LFB creates fire safety training package for security and facilities staff

Project Kestrel was developed in partnership with the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the Corporation of London following a multi-agency exercise, which duly identified the opportunity to enhance the role of security professionals. The package is designed to afford additional assurance to building owners and managers alike by providing trained personnel in fire safety, security awareness and emergency response.

There are over 115,000 licenced security officers within the London area providing security services to a range of properties, from large corporate headquarters through to industrial warehouse spaces, hospitals, schools and residential spaces. Often the first on scene, a Project Kestrel-trained security officer can respond to a fire alarm activation appropriately and take the necessary action required if a fire is discovered.

Most importantly, they can ensure that the correct information is presented to firefighters when they arrive on scene.

Enhanced skills

James Chapman, the London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for the City of London, said: “This is a great project that gives security officers protecting some of the UK’s most complex and impressive buildings the opportunity to enhance their skill set in order to help firefighters attending the premises in the event of an emergency.”

Chapman continued: “This initiative is testament to the commitment and dedication of the partnership work conducted between the City of London and the London Fire Brigade to improve our response and work together to better serve businesses and Londoners.”

Don Randall MBE, chair of the City of London Crime Prevention Association, added: “The current training a security officer receives only touches on the basics of fire awareness, which makes Project Kestrel the ideal training programme for front line security staff to enhance their knowledge.”

Further, Randall observed: “Project Kestrel is another fine example of public and private sector partnerships. It will heighten fire safety and security skills and give greater assurance and protection to the community.”

Rajeev Pradhan, director of operations at Bidvest Noonan who participate in the Project Kestrel Programme, noted: “Project Kestrel complements the competencies that are required from all of our front line colleagues. The course has equipped staff with an understanding of all aspects of fire safety. They receive a certificate from the London Fire Brigade. Learners can tackle the units at their own learning pace such that they’re fully prepared to take the test.”

Six training modules

Participants complete six training modules, all of which will consolidate their knowledge of safety and security functions in relation to fire in the workplace. The course takes approximately three hours and is validated and certified for the award of two Continuing Professional Development points.

The individual course enrolment fee is £25, which includes a donation to London Fire Brigade’s Fire Cadets Programme, other LFB fundraising initiatives and the Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications partnership.

*Interested parties can enrol on to the course by visiting the Project Kestrel website