general legal obligation. However, one may be required:

• by building law, for example for hospitals, places of assembly or large retail outlets,
• by conditions in the building permit,
• by the insurer,
• or because the risk assessment makes it necessary.

Many companies also appoint one voluntarily. This relieves management, which remains responsible for fire protection.

What are his duties?

• He advises the employer on all fire protection matters.
• He assesses hazards and proposes measures.
• He checks escape routes, fire extinguishers and signage.
• He drafts and maintains the fire safety regulations.
• He trains employees and plans evacuation drills.
• He works with the fire brigade, insurer and occupational safety specialist.

How do you become a fire safety officer?

Under the common German guidelines, the training comprises at least 64 teaching units. After that, regular further training is required, usually 16 teaching units within three years. One basis for this is DGUV Information 205-003.

Fire safety officer and fire warden

The two are often confused. The fire safety officer plans and advises. Fire wardens, on the other hand, act in an emergency. For example, they can operate fire extinguishers and help with evacuation. According to the German workplace rule ASR A2.2, at least 5 percent of employees should usually be fire wardens. Read more in Fire extinguishers in the office.

Typical points during an inspection

• Are all fire extinguishers inspected and marked with F001? More in Fire extinguisher sign.
• Are escape routes clear and correctly marked? More in Emergency signs.
• Do the coffee machine and kettle stand on a non-combustible mat? More in DGUV Rule 115-401.
• Are power strips not plugged into each other?
• Are electrical appliances inspected (DGUV Regulation 3)?

Conclusion

A fire safety officer is not mandatory everywhere. Nevertheless, he makes sense for many companies because he plans fire protection and keeps an eye on it. Many points from his inspection can also be implemented quickly, for example fireproof mats in the office kitchen.

You can read what belongs in fire safety regulations in the article Fire safety regulations according to DIN 14096.