Why FIRE AR Integrates Perfectly with the FEST Method

Training teams in fire safety can no longer be limited to a fire tray in a parking lot, nor to a simple theoretical demonstration. Today, companies are looking for solutions capable of reproducing a fire outbreak directly in their premises, to durably anchor the right reflexes. This is precisely what FIRE AR enables, the augmented reality solution developed by IRWINO.

This article follows our comprehensive guide: On-the-Job Training: What is AFEST? If you are new to the method, we recommend starting with that article to better understand the pedagogical foundations of AFEST.

In this new article, we will see why FIRE AR integrates perfectly with the FEST method and how it enables companies to be both compliant with the French Labor Code and more effective in their fire safety training.

FIRE AR, On-the-Job Fire Safety Training (FEST) and French Labor Code Compliance

FIRE AR enables training directly in the real work environment, by reproducing a fire outbreak within the company's own premises. This approach fully aligns with the FEST/AFEST logic, whose principle is to learn by doing, at your own workstation with a trainer.

At the same time, the solution also meets the requirements of the French Labor Code, notably article R4227-39, which mandates regular fire drills, the handling of first response equipment and the execution of practical maneuvers.

This dual compliance with the AFEST methodology and regulatory obligations makes FIRE AR a unique solution for fire safety training.

Reminder: What is FEST/AFEST Training?

The FEST method (Formation en situation de travail - On-the-Job Training), also called AFEST (Action de Formation en situation de Travail - On-the-Job Training Action), is based on a simple principle: learning by doing, directly in your real professional environment.

The 3 Pillars of On-the-Job Training (FEST)

Work activity analysis: The trainer precisely identifies the tasks and risks of the workstation in order to select truly formative situations.
Real-world situational exercise: The learner performs an authentic action, in their usual environment, with a clear pedagogical objective.
Reflective phase: After the action, an analysis session is conducted outside of production with a trainer or tutor. This moment is essential for understanding what happened, analyzing gaps between expectations and outcomes, and consolidating learning.

The trainer helps the learner analyze their decisions and actions, in order to transform the experience into competence. This approach is at the heart of the FEST method.

To learn more, read our dedicated article -> On-the-Job Training: What is AFEST?

How FIRE AR Applies the Principles of the FEST Method

Now that the three pillars have been outlined, it is possible to understand how FIRE AR applies each of them.

Activity Analysis: Observing and Understanding Fire-Related Risks

The training begins with the observation of the actual workstation by the trainer, who directly analyzes the trainee's workplace, professional environment, equipment and workstation habits. They then identify the specific risks related to the activity. Based on this analysis, they create a custom training scenario perfectly adapted to the realities of the workstation.

Real-World Situational Exercise: Putting the Trainee into Action at Their Workstation

The trainee puts on the VR headset and carries out the entire fire response process from their workstation:

identification of the fire outbreak,
activation of the alarm,
alerting or calling emergency services,
choosing and using the correct extinguishing method if possible,
evacuation along actual routes,
assembly point.

The simulation faithfully reproduces the entire process but without danger, which places our augmented reality fire simulator in perfect alignment with the FEST approach.

Reflective Phase: Debrief with the Trainer

After each scenario, the trainer conducts an immediate debrief focusing on the trainee's reactions, choices, stress management and quality of actions. This targeted feedback enables rapid learning improvement and reinforced memorization of the right reflexes.

FIRE AR and Simultaneous Compliance with Articles R4227-39 and D6313-3-2 of the French Labor Code

Excerpt from Article R4227-39:

"...workers learn to recognize the characteristics of the general alarm signal, to locate and use secure waiting areas or equivalent spaces, and to use first response equipment..."

FIRE AR enables the execution of all actions required by Article R4227-39 of the French Labor Code: recognizing the alarm signal, using first response equipment and executing the necessary maneuvers through augmented reality (AR).

Full Article R4227-39 of the French Labor Code here.

Excerpt from Article D6313-3-2:

"...on-the-job situations designed to use the lessons drawn from the work situation for pedagogical purposes, which allow observation and analysis of gaps between expectations..."

FIRE AR enables the application of all these requirements: workstation analysis, trainer guidance, real-world situational exercise, guided reflective phase and skills assessment. The solution thus enables the implementation of genuine on-the-job training, compliant with the AFEST framework.

Full Article D6313-3-2 of the French Labor Code here.

Why FIRE AR Perfectly Satisfies Both Obligations

FIRE AR meets all the criteria:

Real on-site situational exercise, thanks to AR.
Handling of Virtualized(R) emergency equipment.
Complete fire drills: alarm, alert, extinction, evacuation.
Monitoring and repetition of exercises.
Reflective analysis with the trainer.
Structured skills assessment.

Our AR fire simulator is today one of the only immersive solutions that enables simultaneous application of:

the fire drill obligations set forth in Article R4227-39,
and the AFEST/FEST method defined by Article D6313-3-2.

This dual alignment ensures realistic, effective and fully compliant fire safety training, meeting both fire safety regulations and the AFEST pedagogical approach.

FIRE AR for Real On-the-Job Fire Safety Training

FIRE AR transposes these principles to fire prevention, using augmented reality to simulate a fire outbreak directly in the learner's workplace. The learner is thus immersed in a situational exercise that faithfully reproduces the conditions of a real fire outbreak, while maintaining a completely safe environment.

This realistic situational exercise triggers the same reflexes as in a real situation, which naturally places our fire simulator in a logic 100% aligned with the AFEST method, where learning is primarily through action in a professional setting.

Immersion in the Real Professional Environment

Unlike a fire tray or a fire truck, FIRE AR enables supervision of the entire pedagogical pathway as it projects in AR:

flames,
smoke,
interactive objects,
alarms and sound effects,
signage,

directly in the employee's professional space (workshop, office, open space, warehouse, factory...).

The employee sees the fire where it could actually break out, on a machine, in an electrical cabinet, on a desk, at the base of a waste bin, and reacts according to the situation.

Handling of Virtualized(R) Emergency Equipment

With the Virtualized(R) Extinguishers (Water, CO2, Powder) and the Virtualized(R) fire hose reel, the learner performs the same actions as in a real situation but without real fire, without pollution and without consumables.

2 Benefits of FIRE AR When Used with the FEST Method

1. Superior Memory Retention:

The brain retains better what is directly experienced in the field, especially when emotion and action are involved. An immersive scene captures more attention and reinforces memorization of the right reflexes.

2. Contextualized Learning:

The strength of this method lies in contextualized learning. The employee does not need to imagine or transpose a situation. They learn directly in an environment they already know, which improves the transferability of acquired skills.

By adopting the FEST method with our FIRE AR augmented reality fire simulator, you achieve a pedagogical impact far superior to traditional methods such as fire trays or fire trucks.

Conclusion: FIRE AR, the Ideal Solution for Modern and Compliant AFEST Fire Training

By applying the AFEST method, FIRE AR enables the durable anchoring of the right reflexes, reinforced understanding of risks and guaranteed full compliance with the French Labor Code.

Thanks to augmented reality, learners experience a complete fire scenario, realistic and safe, while benefiting from the right to make mistakes that is essential for effective progression.

Our AR fire simulator thus establishes itself as the most modern, most pedagogical and most reliable solution for on-the-job fire safety training.

Learn more about FIRE AR -> FIRE AR Page, Augmented Reality Fire Simulator Also see our glossary on immersive learning

Learn more about irwino training modules

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including a kitchen, offices and a meeting room, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including workshops, offices and a storage area, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

In a hospital environment comprising 8 rooms, a break room, a kitchenette and safe zones, respond to fire outbreaks, manage the fire safety system report and evacuate patients.

Evacuation of a victim from a room on fire

The victim is choking

Care of a symptomatic person

The victim faints

The victim has been burned

Assault of a victim with an open wound

The victim is having an epileptic seizure

The victim is in cardiac arrest

The victim has a heavily bleeding chest wound

The victim goes into cardiac arrest while carrying a heavy load

The victim is a child in cardiac arrest