Frequently Asked Questions

Training - 5 Steps to Safety

• What is 5 Steps to Safety?

  5 Steps to Safety is a fire safety and evacuation course organised by the Community Transport Association (CTA). It is a membership based scheme that has been designed to enhance community transport standards and promote the safer operation of community transport vehicles.

• Who is 5 Steps to Safety aimed at?

  5 Steps to Safety is applicable to any third sector organisation operating or using vehicles to transport passengers. Member organisations range from small voluntary organisations operating one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets as well as schools, colleges and universities.

• How does 5 Steps to Safety work?

  5 Steps to Safety operates on a “cascade” approach. CTA has appointed a number of training agents, who provide training for 5 Steps to Safety trainers nominated from member organisations.

  5 Steps to Safety trainers can then assess a driver or passenger assistants competence, and provide them with training on how to avoid vehicle fires and what do to in the event of a vehicle fire.

• How long will my 5 Steps to Safety certificate last for?

  5 Steps to Safety trainer’s certificates are linked to either their DAT or PAT certificate. As long as the trainer holds a current DAT or PAT certificate their 5 Steps to Safety certificate will remain current. There is currently no refresher course for drivers or passenger assistants who attend this course.

• How do I become a 5 Steps to Safety Trainer?

  If you are interested in becoming a 5 Steps to Safety trainer you can contact any of the Training Agents on our list; each training agent charges their own price, we would therefore recommend that you contact more than one from the list for the best price and dates to suit your organisation. You can do that here.

• How do I find a 5 Steps to Safety trainer to train my drivers or passenger assistants?

  You can contact any of the 5 Steps to Safety trainers on our list; each trainer charges their own price, we would therefore recommend that you contact more than one from the list for the best price and dates to suit your organisation.

  You can do this here. 

• Do I need to register with 5 Steps for Safety?

  5 Steps to Safety is a membership scheme where every organisation who interacts with the training programme, regardless of which point in the cascade, needs to become registered.

  Registration is free and you only need to fill out a short form online to be issued with a registration number. As part of the registration process the organisation agrees to sign up to the 5 Step to Safety commitment which includes a commitment to things like ensuring all your drivers and passenger assistants receive 5 Steps to Safety training and recognising the certificates from other registered organisations.

  The registration number is unique to your organisation and should be quoted whenever you contact the CTA, on resource order forms and certificates. CTA use the unique registration number to ensure that training records are allocated to the correct organisation. If you are a trainer you must ensure that every organisation you deliver training to has their own registration number.

  You can register here. 

• How much does 5 Steps to Safety training cost?

  Trainers charge their own prices which is why we would always recommend that you contact more than one trainer so that you get the best price for your organisation. Prices can vary depending on the number of staff members you have attending and your location.

• How do I order training resources?

  Training resources can only be ordered by either training agents or 5 Steps to Safety trainers. You can place your order and pay online, this will be received by CTA and the resources will be with you within 28 working days.

  You can order training resources here.

• What do I do if I have lost my certificate?

  If you have lost your certificate you should contact the training agent or 5 Steps to Safety trainer who delivered your training. They will be able to issue you with a replacement certificate; this will have a new certificate number on it but will expire at the same time as the original certificate.

• What do I do if I am not happy with the training I have received?

  If you are concerned about the training which you have received or the trainer who delivered your course, please get in contact with the CTA using this form on our website. Any reports of substandard training will be taken very seriously and investigated fully.