A fire protection assistant is a person appointed and trained by the employer in the company. His main task is to take targeted initial measures in the event of a fire. This includes combating emerging fires and supporting the safe evacuation of employees. The fire protection worker acts as a first responder in fire protection until the fire brigade arrives.

Yes. The necessity results from the Occupational Safety and Health Act (§ 10 ArbSchG) and is specified by the Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.2 "Measures against Fires". Every employer is obliged to train and appoint a sufficient number of employees as fire protection assistants.

The ASR A2.2 specifies a clear guideline: At least 5% of the employees present must be trained as fire protection assistants.

Important: This is a minimum value for companies with normal fire risk. In the case of an increased risk of fire (e.g. by handling combustible substances, welding work or in companies with many vulnerable people) a higher number is required. Shift work, holidays, illness and personnel changes must also be taken into account in the calculation so that enough helpers are present at all times.

The tasks can be divided into two areas:

In case of fire (operationaly tasks):

Alarming: Ensuring the alarming of the fire brigade (emergency call 112).

Firefighting: Fighting fires with fire extinguishers or wall hydrants without endangering yourself.

Evacuation: Assistance in the fast and safe evacuation of the building.

Assistance: Instruct the arriving fire brigade and inform about the situation.

In normal operation (preventive tasks):

Prevention: Support of the fire protection officer in prevention.

Control: Pay attention to clear escape and rescue routes as well as the accessibility of fire extinguishing equipment.

Attention: Recognition of fire hazards in everyday work and reporting of defects.

The training is regulated in the DGUV Information 205-023 and consists of a theory and a practical part. The total duration is usually at least 2 teaching units (UE) of 45 minutes each for the theory and an additional practical exercise.

Theoretical part (min. 2 UE):

Basic features of preventive fire protection

Operational fire protection organization

Function and mode of operation of fire extinguishing equipment

Dangers from fires

Behavior in case of fire

Practical part:

Extinguishing exercise: Practical handling of a fire extinguisher on a fire simulator (e.g. gas-operated fire trainer). Each participant must perform an extinguishing exercise themselves.

The training may only be carried out by competent persons. These include in particular:

Fire protection officer with appropriate training.

Occupational safety specialists with appropriate training.

Persons with completed college or university studies in the field of fire protection.

Instructors of fire brigades or external education providers who can prove their expertise.

Yes. The DGUV Information 205-023 recommends a repetition of the training at regular intervals in order to refresh the knowledge. An interval of 3 to 5 years is recommended. In the case of significant operational changes (e.g. new procedures, new fire hazards) or after a fire event, an earlier repetition may be useful.

Fire protection assistant: Is a "first responder" for the event of a fire, who takes over operational tasks. The training is short and focused on the first measures. The designation is mandatory for every company.

Fire protection assistants: Is a specially qualified consultant of the employer in all matters of fire protection. He has a comprehensive training, creates fire protection regulations, plans and organizes company fire protection. The order is only required by law in certain cases (e.g. in special buildings according to building law or in case of increased risk of fire).