A fire safety officer is a person who has been appointed by a company, organisation or institution to take responsibility for compliance with fire safety regulations and measures.
This person is responsible for identifying fire safety risks, implementing fire safety measures and monitoring compliance with fire safety regulations.
The fire safety officer is also responsible for training employees in fire safety measures and organising emergency drills. He or she is the contact person for the fire brigade and other authorities for questions relating to fire safety and works closely with them.
When do I need a fire safety officer?
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), companies and organisations are obliged to appoint a fire safety officer if they have more than 50 employees.
Whether a company, organisation or institution needs a fire safety officer depends on the applicable legal regulations and the conditions of the building and activities.
In Germany, companies and organisations with more than 50 employees are generally obliged to appoint a fire safety officer.
Certain types of buildings and activities, such as hospitals, retirement homes, schools and businesses, may also require the appointment of a fire safety officer.
It is advisable to find out about the applicable legal regulations in your area or contact the local fire brigade or building supervisory authorities to ensure whether a fire safety officer is required.
Who can become a fire safety officer?
In Germany, there are no legal requirements for the qualification of a fire safety officer. However, companies and organisations generally expect the fire safety officer to have knowledge and experience in the field of fire safety, as well as a basic understanding of the applicable legal regulations and standards.
Some companies and organisations prefer fire safety officers with formal training in fire safety, such as a fire safety engineer or fire safety surveyor, while other companies and organisations may accept someone with relevant fire safety experience and knowledge.
It is also important that the fire safety officer should be able to ensure that fire safety measures and regulations are properly implemented and monitored in the respective company or organisation.
Do you have further questions about training to become a fire safety officer? Get in touch with us. We will be happy to advise you and offer you expert support on all fire safety-related topics.