Online fire safety training gives Cumbria employers the fastest route to getting seasonal staff compliant before peak season hits. A CPD-accredited eLearning course can be completed in under two hours, from any device, on the new hire’s first day. For hotels, pubs, holiday parks, and visitor attractions bringing on temporary workers this summer, that speed matters.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires every employer to provide fire safety training to all staff, including temporary and seasonal workers. There is no exemption based on contract length. If someone works in your building, they need to know the fire procedures, the escape routes, and what to do if they discover a fire.

What the Law Requires for Seasonal Staff

Under Article 21 of the Fire Safety Order, the responsible person must ensure employees receive adequate fire safety training at the point of recruitment and whenever risks change. Seasonal workers fall squarely within scope. The training must cover your specific premises — escape routes, fire alarm operation, assembly points, and the location of fire-fighting equipment. Generic awareness is not enough on its own. The Health and Safety Executive also notes that employers must record the training provided and keep evidence of completion. CPD-accredited online courses generate certificates automatically, which makes record-keeping straightforward.

How Online Training Works for Seasonal Hires

Online fire safety training through a CPD-accredited platform like CFST’s VideoTile library lets you get a new hire trained on day one. A combined approach — online course plus on-site induction — meets the Fire Safety Order requirements and takes less than half a day.

When to Add In-Person Fire Training

Online training covers awareness-level fire safety well. If you need designated fire marshals or fire wardens, they should attend a classroom-based course that includes hands-on extinguisher training. CFST runs these regularly at their Penrith training centre and on-site across Cumbria. Book your place on the next Penrith course here. Every member of staff completes the online awareness course; your fire marshals complete that plus the practical, in-person fire marshal course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online fire safety training legally accepted in the UK?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires adequate fire safety training but does not specify the delivery method. A CPD-accredited online course meets the awareness training requirement when paired with a site-specific induction covering your premises’ escape routes, alarms, and equipment.

How long does online fire safety training take?

Most CPD-accredited fire safety eLearning courses take between 60 and 90 minutes. Learners can pause and return if needed. The course ends with a short assessment, and a certificate is issued on completion.

Do seasonal workers need fire safety training even for short contracts?

Yes. The Fire Safety Order applies to all employees regardless of contract length. Temporary, seasonal, and agency staff must receive fire safety training relevant to the premises where they work. There is no minimum employment duration that triggers or exempts this duty.