Fire safety training and fire safety plan providers
They train staff to use extinguishers (often with live-fire or digital simulators), run fire drills, train fire wardens and supervisory staff, and write or update the building's fire safety plan and evacuation diagrams. Many extinguisher and alarm service companies offer this as an add-on. Independent consultants and some fire departments also provide it.
Who needs one
Businesses: Canadian fire codes (NFC Section 2.8 as adopted provincially) require a fire safety plan, trained supervisory staff and regular fire drills for many occupancies, including assembly, care, multi-unit residential and high buildings, and others where a fire alarm is installed. In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires an emergency action plan for many employers, and 1910.157(g) requires annual extinguisher training where employees are expected to use extinguishers. NFPA 101 and the IFC set drill rules by occupancy. Homes: optional. Families can use free fire department programs and home escape planning.
How often
Canada: fire drills at intervals set by the fire code for your occupancy (commonly at least annually, and more often for care, school and some high-rise occupancies). Supervisory staff trained and the fire safety plan reviewed at least every 12 months or when the building changes. US: extinguisher training at hire and annually (OSHA 1910.157), with drills per NFPA 101 / IFC by occupancy (e.g., schools monthly during the school year; many businesses annually).
What it costs
No reliable public price survey was found. Providers typically charge per session (on-site group class) or per person, and add a fee to write or update a fire safety plan. Extinguisher companies often discount training when it is bundled with annual service. Get quotes that list exactly what is delivered: plan, diagrams, warden training, drill observation and a written report.
Codes and standards
- Canada
- NFC Section 2.8 (emergency planning, fire safety plans, fire drills) as adopted provincially, e.g., Ontario Fire Code Section 2.8 and Quebec Code de sécurité. Workplace health and safety rules in each province add employer duties. Provinces vary, so confirm drill frequency with your fire department.
- United States
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 (emergency action plans), 1910.39 (fire prevention plans) and 1910.157(g) (extinguisher training). NFPA 101 / IFC Ch. 4 for drills and plans by occupancy. NFPA 10 for extinguisher use.
Licences and credentials to look for
- Canada
- There is no single licence. Look for trainers with fire service, CFAA or CFSA backgrounds, or recognised certifications such as NFPA CFPS. In some provinces the fire department must approve the fire safety plan, so ask whether the provider's plans are usually approved first time.
- United States
- There is no single licence. Look for NFPA CFPS, former fire-service instructors (NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor), or OSHA-authorized outreach trainers. Training must cover the specific extinguishers and hazards on site.
Questions to ask and red flags
- Ask whether the training is hands-on (live fire or a simulator) or classroom-only. OSHA requires 'familiarization' with the general principles of extinguisher use; hands-on practice is better.
- Ask whether they will write the fire safety plan to your province's fire code (or your OSHA emergency action plan) and submit it to the fire department if approval is needed.
- Ask for attendance records and certificates you can keep for inspectors and insurers.
- Ask whether they cover your actual hazards (kitchens, lithium batteries, flammable storage), not a generic deck.
- Red flag: online-only 'certification' sold as meeting OSHA's hands-on expectations or fire code supervisory staff rules.
What they install or service: Portable Extinguishers for Business