Qualification Structure

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) is a regulated qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of fire safety awareness. The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 4 hours and 3 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) is assignment-based, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding of the required fire safety knowledge.

The qualification consists of one mandatory unit, which learners must successfully complete to achieve the award.

Core Study Units

Fire Safety Awareness

Learning Outcome 1: Understand basic fire safety and what to do in the event of an emergency

• State the main causes of fires in the workplace.
• Outline the main costs of workplace fires for employers, employees and society.
• State individual duties and responsibilities relating to fire safety at work.
• State the duties and responsibilities of fire wardens and others involved in fire risk control or emergency response.
• Describe the actions to take in the event of a workplace fire, including raising the alarm and contacting emergency services.

Learning Outcome 2: Understand the principles of fire risk control

• Identify the key elements of effective fire risk management in the workplace.
• Recognise how the components of the fire triangle can be used to control fire risks.
• Identify different fire risk control measures.
• Recognise fire prevention measures that can minimise fire risks.

Learning Outcome 3: Understand the basics of practical fire safety

• Recall the safe operating parameters for portable firefighting equipment.
• Recognise simple checks to ensure fire safety equipment is serviceable and safe to use.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) is designed for individuals who need a foundational understanding of fire safety in the workplace. It is suitable for learners who have little or no previous experience in fire safety and want to understand basic fire prevention, risk control and emergency procedures.

This qualification is particularly relevant to:

• Employees and workplace staff who need to understand their basic fire safety responsibilities.
• New starters requiring introductory fire safety knowledge as part of workplace induction or training.
• Individuals with fire safety responsibilities who need to develop their awareness of workplace fire risks and appropriate emergency actions.
• Learners seeking an entry-level regulated qualification in fire safety before progressing to further study.
• International learners who want to gain a UK-regulated introductory qualification in fire safety awareness.

The qualification focuses on practical awareness rather than advanced fire risk management. Learners develop knowledge of common workplace fire causes, individual responsibilities, emergency procedures, fire risk control, fire prevention and the basic use and checking of portable firefighting equipment.

Because it is an RQF-regulated Level 1 qualification, it can provide a structured starting point for learners who intend to build their knowledge through further fire safety, health and safety or related qualifications. It is therefore appropriate for anyone who requires recognised foundational fire safety awareness without needing advanced prior knowledge.

Career Opportunities

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) provides learners with essential knowledge of workplace fire safety, helping them understand fire risks, prevention measures, emergency procedures, and basic fire safety responsibilities. The qualification develops foundational awareness of how fires can start, how fire risks can be controlled, and what actions should be taken during a workplace fire. It is suitable for employees, new starters, and individuals who require introductory fire safety knowledge across a wide range of workplaces and industries.

Future Progression

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) provides a foundation for developing practical awareness of workplace fire safety, supporting learners in roles where understanding fire prevention, emergency procedures, and basic fire safety responsibilities is relevant. It can be particularly useful across workplaces such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, retail, offices, logistics, and other environments where fire safety awareness forms part of workplace responsibilities.

Academically, learners may progress to further fire safety, health and safety, or related qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the next qualification or awarding organisation. The award can also complement workplace training and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) in fire safety and occupational health and safety.

Professionally, the qualification can support individuals undertaking workplace responsibilities such as Fire Warden or Fire Marshal, while providing relevant foundational knowledge for employees, facilities staff, health and safety support personnel, and other roles involving workplace fire safety awareness. It should be viewed as an introductory qualification rather than a direct route into specialist or senior fire safety positions.