A Practical Guide To Fire Extinguisher Training

In this article, you will understand what our Fire Extinguisher Training course involves, as well as when and how you need to book a Fire Extinguisher course for your staff and/or residents.

You will also learn what different kinds of Fire Extinguishers there are, their uses and how to use them.

Within this, there will be a comprehensive view of what the course A&E provide will look like for our customers; including how long they take and what your location options are for the course itself.

In the Fire Safety Order (2005), it states that “You MUST provide information, instruction and training to employees about the fire precautions and exits”

Between 2012 and 2013, Fire & Rescue services attended 154,000 fires in England which resulted in 3,830 injuries. In the instance that correct fire prevention training was given, this number would likely have been halved or more!

Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers And Their Uses

Within the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 created by British Standards, there are officially 6 types of Fire Extinguisher:

	Water extinguishers are for use on wood, paper and textiles (carbon material fires).
	Foam extinguishers are for use on wood, paper, and textiles, as well as flammable liquids.
	Powder extinguishers are multi-risk. They work on carbon fires, flammable liquids, gaseous fires and electrical fires.
	Purple Powders were recently introduced and do all the same as the Blue Powder, however, they also work on mental fires.
	CO2 extinguishers are effective against electrical fires, and are essential for all electrical equipment.
	Wet Chemical is a highly specialised extinguisher that provides cover for fires involving fats and cooking oils. It also works on wood, paper and textile fires.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

There tends to be only one way to use a Fire Extinguisher, as they are all very similar in design.

Step 1: Pull small zip-tie/ tag off the Pin located at the top of the extinguisher next to the handle.

Step 2: Then proceed to pull the small round metal pin out.

Step 3: Release the discharge hose and nozzle from its bracket and point it at the flame.

Step 4: If your extinguisher has a plastic horn, check it is double-layered, then you can hold it by this section (if it is not double-thick or there is no horn, you will likely get freeze burn) in these instances, we suggest to hold the hose itself.

Step 5: Press and squeeze together the carry handle and valve assembly and discharge the contents to put out the fire.

How To Refill A Fire Extinguisher

To refill a Fire Extinguisher, you need to understand the mechanism. Although we can offer the best information we can here, we recommend that you book a professional to Install, Service and Maintain your Fire Extinguisher equipment.

If you find yourself in a position whereby you need to refill your extinguishers yourself, follow the following instructions:

Step 1: Make sure your extinguisher is empty and depressurised by letting off the rest of the contents in a safe, unenclosed space. Do this until the gauge reads ZERO. (If you are using a Dry Chemical extinguisher, use a discharge bag to do this safely)

Step 2: Next, wipe the outside of the extinguisher with a solvent-free cleaning agent. Use a clean cloth and warm water to remove dirt, dust and grease and then dry it off. (DON’T use solvent products, as this can rub off and damage the plastic face and pressure gauge).

Step 3: If there is any damage, replace or have the whole thing repaired by an expert. You will need to check for abrasions, rust and welding damage.

Step 4: Make sure everything is still working. Check the ring pin, discharge valve, nozzle shut-off lever etc.

Step 5: Remove the discharge hose and operating valve.

Operating valve = The structure located at the top of the extinguisher that controls the flow of the agent.

Hose = Typically attached to an opening valve opposite the levers that you squeeze to release the agent.

Step 6: Blow into the hose and nozzle assemblies with pressurised air to make sure they aren’t blocked with any debris. (In warmer environments, it’s not unusual for insects and other creepy crawlies to make a home inside the tubing).

Step 7: Finally, you’ll need to remove the valve assembly completely so that you can refill the empty cylinder. Unscrew the operating valve (including the hose post, discharge levers, and pressure gauge) – Take care not to scratch the inner surfaces of the valve as this could cause leakage.

Depending on the model type, you will likely need to:

Pull out the pin and remove the seal.
Use a wrench or other tool to loosen the ring holding the valve assembly in place.
Carefully remove any inner components, such as the Siphon tube.

Practical Fire Extinguisher Training

We have an incredible group of ex-fire service professionals here at A&E Fire and Security. This means that our team are not only highly practised in fire training, but are also full of practical knowledge in regards to the cause and effect of fires too!

Fire Extinguisher training is just ONE of the incredible fire training courses we offer at A&E Fire and Security.

Our fire extinguisher training course, created by team leader, Neil Quemby, has been edited frequently over the past several years. Gathering feedback from customers means we have been able to curate a course that fits all the legal criteria, whilst also ensuring they are fun and engaging.

The course consists of a short PowerPoint presentation, detailing Fire Extinguishers and their uses, as well as other key fire prevention techniques and statistics. As well as this, we have incorporated a practical fire extinguisher demonstration which encourages teams to get involved!

If you would like to learn more about how your business could benefit from Fire Extinguisher Training, we welcome you to Book Now or Contact Us if you have any questions and one of our experts will be glad to assist you.