Fire Prevention and Mitigation
Build the knowledge and confidence to manage fire risks in waste and recycling facilities
Fire prevention and mitigation are critical to the safe, compliant, and sustainable operation of waste and recycling facilities. However, managing fire risk in environments handling combustible materials can be complex without the right understanding and controls in place.
This comprehensive training course is designed for those responsible for fire prevention in the waste sector. It provides a practical understanding of how fires start, how risks can be effectively managed, and how robust control measures can be implemented to reduce both the likelihood and impact of incidents.
The course focuses on facilities that receive, process, and store combustible materials, including household waste recycling centres, waste transfer stations, and material recovery facilities. It also addresses the handling and storage of materials such as wood, paper, plastics, tyres, metals, and end-of-life vehicles.
Through expert guidance, you will learn how to apply fire prevention principles in day-to-day operations, improve site management practices, and implement effective mitigation strategies aligned with industry expectations.
Course Details
Format: Online
Duration: 8 hours
Entry requirements: None
About this course
Fire prevention principles
Develop a clear understanding of the key principles of fire prevention and mitigation, and how they apply within resource and waste management facilities.
Legislation and responsibilities
Learn how to interpret relevant legislation and understand your responsibilities for managing fire risk within the resource and waste management sector.
Regulatory framework and guidance
Build knowledge of the regulatory framework, policies, and guidance that underpin fire prevention and mitigation practices across the sector.
Fire risk management
Understand how to identify fire hazards, assess risks, and implement appropriate control measures in resource and waste management environments.
This course is suitable for anyone responsible for safe operation of waste and recycling facilities.
It is particularly relevant for:
- Site managers and operational leaders
- Supervisors overseeing day-to-day facility activities
- Environmental and fire safety advisors
- Consultants supporting resource and waste management operations
- Professionals responsible for developing fire prevention plans
- Those implementing fire prevention and mitigation strategies on site
This course will provide practical guidance to support safe and compliant operations.
Course Structure
This course is delivered through two interactive 4-hour virtual sessions:
This session provides:
Understanding legislation and guidance
Get a clear overview of the key legislation and guidance that apply to waste and resource management facilities, and how these requirements shape effective fire prevention and mitigation practices.
The science of fire
Build your understanding of how fires start and develop. Explore core concepts such as heat, temperature, combustion, self-heating, exothermic reactions, and contamination — and how these relate to common waste and recycling materials.
Common fire risks and how to manage them
Identify the typical causes of fires in waste and recycling environments, and learn the practical prevention and control measures needed to reduce risk and minimise the likelihood of incidents.
This session provides:
Passive fire protection measures
Understand how site layout and design can help prevent fires from spreading. Learn how factors such as stack size, separation distances, and material type influence fire behaviour — and how to apply the right controls for different waste streams.
Active fire protection systems
Explore how fire detection and suppression systems work in practice. Gain an introduction to common technologies used in waste and recycling facilities, and understand how they can be combined to provide effective, complementary protection.
Upcoming courses
View the timings for virtual sessions below.
- Session 1 - 7th October - 09:00-13:00
- Session 2 - 8th October - 09:00-13:00
Book your place
Active CIWM members are eligible for a 20% discount on this course. Your discount will be applied automatically at checkout when you are logged in and book using your CIWM member details.
Select your preferred date and time from the options below.
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Contact us on 01604 620426 or email training@ciwm.co.uk for more information.