What is the general rule in business (ERT)?
In establishments receiving workers (ERT), the Labor Code does not specify a precise number of people to be trained. However, it requires the employer to take the necessary measures to ensure that:
- A small fire can be fought immediately
- The evacuation of employees must be organized safely.
In practical terms, this means that the employer must designate and train a sufficient number of employees to:
- Raise the alarm
- Use first response equipment (fire extinguishers, fire hose reels)
- Supervise the evacuation (filter guides, rear guards)
The general practice is to train at least 10 %s from the workforce, with a distribution adapted to schedules, work areas and possible absences.
What specific obligations apply to public access buildings (ERP)?
In Public Access Establishments (ERP), the regulations are more structured and demanding, given the challenges related to welcoming external people (customers, users, patients, residents, etc.).
The obligations relate in particular to:
- The presence of personnel trained in fire safety at all times
- The ability to ensure the evacuation of the public, often untrained
- The implementation of specific instructions adapted to the type of public establishment (hotels, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, etc.)
Depending on the category and type of ERP, the following may be required:
- Specifically designated personnel (fire safety officers, SSIAP)
- Regular evacuation drills
- Enhanced training for management teams
Why provide training beyond the regulatory minimum?
Limiting oneself to the bare minimum is risky. In real-world situations, several factors can compromise the organization:
- Absence of trained personnel (leave, illness)
- Panic or unforeseen situation
- Complexity of the premises or presence of vulnerable populations
Training a larger number of employees helps to secure the organization and strengthen collective responsiveness.
What are the employer's responsibilities?
The employer must:
- Assessing fire risk in the DUERP
- Establish clear safety guidelines
- Train and regularly instruct employees (fire extinguisher handling, evacuation procedures)
- Organize periodic exercises
- Ensure the effective presence of trained staff at all times
In the event of an incident, inadequate organization may incur civil and criminal liability.
In summary
There is no single figure applicable to all businesses. The requirement is to have a sufficient number of trained personnel, adapted to the risks, the workforce size, and the type of establishment (high-rise or low-rise building). In all cases, the objective remains the same: to be able to react immediately and effectively to a fire.
Do you want to determine the right size for your fire safety teams and train your employees? Our training courses will help you structure your organization and meet regulatory requirements.
