Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Training (Brandschutz)

This online fire safety course teaches how to prevent fires safely in the workplace and act correctly in case of an emergency. You will learn about fire origin, fire classes A–F, proper use of fire extinguishers, as well as evacuation and emergency communication—all in accordance with German regulations.

Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Training (Brandschutz)

Overview: Why Fire Safety Matters in Germany

Imagine this: It's a normal working day — and suddenly a shelf catches fire. What's your first move? Do you know which extinguisher to use? Do you know the escape route?

 

According to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, more than 200,000 fires occur in the country every year. Many of them happen at the workplace — in offices, warehouses, production facilities, or restaurant kitchens. The damage is often severe: people get injured, buildings are destroyed, and business operations come to a halt. And yet, the majority of these fires could have been prevented — or quickly extinguished — with the right knowledge.

 

This is exactly where the course Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Training (Brandschutz) comes in. It gives you the practical knowledge that can save lives in an emergency. You'll learn how fires start, how to spot hazards early, and how to use a fire extinguisher safely and effectively. The course is firmly grounded in German laws and standards — particularly the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), DGUV regulations, and relevant DIN standards.

 

The course is clearly structured, easy to understand, and fully available online. Whether you're new to the workforce or an experienced professional — this fire safety course fits your schedule and your career goals. On completion, you'll receive a recognised CPD certificate that officially confirms your qualification.

Learning Objectives

After completing the Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Training course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the legal foundations of fire safety in Germany — including ArbStättV and DGUV regulations
  • Identify and assess fire hazards at the workplace confidently and systematically
  • Explain the fire triangle and distinguish between fire classes A through F
  • Use a fire extinguisher correctly, safely, and appropriately for the situation
  • Act immediately and correctly in the event of a fire: Alert – Rescue – Extinguish
  • Conduct a risk assessment in accordance with §5 ArbSchG and TRGS 800
  • Understand, coordinate, and implement evacuation plans and assembly point procedures
  • Recognise and apply technical fire safety equipment such as alarm systems and emergency exits
  • Fulfil your duties as a fire safety officer or employee in a legally compliant manner

Course Curriculum

5 Sections 20 Lectures 5 Hours
  • Workplace Ordinance and DGUV Requirements
  • DIN Standards, Technical Rules
  • Insurance, Liability, and Legal Duties
  • Integrating Law, Standards, and Daily Practice
  • Fire Triangle and Classes of Fire (A–F)
  • Identification of Fire Hazards (Brandgefahren)
  • Fire Load Calculations and Preventive Concepts
  • Risk Assessment per §5 ArbSchG and TRGS 800
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers (DIN EN 3)
  • Building Fire Safety Infrastructure
  • Alarm and Evacuation Systems
  • Emergency Exits, Signage & Lighting
  • Initial Fire Response (Alarmieren, Retten, Löschen)
  • Evacuation Drills and Muster Point Planning
  • Behavior in Case of Smoke and Flame Spread
  • Communication Roles During Emergencies
  • Live Extinguisher Training
  • Scenario-Based Evacuation Role Play
  • Knowledge Test and Certification Process
  • Documentation and Retraining Cycles

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is aimed at anyone who comes into contact with fire safety topics in the German workplace — whether you're just starting out or already working in the field.

Fire Safety Officers

Fulfil duties safely and in compliance with the law

Safety Officers

Deepen fire safety knowledge and skills

Managers & Team Leaders

Take responsibility for team and workplace safety

Warehouse & Logistics Staff

Stay safe in fire-risk environments

Office & Admin Employees

Gain essential fire safety knowledge

Apprentices & Career Starters

A safe, confident start in a new workplace

Facility Managers

Manage building safety professionally

Career Changers into Health & Safety

A certified entry point into the field

Requirements

Getting started with this course is simple. No prior knowledge of fire safety is required.

  • No previous experience in fire safety needed — the course starts from the basics
  • Basic understanding of the German language (reading and comprehension)
  • Internet access via a computer, tablet, or smartphone
  • Minimum age: 16 years recommended
  • A willingness to act safely and responsibly in the workplace

Career opportunities

Qualified fire safety professionals are in high demand across Germany. Workplace safety is a legal requirement — and companies are actively looking for trained specialists. Here are typical career paths you can pursue or advance with this course:

Fire Safety Officer (Brandschutzbeauftragter)

Oversees workplace fire safety, trains staff, creates fire safety plans

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

Advises organisations on safety matters including fire prevention and risk assessments

Facility Manager

Responsible for building safety, emergency exits, and technical fire protection

HSE Manager / Emergency Coordinator

Develops emergency plans, trains teams, coordinates evacuation drills

Fire Safety Trainer

Delivers fire safety training to employees across organisations and industries

Safety Representative (Sicherheitsbeauftragter)

Supports the employer across all workplace safety topics including fire briefings

* Salary figures are indicative and may vary depending on sector, company size, and region.

Certification information

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate for success in Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Training (Brandschutz), a recognized certificate in the field of health compliance.

Certificate Image

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is fire safety training legally required in the workplace in Germany? +

Yes, absolutely. Under Section 4 of the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), employers are legally required to instruct their employees on fire safety measures. In addition, DGUV Regulation 1 stipulates that employees must receive regular training in the use of fire extinguishers and correct behaviour in the event of a fire. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences for the employer.

02 How often does fire safety instruction have to take place? +

In Germany, annual fire safety instruction is required as a minimum. For higher-risk workplaces — such as in the chemical, food production, or logistics sectors — more frequent training may be necessary. This online course is ideal for meeting this legal requirement and can be easily documented and filed.

03 What types of fire extinguisher are there, and when should each be used? +

There are several types of fire extinguisher, each suited to different fire classes: water and foam extinguishers for Class A fires (solid materials), CO₂ extinguishers for Class B (flammable liquids) and electrical equipment, powder extinguishers for Classes A, B, and C (gases), and wet chemical extinguishers (Class F) for cooking fats and oils. In this course, you'll learn all fire classes A through F and the appropriate extinguishing agents in a practical context.

04 Who in a company needs to be trained as a fire safety officer? +

Not every company is legally required to appoint a Brandschutzbeauftragter (fire safety officer) — this depends on the size of the business, the industry, and the level of fire risk involved. However, both the DGUV and trade associations strongly recommend it. The fire safety officer serves as the central point of contact for all fire safety matters within the organisation and must hold appropriate qualifications. This course is an excellent first step in that direction.

05 Can I complete this fire safety course entirely online? +

Yes. This course is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace — in the evening, at weekends, or during your lunch break. There are no fixed class times. All you need is an internet connection and a device (PC, tablet, or smartphone).

06 What is the difference between a fire safety officer and a safety representative? +

Both roles focus on workplace safety, but with different areas of responsibility. The fire safety officer (Brandschutzbeauftragter) specialises in fire prevention, extinguisher training, and evacuation planning. The safety representative (Sicherheitsbeauftragter) has a broader remit — supporting the employer across all areas of occupational health and safety, including accident prevention, ergonomics, and risk assessments. Both roles require specific training.

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