Registered Office: Courtyard Offices, Apsley House, Waterloo Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1BD
Website: https://whitefiretechnologies.com
1. Policy Statement
White Fire Technologies (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all learners, employees, trainers, contractors, and visitors.
We recognise our legal and moral responsibility under UK law to:
- Protect the health, safety, and welfare of individuals in our training centres and offices.
- Promote safe working and learning practices in both physical and digital environments.
- Prevent accidents, injuries, work-related illnesses, and safeguarding risks.
- Provide adequate resources, information, training, and supervision to uphold high safety standards.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to:
- All employees, trainers, and contractors working with White Fire Technologies.
- Students, graduates, freshers, and career switchers enrolled in our programmes.
- Visitors and partners attending our offices or training facilities.
- Digital learners participating via online platforms, ensuring safe and accessible e-learning.
3. Legal Framework
This Policy complies with:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
- Fire Safety Order 2005
- Equality Act 2010 (reasonable adjustments for disabilities)
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (for learners under 18 or vulnerable adults)
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Management
- Ensure compliance with legal health & safety duties.
- Provide training and resources for safe working.
- Conduct regular risk assessments of training facilities.
- Review and update this Policy annually.
4.2 Trainers & Staff
- Take reasonable care of their own health & safety and that of others.
- Follow safety protocols and report hazards.
- Supervise learners during in-person sessions.
4.3 Learners & Participants
- Comply with safety instructions and training centre rules.
- Report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
- Act responsibly in both physical and digital learning environments.
4.4 Health & Safety Officer
A designated officer (or trained manager) oversees:
- Risk assessments
- Fire safety and evacuation procedures
- Accident reporting and first aid provision
5. Workplace Safety (In-Person Training)
5.1 Risk Assessments
We regularly conduct risk assessments of:
- Classrooms and training spaces
- Electrical equipment and IT infrastructure
- Fire exits and emergency systems
- Accessibility provisions
5.2 Fire Safety
- Fire alarms, extinguishers, and exit routes are installed and tested regularly.
- Fire drills are conducted at least annually.
- Evacuation plans are displayed in training facilities.
5.3 First Aid
- A trained First Aid Officer is available during training hours.
- First aid kits are maintained at accessible points.
- All incidents are logged in an Accident Report Register.
5.4 Equipment Safety
- Computers, projectors, and IT equipment are regularly inspected.
- Only authorised personnel may use technical equipment.
- Electrical safety checks (PAT testing) are carried out annually.
5.5 Accessibility & Equality
- Facilities are assessed for accessibility (ramps, lifts, seating adjustments).
- Reasonable adjustments are provided for learners with disabilities.
6. Online Learning & Digital Safety
6.1 Ergonomics & Screen Use
We encourage learners to:
- Take regular breaks (20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Use ergonomic chairs and desk setups.
- Limit extended screen exposure where possible.
6.2 Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Online learning can be isolating; we promote student check-ins and peer interaction.
- Learners are encouraged to seek support from mentors or wellbeing officers.
- Referral to external counselling services may be made if necessary.
6.3 Cybersecurity & Safeguarding
- Strong password policies are enforced on our LMS.
- Personal data is protected under GDPR (see separate policy).
- Online conduct is governed by a Code of Behaviour to prevent harassment, bullying, or inappropriate activity.
7. Safeguarding
White Fire Technologies is committed to protecting learners, especially vulnerable adults and young people.
7.1 Safeguarding Principles
- All staff undergo safeguarding awareness training.
- Concerns about abuse, exploitation, or radicalisation are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Learners under 18 require parental/guardian consent for enrolment.
7.2 Prevent Duty (Counter-Extremism)
We comply with the UK Prevent Duty, ensuring learners are not exposed to radicalisation or extremist influence.
8. Accident & Incident Reporting
- All accidents, injuries, or near-misses must be reported to the Health & Safety Officer.
- Reports are logged in the Accident Register.
- Serious incidents are investigated, and corrective actions are taken.
9. Emergency Procedures
9.1 Fire or Evacuation
- Evacuation routes are signposted and illuminated.
- Staff are trained in safe evacuation procedures.
- Assembly points are clearly designated.
9.2 Medical Emergencies
- First aiders will assist until professional medical help arrives.
- Emergency contact details of learners are securely held.
9.3 Other Emergencies
- Procedures exist for lockdowns, power failures, or building hazards.
10. Training & Awareness
- Staff training: Health & safety induction plus annual refreshers.
- Learner induction: Health & safety briefing at the start of training.
- Fire drills & first aid demonstrations: Conducted annually.
11. Monitoring & Review
- Health & safety audits are conducted annually.
- Risk assessments are updated when facilities, staff, or delivery modes change.
- Learner feedback is considered in safety improvements.
12. Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Policy may result in:
- Disciplinary action (for staff).
- Removal from programmes (for learners).
- Legal reporting obligations (for serious breaches).
13. Policy Review
This Policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if required by legal, operational, or structural changes.
14. Contact
For health & safety concerns or emergencies, contact:
White Fire Technologies
Courtyard Offices, Apsley House, Waterloo Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1BD
Email: info@whitefiretechnologies.com
