Version 1, April 2016 Qualification specification Qualification accreditation number: 501/0341/6 Introduction 1 Qualification overview 1 Key facts 2 Qualification structure 2 Entry guidance 3 Geographical coverage 3 Delivering training 3 Assessment 3 Reasonable adjustment 3 Special consideration 3 Results 3 Resits 3 Appeals 3 Introduction This document provides key information about the structure, content and administration of the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness. It should be read in conjunction with the CIEH Procedure Manual. It may be useful to make available some of the content of this document to candidates in order to enhance their understanding of the qualification, for example the details of the unit of assessment. Qualification overview The CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness will benefit anyone in a work environment as it provides candidates with an understanding of the key principles of fire safety, including measures to prevent fires occurring and actions to be taken in the event that a fire does break out. It is appropriate equally for those with no specific fire safety role within the workplace and as an introduction for those who intend to move on to further fire safety training. It will also benefit those who are starting a new job, as part of an induction programme. Progression 4 Trainer/assessor requirements 4 Contact details 4 Appendix Sample examination questions 5 Stock Code 1HNFSAQS Page 1
Key facts The CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness is regulated in England by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), in Wales by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and in Northern Ireland by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and is part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). It is supported by Proskills. The qualification can be taken as a free-standing award or as part of a wider programme of training. Qualification title Qualification accreditation number (QAN) CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness 501/0341/6 Guided learning hours 4 Qualification level 1 Credit value 1 Assessment method Multiple-choice examination Qualification structure The CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness comprises one mandatory unit, with a total value of one credit. QCF unit title Unit reference number Learning outcomes The learner will: 1 Understand basic fire safety and what to do in the event of an emergency 2 Understand the principles of fire risk control 3 Understand the basics of practical fire safety Fire Safety Awareness Y/601/9697 Assessment criteria The learner can: 1.1 State the main causes of fires in the workplace. 1.2 Outline the main costs of fires in the workplace for employers, employees and society. 1.3 State their own duties and responsibilities in relation to fire safety at work. 1.4 State the duties and responsibilities of fire wardens and other people who may be required to take action as part of fire risk controls or during an emergency. 1.5 Describe the action to be taken in the event of a fire in the workplace, including methods of raising the alarm and contacting the emergency services. 2.1 List the key elements for effective fire risk management in the workplace. 2.2 Outline how the components of the fire triangle can be used to control fire risks. 2.3 List active and passive fire risk control measures. 2.4 Outline fire prevention measures that can be taken to minimise fire risks. 3.1 State the safe operating parameters for the use of portable fire-fighting equipment. 3.2 Outline simple checks for ensuring that fire safety equipment is serviceable and safe to use. Page 2
Entry guidance There are no prerequisites for completing the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness, as the required knowledge and understanding of fire safety are covered in the training. However, the CIEH recommends that candidates should have a minimum of Level 1 in literacy or equivalent to undertake this qualification. This qualification is appropriate for delivery to candidates aged pre-16, 16 18 and 19+. Geographical coverage The CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness is suitable for candidates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This qualification can be delivered overseas, but candidates should be advised that the content of the training programme accords with current UK legislation and best practice. Delivering training To be eligible for assessment, candidates must complete the guided learning hours stated under Key facts. Guided learning hours represent learning that takes place under the direct supervision of the trainer. This may include classroombased learning, work-based learning or e-learning as long as it is supervised by a trainer in real time. Guided learning hours may also include live webinars or telephone tutorials and all forms of assessment. Independent and unsupervised learning, of any type, cannot be counted as guided learning hours. The CIEH has developed a training pack to help trainers deliver the programme in a structured way. It includes a: copy of the course booklet Principles of Fire Safety Awareness manual entitled Trainers Notes CD-ROM containing a PowerPoint presentation and activity sheets. Although the use of CIEH training materials is not compulsory, these materials provide a clear indication of the scope and depth required of the training provision. As with all CIEH qualifications, the Trainers Notes manual defines the minimum standard for training delivery. However, trainers are responsible for developing and adapting the content of the Trainers Notes manual to meet the needs of their clients and candidates. Trainers are also responsible for keeping the content of their training programmes up to date whether these are based on CIEH materials or other sources. To purchase course booklets, training packs or examination papers, please contact the Sales Team: by phone on 020 7827 5900 by email to sales@cieh.org by downloading an order form from www.cieh.org/ training and returning it to CIEH Sales Team, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Chadwick Court, 15 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ. Page 3 Assessment Candidates are assessed by an examination paper consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in half an hour under examination conditions (see Procedure for Examination and Assessment in the CIEH Procedure Manual for full details on examination administration). See the appendix for sample examination questions. Reasonable adjustment The CIEH is committed to providing all candidates with an equal opportunity to achieve units and qualifications through the provision of alternative assessment arrangements where necessary. See Procedure for reasonable adjustment in the CIEH Procedure Manual for further information. Special consideration If a candidate or group of candidates experiences an unforeseen circumstance during an examination, for example a fire alarm sounds or a candidate falls ill, a trainer can submit details to the CIEH when the results are sent to Examination Services for processing. The circumstances will be considered and taken into account when the results are processed. See Procedure for special consideration in the CIEH Procedure Manual for further information. Results Candidates who achieve 10 or more correct answers will pass the examination and receive a CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness certificate. A QCF credit certificate is available on request. Email results for the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness will be sent within 48 hours. Certificates will be sent directly to the centre where the training was delivered within five working days. Resits If a candidate fails the assessment for the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness, he or she is permitted to resit the examination paper once, within 90 days of the notification of failure. If a candidate fails again, he or she will have to undertake the full training programme before being allowed another attempt at the assessment. Appeals Candidates have a right to appeal, should they be dissatisfied with the trainer s assessment. Initially, the centre s own appeals procedures should be implemented. If necessary, the centre should then contact the CIEH on the candidate s behalf, which will trigger the CIEH appeals procedure. If this is not possible, candidates are allowed to contact CIEH Examination Services directly under the terms of the Candidate Charter. See Procedure for appeal in the CIEH Procedure Manual.
Progression It is recommended that on completion of the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness, candidates progress to the CIEH Level 2 Award in Fire Safety Principles. Trainer requirements To deliver the CIEH Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness, trainers must fulfil requirements in three areas. Subject knowledge Trainers need to have achieved a minimum of one of the following: CIEH Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace or equivalent Diploma in Environmental Health or Accredited Degree in Environmental Health and EHRB Certificate of Registration NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety. To demonstrate they have the required subject knowledge, trainers must send copies of their relevant certificates to the CIEH. If these certificates are more than three years old, trainers should also send an account of how they have kept their subject knowledge up to date. This account must be confirmed by a suitably qualified person, such as a manager or departmental head. Training qualification To guarantee the quality and integrity of the training, CIEH registered trainers must have a teaching or training qualification, proof of which must be forwarded to the CIEH. If this was taken more than three years ago, trainers should also send the CIEH an account of how they have kept up to date with best practice. If trainers have training experience but no formal qualification, they can take the CIEH Level 3 Award in Training Principles and Practice (which is the minimum requirement to deliver CIEH qualifications) or the CIEH Level 3 Award in Education and Training (which is a minimum requirement if working in the public sector). Experience and skills Trainers should keep their knowledge up to date by: reading professional journals accessing up-to-date industry guides, codes of practice and other useful publications attending seminars and training events undertaking formal continuing professional development activity ensuring they have recent relevant work experience. Trainers are responsible for maintaining records of all the above activities and training. To demonstrate they have the necessary experience to deliver CIEH qualifications, trainers must provide details of their employment in the last three years. Contact details Registered centres and trainers can contact the CIEH by calling 020 7827 5800 between 08:30 and 17:30, Monday to Friday. There is an option to leave a voicemail if lines are busy or if calling outside business hours. Alternatively, contact can be made by email: customerservices@cieh.org for all general enquiries, including registrations examinationservicesteam@cieh.org for enquiries about results and certificates. Responses will be made within two working days. Written correspondence should be addressed to: Customer Services Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Chadwick Court 15 Hatfields London SE1 8DJ The training requirement is the same for all CIEH qualifications (apart from for training skills and first-aid qualifications, where a teaching qualification is required as part of subject knowledge). A valid teaching/training qualification could be a: CIEH Level 3 Award in Training - Principles and Practice (or equivalent) CIEH Level 3 Award in Education and Training (or equivalent) Diploma, Certificate, Bachelor s Degree or Master s Degree in Education City and Guilds Teacher s Certificate or equivalent Level 3 NVQ in Training and/or Development. Page 4
Appendix Sample examination questions 1 Which type of extinguisher should be used on an electrical fire? A B C D Water Carbon dioxide Wet chemical Foam 2 What colour are signs warning of hazards? A B C D Blue and white Yellow and black Red and black Green and white 3 An example of a passive control measure would be: A B C D detection systems manual call points compartmentation fire extinguishers Page 5
Customer Services Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Chadwick Court, 15 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ Telephone 020 7827 5800 (Option 1) Email customerservices@cieh.org Web www.cieh.org/training Answers 1 B 2B 3 C