More Than Just Health & Safety Training

At Duell Training Associates, I don’t just help people stay safe at work — I often have an impact on their lives at home too.

While it’s my job to teach health and safety courses, I also advise people on what other training might benefit them. It’s not just “another day in the office” to me.

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Real Conversations That Matter

Teaching people health and safety often lowers their barriers. I’ve found that after the course ends, many people approach me to ask personal or family-related questions.

I can think of plenty of occasions during First Aid, Food Safety, or Moving and Handling of People training where these conversations have happened.

Some of these chats can be fun (to say the least!). There are plenty of myths and misconceptions when it comes to first aid and health and safety — and I do my best to share the correct information where I can.

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The Egg Conversation 🥚

One of my favourite examples is when a learner recently asked:

“Should you keep eggs in the fridge?”

What followed was a brilliant conversation about supermarkets, taste differences, TV chefs, porous shells — and finally, the real reason they asked:

“Where’s the best place to store eggs, Ray?”

Moments like this remind me why I love what I do. Training isn’t just about regulations and tick boxes — it’s about connecting with people and making real information easy to understand and use.

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Always Learning — Both Ways

I want to use this blog to share anecdotes and educate everyone about first aid and health and safety.

Not just to give you value — but to keep learning myself.
Although I know my stuff about training, I don’t know everything. This platform will let me share teaching experiences, including those times when the role of teacher and pupil is reversed.

As any good tutor, teacher or instructor knows:

“We must always keep learning ourselves.”

And from time to time, the learners can teach us a thing or two.

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What’s Next

Stay tuned for my first article, where I’ll be covering:

“The Top 10 Myths People Believe About First Aid in the UK”

Whether you work in care, hospitality, education or any other industry — or you just want to be better prepared in everyday life — this blog will be here to inform, entertain, and empower.

According to BUPA UK, 175,000 heart attacks occur in the UK every year, so it’s no surprise that a heart attack (myocardial infarction) is one of the leading causes of death.

On average, men suffer more heart attacks than women, and there can be gender differences in symptoms too. But what are the signs of a heart attack? And what should you do when someone is having one?

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The Signs of a Heart Attack

What is the main sign of a heart attack?

Most people say chest pain—and you’re not entirely wrong, but you’re not 100% right either. There can be no chest pain (a “silent” heart attack).

The key thing to listen for is someone saying their chest “feels heavy” or “like someone is sitting on my chest”—making it hard to take a breath. It’s often pressure/heaviness, not sharp pain.

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Back Pain and Heart Attacks

When delivering First Aid courses, many people who’ve helped someone during a heart attack mention back pain.

This is worrying because lots of people—especially in care roles—already have back problems, which can mask the seriousness of symptoms. Every second counts in a heart attack, so don’t delay calling 999 because you’ve mistaken it for ordinary back pain. This delay happens more often than you’d think.

If you spot any other signs alongside back pain, call 999 immediately.

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Other Symptoms

Typical signs include changes caused by shock (cardiogenic) and lack of oxygen (cyanosis):

• Pale, cold skin
• Bluish lips

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Differences Between Men and Women

Although men and women can show the same symptoms, several nurses report the following pattern in women:

• A dull pain in the arm that spreads across the shoulders, neck, and jawline
• Pain may be less intense, so it’s easier to miss or ignore

If a colleague or family member feels unwell, looks pale and sweaty, and has upper-body pain, call for advice.

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Angina Attacks vs Heart Attacks

Angina often isn’t a medical emergency, but the symptoms can be identical to a heart attack (heaviness on the chest; pain in arms, shoulders, neck, jaw).

How can you tell the difference?

• Angina usually calms down naturally (about 10 minutes).
• Heart attacks tend to start suddenly without warning and don’t ease.

Common triggers for angina include:

• Exercise / anything that raises breathing rate
• Long walks
• Carrying heavy objects

Use common sense and ask questions:

• “What happened?”
• “Do you take any medication?”

If it came on after exertion and they have angina medication (spray or tablet), they may already have an angina diagnosis.

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Angina Medication (GTN)

GTN acts fast—sometimes within 1–2 minutes—but will have virtually no impact during a heart attack.

On First Aid courses we advise: call 999 if after the second GTN spray there’s no improvement.

Because heart attack and angina can look the same, let common sense prevail and call 999 or 111 for help and advice. If their medication isn’t helping, don’t hesitate to make the call.

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What About Aspirin?

In general, aspirin can be worth giving if a heart attack is suspected because it thins the blood, helping to thin the clot causing the attack. Dispersible aspirin is best as it enters the bloodstream faster.

Important:

• Aspirin will not stop a heart attack.
• Get permission from the ambulance controller (calls are recorded).
• Get the casualty’s consent before they take aspirin.

Typical first-aid advice:

• Give the aspirin to the casualty and let them take it themselves (first aiders don’t dispense).
• Encourage them to place a ~300 mg tablet under the tongue and not chew it; let saliva break it down.

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To Summarise

• Every second counts. If you’re in any doubt, call 999 immediately—better safe than sorry.
• Learn to spot less obvious signs (back pain, pallor, cyanosis, sweating, upper-body discomfort—especially in women).
• GTN helping quickly suggests angina; no improvement → call 999.
• Aspirin may help (with consent and controller approval), but it doesn’t stop a heart attack.

If any of this surprised you, it’s worth checking how many first aid myths you might still believe—and getting trained to respond confidently.

Is DSE Enough for an Employer’s Duty of Care?

Probably not — but my own view is individuals (employees) should be looking after themselves and take responsibility just as much as employers, especially whilst homeworking.

The benefits are endless and maybe if you did think about your posture, you’d get less of a lecture from me during training sessions. Win-Win!

I can’t help but think with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, poor posture is like another pandemic — but this one has been around much longer.

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Home Working and Posture

For those of us who work in an office, you’ll already be aware of the hazards faced when sitting for long periods of time. Employers often provide suitable chairs, wrist supports and footrests.

But when homeworking, it’s easy to forget these things. Yes, you can set up your workstation however you want — but your employer still has a duty of care to you.

And how many businesses have thought about following DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations remotely?

During training sessions, I highlight posture constantly:

• Around 50% of people on my courses report aches and pains.
• 90% admit they don’t think about posture at all during working hours.

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What Happens If We Don’t Think About Posture?

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the main causes of sickness absence.
Common problems include:

• Repetitive strain injury
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder and neck aches

We’ve known about these issues for decades — and yet most of us still suffer from MSDs at some point.

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Employers’ Responsibilities

Employers can’t stop their staff from ageing — but they can take practical steps outlined in the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.

If staff use a computer, laptop, tablet or phone for extended periods, employers must assess the risks.

Practical investments can reduce absence and injury:

• Adjustable chairs
• Footrests or pedals
• Suitable lighting
• Wrist and mouse supports

It’s about ergonomics — fitting the workstation to the person. This is where DSE training comes in.

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Homeworking and DSE

Even if you’re working at home, employers still have a duty of care.

Recommendations for employers:

• Provide or arrange DSE training (required under regulations).
• Use a DSE risk assessment for each homeworking staff member.
• Make reasonable adjustments where practicable.

Practical actions:

• Allow employees to use work equipment at home (chairs, mouse, wrist pads, monitor risers).
• Encourage frequent breaks.
• Lower or adapt performance targets.
• Encourage non-work activities and movement.
• Advise staff not to use their couch as a workstation.
• Provide seat cushions or posture aids if needed.

Last time I checked, a good cushion was around £27.00 (July 2020) — affordable for any employer and excellent for posture.

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Sit-to-Stand Desks

For workplaces, height-adjustable desks (or “sit-to-stand” desks) are brilliant for improving posture and reducing strain during the day.

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Personal Responsibility Matters

Outside of work — consider the activities that put strain on your body:

• Sports and hobbies
• Gardening
• Running or climbing

Looking after your posture benefits all of these too.

I didn’t think about posture either until tennis caused me shoulder issues. After advice from my physio, I started leaving post-it reminders and phone pop-ups to remind myself about posture.

Your employer has a duty of care — but you also have personal responsibility.

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Where Do Stretches Come In?

Wow! That was my reaction two weeks into attending Pilates classes on the advice of my physio.

Stretching is powerful — it improves core strength, posture, and makes day-to-day tasks easier.

Easy wins when homeworking:

• Short daily stretch routines — morning and afternoon.
• Free videos on YouTube or Zoom sessions.
• Do them in your comfy clothes (you’re working from home anyway).

If you have any injuries, seek medical guidance before doing new exercises.

DSE E-Learning Training for Businesses

We offer DSE e-learning courses designed for:

• Employees – to understand posture and workstation safety
• Managers – to assess their staff’s workstation and equipment

These are short courses — so you won’t be sitting for long — and you can save your progress at any time (perfect time to fit in that 10-minute stretch!).

For managers who complete the course, we’ll send a free DSE assessment document to use for staff evaluations.
Group discounts are also available.

👉 Visit our E-Learning page to explore the courses.

Common Fears Around Defibrillators

Would you know how to use a defibrillator?
Most clients in my First Aid classes admit they wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole — and their reasons are usually the same:

• “What if I do it wrong?”
• “What if I kill them?”
• “I’ll get sued.”
• “I’m not trained.”

All legitimate objections to a machine that can deliver up to 1000 volts depending on what the heart is doing at the time.

But here’s the reality:

• They’re already in cardiac arrest, so it can’t get any worse.
• You’re highly unlikely to get sued.
• The chances are you’ll do a good job just by following the defibrillator’s simple instructions.
• Most people aren’t trained — and that’s OK.

If a defibrillator was too complex to use, they wouldn’t be dotted around communities for public use.

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Defibrillators Are All Around You

What’s the chance that where you live or work, there’s one mounted on a wall? They’re usually bright green or yellow, easy to spot.

Next time you see one — go take a look. Can you read the:

“TO OPEN IN AN EMERGENCY”

It says:

1. Call 999
2. Keep calm & follow instructions
3. Tell the operator where you are (location code on the black box)
4. Tell the operator the unlock code
5. Get back quickly to where CPR is being performed

Think you could manage that? Easy to say here, I know — but if you stay focused on your actions, not your fear, you’re already doing something heroic.

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Built to Be Simple

The use of a defibrillator is now a mandatory part of the syllabus for First Aid training courses.

When I teach defibrillation, everyone can see how simple it is to switch it on — it’s common sense.

Then it’s just about following the instructions. Learners consistently do well with the key steps:

• ✅ Correct pad placement — follow the machine’s diagrams (often lit up) so it can accurately analyse the heart rhythm.
• ⚡ Stand clear when instructed — if anyone is touching the casualty during analysis or shock, the defib can detect multiple heartbeats.

Defibrillators are expert at heart analysis. When the heart goes into ventricular fibrillation (sudden cardiac arrest), it can kill — but a defib can shock it back into a normal rhythm. It also knows when there’s no rhythm at all, which is why it’s called a de-fibrillator.

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Teamwork: First Aider + Defib

On courses, I always highlight the importance of people working together with the machine:

• The defib can analyse rhythms and shock the heart.
• The First Aider can check breathing, perform CPR if the shock doesn’t work, and provide support the machine can’t.

Together, they give the casualty the best chance of survival.

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They All Work the Same Way

There are many models of defibrillators, but they all:

• Use slow, clear instructions
• Repeat commands until you’ve completed the step
• Are designed for untrained people to operate safely

Learners almost always finish the session saying they wouldn’t hesitate to use one — once they realise how simple it is.

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Learn Life-Saving Skills

Our First Aid courses teach more than theory — they teach real, practical life-saving skills.

If face-to-face courses don’t sound appealing because of COVID, our e-learning First Aid option is a convenient alternative.

• Complete theory modules online
• Arrange practical elements face-to-face with our tutors (approx. 90 minutes)

Explore our First Aid courses here.

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Final Thoughts

I don’t know about you, but if I saved a life…

it’s straight to the pub to celebrate how great I am. 🍻

Using a defibrillator isn’t complicated.
It’s designed for you to use it.
And if it means saving a life — every second counts.

Introduction

A lot of my activity at the moment is consulting with the hospitality sector and Covid-19.
It sounds perplexing — and I’ll be honest, I’d rather complete a risk assessment on something like DSE or manual handling than a virus.

I can see the workstation and the person using it, which is a good place to start. Although this is a new coronavirus, it still behaves like other viruses, so completing risk assessments for Covid-19 isn’t as tricky as I would have thought. Most venues don’t have to spend too much money and can make practical adjustments.

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Duty of Employers

The term “reasonably practicable” comes from the Health and Safety at Work Act and is the most often used duty for employers to keep their workplaces safe and reduce the risk of accidents and harm occurring.

It’s about taking a pragmatic, common-sense approach.

This coronavirus is a new hazard — and yet, think about the measures you’ve put in place to reduce the chance of catching it. Looking back, the actions you’ve taken are practical and, in hindsight, common sense.

I don’t like quoting the phrase “reasonably practicable” when consulting with business owners or managers as it can sound too “health and safety clipboard.”

Instead, I prefer asking questions that make sense in the real world:

• What does your common sense tell you?
• What do you think will happen if you do nothing?

These questions help business owners anticipate how harm or accidents might occur. So, next time you’re risk assessing your own workplace hazards, just ask yourself those two questions.

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The Big Problem: Perception and Complacency

Apparently, we don’t all think the same — which means we don’t all share the same “common sense.” One person might see danger; another might see very little risk.

Another big issue is complacency. People stop seeing what’s been in front of them all along — it’s human nature.

The term “likelihood” is commonly used in risk assessment, and it’s a problem.
When I teach risk assessment, people often say an accident is “unlikely to happen.” Why? Because it’s never happened before.

That sounds reasonable — but it’s a mistake.

The accident only needs to happen once.

Once it happens, someone gets hurt — maybe for life. That one time is enough.

In short, businesses don’t always see what’s around them or they think “it won’t happen.”

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Real Examples from the Workplace

• Propped open fire doors: During a walkabout with staff and managers while delivering Fire Safety training, I asked about the risk staring us all in the face. No one noticed the blocked fire door — even though staff were sitting outside smoking across the doorway. On my next visit, there was a new smoking area.
• Friday drinks: Another business provides alcoholic drinks on Friday afternoons. I had to ask the tough question: “Do staff then all drive home?”
  It had the desired effect — followed by a conversation about alcohol-free options.

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How to Get Around Human Nature and Complacency

• Get a fresh pair of eyes.
  It’s a mistake to complete risk assessments entirely on your own. Another colleague might help, but ideally involve multiple perspectives.
• Involve your staff.
  They know the workplace best and may spot hazards others miss.
• Increase awareness.
  Some businesses simply aren’t aware of relevant health and safety laws, such as DSE requirements.

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Bringing in Expert Support

That’s where I come in.

A fresh pair of eyes with health and safety knowledge and some tough love.
My job is to ask the hard questions and be honest in my feedback. Even if business owners don’t like what I have to say, sugar-coating would be negligent.

I aim to help you reduce risk, not downplay it.

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Practical Solutions to Combat Complacency

• Regular staff meetings with health and safety on the agenda — everyone can find time for a short monthly meeting.
• Encourage staff to take ownership of health and safety.
• Nominate COVID Champions, First Aiders, Fire Wardens, etc.
• Refresh training regularly (e.g., Food Safety every 3 years).
• Keep the conversation alive in the workplace.

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Final Thoughts

Whether it’s COVID, DSE or First Aid, I’m happy to visit your premises, ask questions, and have a good look around.

I teach Risk Assessment, so you’re in good hands — and I promise to tell you how it is.

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Why I need to talk about allergens

I need to talk about allergens because unfortunately I find myself consulting with clients who run pubs, restaurants or cafés and I keep hearing well-meaning managers telling me the same thing:
they place the emphasis on the customer to tell them about their allergy.

Whilst the law and local authorities will agree that the customer is part of this situation, my disappointment lies with the business when I see poor policies about communication — which they feel are adequate.

The title should warn you — I need to get something off my chest — but before I do, let’s look at why businesses must take their customers’ allergies very seriously.

When communication goes wrong

The two links below show what can happen through poor communication. In one story, it ended up being catastrophic:

• Restaurant owner guilty of manslaughter of peanut allergy customer
• Dobson & Parnell restaurant fined

Imagine running a food business and your customer is dead hours later because of your policies or you simply forgot.
And I’m not talking about the fines, the damage to your reputation, or potential manslaughter charges — but how you would feel morally.

I feel my rant has started!!

The scale of the issue

In the UK, there are 14 major food allergens responsible for most allergic reactions. It’s estimated that over 2.6 million adults have food allergies.
About 10 deaths are reported each year in the UK from a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

We offer the Level 3 Emergency First Aid course and ensure anaphylaxis is discussed so that your staff know how to assist a customer who may not be able to help themselves.

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The law

Food Allergen Laws are basically about providing information to consumers.
Food Information Regulation 2014 (Reg 5) enforces businesses to provide information that is “readily discernible.”

Earlier I expressed my disappointment with food business owners encouraging customers to inform them of their own allergy. Often menus are used and say something like:

“Please consult a member of staff if you have any allergies.”

The number of times I see this in small font at the bottom of a menu while any food offers are in large print and obvious…
Time to do my rant voice:

“SERIOUSLY!! It looks like you are putting profit over safety.”

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The 3 C’s of Allergen Safety

On food safety training courses, I teach the 3 C’s:

• Contamination
• Cleaning
• Communication

But since I’m having a rant, it’s:

Communication, Communication, Communication!

After all, if that one isn’t working, then good luck with the other two.

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Communication

Front of house

Put simply, your communication should be focused front of house to staff and customers and back of house to staff and suppliers.

• Menus are typically used to communicate to customers and remind them to talk to staff about their allergy. Too often, the message is in small print — increase the font size and place it where people will actually read it (top left is prime).
• If your menu is packed with offers and the allergy message gets squeezed in, add a tent card instead. Make it stand-alone, easy to clean, and train staff to reset it after each customer.
• Use your staff to remind customers. While taking a drinks order or explaining ordering procedures, embed a reminder about allergies. For example: “Whilst you’re deciding what to choose from the menu, could I just draw your attention to this tent card?”
  “If you need to talk to us about any food allergies, I’d be happy to help.”
• For buffets, everything must have its own clearly displayed label.

How many seconds does it take to pull a pint of beer? That’s the amount of time you have to bring up the allergy question for any customer ordering food over the bar.
Unfortunately, I often get told businesses “don’t have time for that.”

Seriously? But you do have time to upsell a double gin or large wine.

Again — it sounds like profit over safety.

Also check your EPOS system — can it be programmed to list the ingredients in each meal?

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Back of house

• Display a large recipe matrix on the wall with the 14 allergens listed and a tick against each meal if that allergen is present. Keep it updated with recipe changes.
• Use large print signs in dry stores and on containers: “Think Allergen!”
• Chef’s cards are great for communicating ingredients to front-of-house staff, so they can speak confidently to customers.
• When dealing with suppliers, audit them: check staff training, cleaning procedures, and contamination prevention. Investigate how they communicate recipe changes. Reputable suppliers should be transparent.

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Training

Staff must have food safety training, and allergies should have been covered. However, if they only attended a half-day awareness course, this might not be enough. Training is an ongoing process and shouldn’t stop once staff have a certificate.

When I worked in hotel management, I would allocate a 15-minute slot during quiet time (typically between breakfast and lunch) for a staff huddle with 1 or 2 topics to discuss — often over coffee and treats.

Use this time to:

• Talk about allergies and responsibilities (placing tent cards, talking to customers, etc.)
• Ask staff questions to check understanding
• Capture attendance with signatures for your due diligence records.

It’s not just “a paper exercise” — it’s about building a safety culture.

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Final thoughts

Let’s stop and think for a moment:
You created a Word document, captured the staff training in your team huddle, and spent 15 minutes on allergy procedures.
Was that worth it? Absolutely.

I hope you appreciate my message on the importance of communication with allergen controls.
Keep the conversation ongoing and it will become your normal.

Oh — and the answer to the beer question earlier?

10 seconds.

Introduction

With Covid-19 now on the list of hazards that food businesses face, have you planned how you will protect food from this contamination?

When an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) visits your food premises, they have key areas on their mind influenced by The Food Hygiene Regulations 2005. When I teach Food Safety, these are discussed during training.

Key areas they will focus on include:

• The premises
• Business records
• Training
• Safety procedures particular to your business

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Premises

As some managers tell me, by the time an EHO enters the premises, they have already had a look around the back.

The state of your premises is what’s known as a prerequisite when producing safe food. In other words, EHOs will expect you to keep the premises in good repair at all times. The state of your floors, walls and ceilings are part of the inspection.

• Are they in good repair and clean?
• Does their design lend itself to easy cleaning?

Although it isn’t against the law to use tiles, they are harder to clean long-term and bound to crack at some point — meaning dirt, bacteria and even pests will persist there. Stainless steel is ideal for work surfaces, but if you do use wood, it must be hard-wearing.

Let’s face it — if your place looks a mess, you’re hardly giving the inspector a good impression.

What should I choose?

• Hard wearing
• Non-porous
• Non-slip
• Light coloured
• Chemical resistant
• Coved edges

For further advice on flooring options, visit www.floortech.co.uk.

Your inspector will check:

• Running hot and cold water
• Adequate hand-wash facilities
• Proper drainage
• Effective extraction to reduce condensation
• Toilets in good repair
• Equipment that is easy to move and clean (e.g., chest freezers)

They will also check that your venue is secure from pests and that the outside perimeter, including bins, is tidy.

Summary: Your premises should be easy to clean and easy to keep clean.
Why? If not, it’s likely the premises itself will contaminate the food you produce — and allowing food to become contaminated is illegal.

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Business Records

Any EHO will ask to see your records. Keeping records is vital to support any due diligence defence should you face prosecution and to mitigate enforcement action.

As we say in Health and Safety:

“If you don’t write it down, then it doesn’t happen.”

Having records of your procedures holds the business accountable, and without them, you would be operating illegally.

It’s a legal requirement to have a Food Safety Management System (HACCP).
For small catering businesses, Safer Food Better Business is ideal.

Keep food safety records separate from other health and safety records. It makes the inspection smoother and keeps your EHO happy.

An EHO reading through your records is essentially learning how your business operates. If the records don’t match what they see on site, you’ll have a problem (e.g., an out-of-date supplier list makes traceability impossible).

What kind of records should I keep?

• Suppliers’ list
• Training records
• Cleaning schedules
• Allergens and traceability
• Temperature checks
• Pest control measures
• Contamination controls
• Maintenance logs

These records form your HACCP system — a legal requirement.

Experienced EHOs can spot when records are contrived. Some documents are working records and should be completed daily as part of your routine.

Note: Food businesses must operate with Covid-19 measures in place, including a completed risk assessment and staff training.

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Training

Training forms part of your business records and HACCP system, but it’s worth highlighting separately.

By law, food safety training is a requirement for all food handlers, and it must be commensurate to their job.

• Level 2 is adequate for most staff.
• Senior kitchen staff should have Level 3 Food Safety training to reflect their responsibilities.

The law requires training, not necessarily a qualification — so e-learning courses can be a cost-effective option. Training should be refreshed every 3 years.

Check out our food safety e-courses — you can even try a free module to explore the quality of the learning platform.

Many businesses simply file certificates, but real competence comes from ongoing training.

When I worked in hospitality management, I held short 15-minute staff meetings to:

• Remind staff to record fridge temperatures
• Remind customers to check allergen info
• Check for pest activity with torches in dry stores

These meetings were recorded and stored with training records.

If you need help providing short training sessions to staff, I can provide topic ideas and session formats to make them effective.

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Food Safety Procedures

Put simply, this is what you and your staff actively do on shift to keep food safe from contamination.

During inspections, EHOs observe how staff work. They may also ask staff questions — which they should know the answers to if training is embedded properly.

What will they be looking for?

• Staff cleanliness and correct PPE
• Clear separation between raw and cooked foods
• Clean, organised fridges with stock control in evidence
• Dry storage areas clean and protected from contamination
• Adequate number of clean bins
• Cleaning chemicals suitable for use in food rooms and stored correctly
• Appropriate signage (e.g., handwash stations, chopping board use)
• Critical control points, especially temperature controls
• Suitable workflow (where achievable)

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Conclusion

Environmental Health Officers must uphold the law. If they see sub-standard practices that could endanger food safety, they will take action.

• Improvement Notices
• Or even Closure

are among their powers.

Work with them and show a positive attitude as they enter.
If they find faults, you’ll often get the chance to fix them — so act quickly, and even invite them back to show your progress.

See the inspection as a challenge to maintain those 5 stars you’ve worked hard to achieve.
With good preparation, it will become part of your daily routine in no time.

Over the past six months, we have been delivering Licensing Awareness courses around the North East of England. It’s been an interesting time delivering the training because in the past this wasn’t a course we get asked to do much. Duell Training Associates

Typically, we deliver the Personal Licence Holders training regularly and once you achieve the qualification this is one of the things you need to buy the Licence from your local council. Duell Training Associates

So why the uptake on businesses asking for Licensing Awareness training?

This is what the owners are telling me –

• We are located in an area with social issues resulting in a high risk of under-age sale of alcohol or proxy sales. Duell Training Associates
• We were recently visited by the council who recommended staff training. Duell Training Associates
• Our establishment is a nightclub and we are naturally high risk of under-age sales. Duell Training Associates
• We had a complaint from a resident who believes we are selling alcohol to children. Duell Training Associates

Admittedly, the above list is what must be going on in any case and I don’t think it explains the increase in training we have completed. However, it was on the first four or five courses we got asked about that does explain it. Duell Training Associates

These business owners are scared that one day they will be put under the spotlight on why their staff expelled a drunk, drugged up (or both) customer who is now outside, possibly on their own in a city they are not local to (we all love a weekend city break) and vulnerable. When in fact they put an already vulnerable person into greater danger. Duell Training Associates

The Licensing Act

Now for anyone who knows a bit about the Licensing Act 2003, it is up to the venue to ask any customers to leave if they are causing any disorder. Yet strangely it is also against the law for any venue to serve a drunken customer. Yep, even to me, that sounds weird!! Duell Training Associates

Let’s get back to those scared business owners. When consulting with these worried Managers and Business Owners I hope I achieve my goal which is to first of all make them feel a little better. I say “a little” because this problem isn’t exactly going to go away – ejecting drunken customers but I like to open with “Hey you’re in good hands because I am also a First Aid Instructor.” Duell Training Associates

So what’s First Aid got to do with Licensing training?

Staff working on a licensed venue will be trained to spot the signs of customers getting too drunk or looking suspicious of any drug activity and then the venue must act. But how many staff will look at a customer to who they have served a few drinks and think any of the following . . . . Duell Training Associates

• They have fallen and appear concussed. Duell Training Associates
• My best friend has Diabetes and does that. Duell Training Associates
• I wonder if they have Epilepsy? Duell Training Associates

Using a First Aid-First Approach

During the Licensing Awareness sessions, we embed first aid topics which can be likened to drunkenness. Staff are trained to approach customers using a moral approach to consider a customer’s well-being. Just as we would on a First Aid course you should be asking the customer questions and checking in with them or their friends/family who are enjoying a night out with them. Not the easiest thing to do I know but Health and Safety is about being active and using a First Aid First approach supports this. Duell Training Associates

• Forgot to take their medication. Or have they been spiked through no fault of their own? Duell Training Associates

Imagine that you didn’t do any of that and instead called over the Door Supervisor to have them escorted out. I’ll leave the rest to you to reflect on. Now you see why those business owners are scared. Scared that they will get a letter from a solicitor representing a family of that customer you throw out on the street whilst trying to deal with their medical condition. Duell Training Associates

It used to be the case that most companies gave a small financial incentive to their nominated Fire Wardens for doing their weekly duties on top of their main job role. Nowadays it seems this is no longer the case. From my own experience whilst consulting with businesses I have heard of 1 place that does this. I’d like to think I would too. Duell Training Associates

Let’s dive into why I think you should give the incentive.

We all know that if a fire starts it can quickly get out of control and become life threatening. As usual with all things Health and Safety it’s about being proactive — and in this case ensuring a fire can’t start. That’s where Fire Wardens come in with their weekly checks. Duell Training Associates

1. They support your general housekeeping and electrical safety.

When going about their warden duties within their area of responsibility they will be getting a general overview of how clean and tidy the place is. And what about those out-of-sight-out-of-mind places e.g., behind equipment, underneath desks etc. Duell Training Associates

• Rooms that aren’t usually occupied such as basements or attics where everything gets dumped. Quite often during training I hear stories of locked cupboards or storage rooms where only the maintenance man has the key. The Fire warden needs access. Duell Training Associates
• Is there a build up of rubbish, harmful substances etc that typically wouldn’t be there or in those quantities. Duell Training Associates
• Question whether or not any items need throwing out. Duell Training Associates
• Your protected routes will deserve particular attention. These are the main ways to get through the building including stairwells. Duell Training Associates
• Anything out of the ordinary here must be logged and actioned. Duell Training Associates

Then all of your electrical equipment – does it need switched off? Overloaded sockets? Condition of the plugs and wiring? Duell Training Associates

2. What to check on a Fire Door?

These are essential to ensuring everyone gets out in time should you have a fire emergency. Your Fire Wardens must know what to look for on each door. Check out the video for this. The one thing I like about the video is they outline the importance of getting this activity logged. If you do get an inspection by your local fire officer they will be very interested in the upkeep of your fire doors. So impress them by logging all of your activity. Duell Training Associates

[Video link embedded in original]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKcO0CvcofA Duell Training Associates

3. Fire Extinguishers and Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire wardens will check over each extinguisher with its general condition, whether or not it has been used and is it in its dedicated spot. This short video explains the key points for inspection of a fire extinguisher. Duell Training Associates

[Video link embedded in original]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cB-qwMzKBU Duell Training Associates

4. Emergency Lighting, Break Glass and Signage

Depending on what type of lighting you have in place will determine how it is checked. Your Fire Wardens will need training on how to do this. And similarly with break glasses. Train them on how to see if these work. Usually simple devices will be used such as small metal keys. Train your wardens on how to operate your Fire Panel too. Ask your supplier to visit and gather all of your Fire Wardens to take part in the training. Duell Training Associates

5. Equipment to support less able-bodied persons.

Train your fire wardens and other staff if you have equipment such as evac chairs or ski sheets etc. They must feel competent to use the equipment and give confidence to the person needing this support. Evac chairs are very tricky and usually when I conduct this training myself there are often people on the course who have no idea on how they are used. Duell Training Associates

During staff meetings highlight the work they do and nurture support within the team. Duell Training Associates

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Support your Fire Wardens

Let me give you some ideas on getting the best out of your Fire Wardens which will encourage them to ensure they complete their rounds and to the standard needed. Duell Training Associates

Top Tips to support Fire Wardens

1. Training – Good quality e-learning but only once they have completed some face to face training and personally I would include training that uses Fire Extinguishers too. Vital if you have evac chairs. Talk to us about your Fire training needs. Duell Training Associates
2. Monthly Staff meetings – Of course talk about your marketing strategy or how to increase your customer base but Health and Safety should always be on the agenda. This is your chance to highlight the value of your Fire Wardens. E.g., when doing their Fire Warden duties please don’t disturb them etc. Commending them on their efforts in front of the team etc. Duell Training Associates
3. Give your Fire Wardens a voice during team meetings – they can pick out good examples e.g., good housekeeping. And of course allow them to pick out any bad examples they noticed whilst completing their duties e.g., a propped open fire door. Giving your Fire Wardens a voice will make them feel more valued. Duell Training Associates
4. Buy them a Hi Vis jacket with the words Fire Warden engraved on the back, in their favourite colour and hang it on the back of their chair. They wear this whilst completing their duties and this tells everyone else to “leave me alone, I’m doing a very important task right now.” Duell Training Associates
5. A small area of responsibility will make it easier to do the job and as a result they will be more willing to do the job on schedule and to the Health and Safety standards expected. There should be no excuses. Of course you will need more Wardens. Duell Training Associates
6. Make sure you give them the time to do the job. Too often it can be done after their shift ends with work commitments getting in the way etc. Set a day and time of day would be recommended as it then fits into their normal work pattern. It’s not an add on so to speak!! Duell Training Associates

Choose Wisely

If you know your team really well then there will be some obvious choices on who should be a Fire Warden and can handle the extra responsibilities described above. Duell Training Associates

• Department heads would be ideal or their deputy. Consider, though, will they have the time on top of their day-to-day responsibilities. Duell Training Associates
• If not the dept head and instead a member of the team, ask the dept head who they think will take the Fire Warden role seriously. Who has a natural interest in Health and Safety? Who in the team shows good standards in their day-to-day work? Duell Training Associates

Check the check

As a business owner you will have your own legal accountability and remember what we talked about earlier with choosing the right person to do the important job of keeping everyone safe from a fire starting. Duell Training Associates
But how do you know they are doing the job to the standards expected? I mean they checked all of the boxes and according to that document everything looks safe but did they spend time taking a look under a colleague’s desk for overloaded sockets? Do all of the Fire Doors shut 100%? If the Fire Authority arrive at your premises will they leave happy? Duell Training Associates

This is where you come in. I know you’re busy as a business owner but weigh up that against the safety of the building and the people in it. Duell Training Associates

I’d recommend checking their work when they start this role. Try to shadow them and offer support. Then each week do your own checks — small areas (for ease) and check another small area e.g., 1 floor at a time. Then check each month. If you’re happy their paperwork matches “the look” of the building then check less often. And remember those staff meetings when you’re highlighting all of the good work they are doing to the team? Hopefully they are showing that appreciation back by ensuring they do a thorough job. Duell Training Associates

Another aspect of the role of a fire warden would be to coordinate the fire evacuation if a fire did break out. But with the right support from you, your fire wardens will be doing a cracking job with their regular fire checks, then there’s little chance a fire will start!! Duell Training Associates

Fire Wardens don’t just keep us safe from the dangers of fire and toxic smoke, they are the eyes and ears for other hazards too — our general cleanliness, slips, trips and electrical safety too!! Duell Training Associates

So, now will you put a financial incentive in their pay packet each month? I hope I’ve convinced you!! You’ll be getting your monies worth!! Duell Training Associates