How often must staff be trained in fire prevention?

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires an annual theoretical and practical training programme and training of workers and brigade members under it (point 5.8). The standard sets no separate interval for repeating each course; how often each topic runs is defined in the programme itself (point 11.5(c)).

Which topics must every worker receive?

The basics of fire risks and fire concepts according to the risks of their area or job (point 11.1) and, as applicable, theoretical and practical training to handle extinguishers or fixed systems, act under the emergency plan, prevent risks where flammable or explosive materials are present, take part in the mutual aid plan, identify and fight an incipient fire and lead visitors to a safe place (point 11.2).

Who needs brigade training?

Fire brigades are mandatory in workplaces classified as high fire risk (point 5.6). Their members receive the additional training in point 11.3, and the brigade leader and deputy also receive decision-making training (point 11.4).

What must the annual training programme contain?

At least the jobs involved, the topics under points 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3, the duration of the courses, talks or activities and when they run, and the name of the person responsible for the programme (point 11.5).

How is compliance shown in an inspection?

Through documents such as training programmes, certificates, skills records, awards or diplomas, videos and photographs, or through interviews with selected workers and two brigade members (point 13.2). The employer complies when the programme is under way and progress covers what was scheduled up to the date of the visit (point 13.2). Records are kept for three years (point 13.6).

MX · Expiry & renewal tracking

Never let fire training fall off the annual programme

Every employer in Mexico must keep an annual theoretical and practical fire-prevention training programme for workers and brigade members (NOM-002-STPS-2010, points 5.8 and 11). Records are kept for three years (point 13.6) and the STPS enforces the standard (point 14.1).

NOM-002-STPS-2010, Safety conditions - Fire prevention and protection in workplaces (DOF 09/12/2010), applies throughout Mexico and in every workplace (point 2). Among the employer's duties is to draw up an annual theoretical and practical training programme on fire prevention and emergency response under Chapter 11, and to train workers and fire brigade members on the basis of that programme (point 5.8).

All workers must be trained to prevent fires according to the fire risks of their areas or jobs, covering the basics of fire risks and fire concepts (point 11.1), and must receive theoretical and practical training, as applicable, to handle extinguishers or fixed systems, act under the fire emergency plan, prevent risks where flammable or explosive materials are handled, take part in the mutual aid plan, identify and fight an incipient fire and lead visitors to a safe place (point 11.2).

In high fire risk workplaces the employer must have fire brigades (point 5.6). Their members also receive training in applying the emergency instructions, on the topics listed in point 11.3, and the brigade leader and deputy receive training in decision-making according to the size and class of fire (point 11.4).

The annual training programme must contain at least the jobs involved, the topics under points 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3, the duration of the courses and when they will run, and the name of the person responsible for the programme (point 11.5). Workers must take part in the training and drills the employer provides (point 6.3).

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At a glance

Who it applies to	Every workplace (NOM-002-STPS-2010, point 2)
Document that expires	Annual theoretical and practical training programme on fire prevention and emergency response (points 5.8 and 11.5)
Frequency	Annual programme; the standard sets no other interval for repeating each course (point 5.8)
Workers	Basics of fire risks and fire concepts, plus theoretical and practical training as applicable (points 11.1 and 11.2)
Brigade members (high risk)	Additional training on the emergency plan, extinguishing, rescue, first aid and flammable materials (point 11.3)
Brigade leader and deputy	Decision-making training according to the size and class of fire (point 11.4)
Accepted evidence	Programmes, certificates, skills records, diplomas, videos and photographs, or interviews (point 13.2, criterion for 5.8 and 11)
Record keeping	Three years, on paper or electronically (point 13.6)

In the conformity assessment, training is deemed compliant when the employer presents the programme and it is being carried out, provided progress covers what was scheduled up to the date of the inspection or assessment (point 13.2). Extinguisher training may be done dry, without discharging the agent, or cold when live-fire practice is not feasible (point 13.2).

Who is responsible?

The employer draws up the annual programme and trains workers and brigade members (point 5.8), has fire brigades in high risk workplaces (point 5.6) and sets the number of brigade members taking into account, among other things, drill results (point 9.1). Brigade members are chosen among workers who are willing and physically and mentally fit (point 9.2). Workers take part in the training and assist in emergency response as trained (points 6.3 and 6.4). Optionally, the employer may hire an accredited and approved verification unit; its report is valid for three years (points 12.1 and 12.5).

If the deadline passes

Enforcement of NOM-002-STPS-2010 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS) within its remit (point 14.1). In the conformity assessment, compliance with points 5.8 and 11 is shown either through documents or through interviews with selected workers and two brigade members, at the employer's choice (point 13.2). Employers must comply with the official standards on occupational safety and health (Federal Labour Law, Article 132, section XVII), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).

What expires is the programme, not an individual certificate

NOM-002-STPS-2010 sets no validity period for each worker's certificate: it requires an annual training programme and training delivered under it (points 5.8 and 11.5). Record the approval date of the current programme plus twelve months as the expiry, and check that course progress matches the schedule. Fire drills (point 5.7) and extinguisher maintenance are covered in their own guides; it is best to record them separately.

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add a record for each workplace and enter the date of the current annual training programme plus twelve months as the expiry; if you prefer, open further records per brigade or group of jobs.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the expiry date and on the day, giving time to schedule the theoretical and practical courses and the brigade members' additional training.
The instructor or training provider can upload the programme, attendance lists and certificates through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as the programme owner required by point 11.5; if the date passes without a new programme, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often must staff be trained in fire prevention?: NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires an annual theoretical and practical training programme and training of workers and brigade members under it (point 5.8). The standard sets no separate interval for repeating each course; how often each topic runs is defined in the programme itself (point 11.5(c)).
Which topics must every worker receive?: The basics of fire risks and fire concepts according to the risks of their area or job (point 11.1) and, as applicable, theoretical and practical training to handle extinguishers or fixed systems, act under the emergency plan, prevent risks where flammable or explosive materials are present, take part in the mutual aid plan, identify and fight an incipient fire and lead visitors to a safe place (point 11.2).
Who needs brigade training?: Fire brigades are mandatory in workplaces classified as high fire risk (point 5.6). Their members receive the additional training in point 11.3, and the brigade leader and deputy also receive decision-making training (point 11.4).
What must the annual training programme contain?: At least the jobs involved, the topics under points 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3, the duration of the courses, talks or activities and when they run, and the name of the person responsible for the programme (point 11.5).
How is compliance shown in an inspection?: Through documents such as training programmes, certificates, skills records, awards or diplomas, videos and photographs, or through interviews with selected workers and two brigade members (point 13.2). The employer complies when the programme is under way and progress covers what was scheduled up to the date of the visit (point 13.2). Records are kept for three years (point 13.6).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for annual fire prevention and brigade training (Mexico)

A ready template for annual fire prevention and brigade training (Mexico) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each annual fire prevention and brigade training (Mexico) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each annual fire prevention and brigade training (Mexico) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.