Recent Spate of Fires Underscores German Mandate for Fire Safety Training in Workplaces

There were injuries. Authorities later inspected the facility. Just three days later, in the night of June 12, a tool shed burned in Scheden in the Göttingen district, leaving damage in the five-figure range. That same morning, a scrap pile ignited at a metal recycling operation in Ludwigshafen, requiring 19 professional firefighters to respond.

These incidents — occurring within a single week — highlight why German employers are legally bound to train a minimum portion of their staff as fire safety helpers.

Staying on top of fire safety documentation is just as critical as training your team. The free Fire Safety Toolkit provides UK employers with ready-to-use risk assessments, evacuation plans, and extinguisher checklists to help you meet legal requirements. Download the free Fire Safety Toolkit

The 5% Rule and What It Covers

Germany’s workplace regulations, specifically the Technische Regeln für Arbeitsstätten (ASR A2.2) and the DGUV Information 205-023, require that at least five percent of a company’s workforce be qualified as fire safety assistants. If the fire risk is elevated, that percentage must increase.

Training takes three to four hours. It includes theoretical instruction and a mandatory practical exercise using real fire extinguishers. Experts recommend refreshing those skills every three to five years.

Fire safety helpers are responsible for:

• Tackling fires in their early stages
• Operating fire protection equipment
• Assisting in evacuations

New Technology Creates New Fire Hazards

Classic fire risks are no longer the only concern. At the FireTrutz trade fair, held June 24-25, 2026 in Nuremberg, the testing and certification company DEKRA will present fire protection concepts for industrial facilities that incorporate photovoltaic systems, battery storage, or hydrogen technology.

Meanwhile, research continues on better materials. The Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology (CCPE) is developing halogen-free high-performance insulation under the project name CircularInFoam — aiming for improved fire safety within circular systems.

Upcoming Training Options for the Second Half of 2026

Companies can choose between in-house sessions at their own premises or public seminars in multiple cities.

• August 27, 2026: Beckum
• September 23, 2026: Stuttgart (four hours, 150 euros net)

Additional courses with a practical component are offered in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Hanover. The Bildungsakademie of the University Medical Center Göttingen also regularly runs qualifications aligned with ASR A2.2.

A thorough risk assessment is the first step toward fire prevention. Over 37,000 UK businesses already use the free Risk Assessment Toolkit to document hazards and stay compliant. It includes 41 templates covering fire safety, manual handling, and more. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

Course content covers the legal framework, how fire extinguishers and alarm systems work, and correct behaviour in the event of a fire. Specialised sessions also teach radio communication skills — critical for coordination during an emergency.

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