Fire Extinguisher Training Course

Yes, fire extinguisher training can be completed online, providing learners with knowledge of fire classes, different types of fire extinguishers, selecting appropriate firefighting equipment and the safety considerations involved when attempting to tackle a fire.

Online training can help employees understand how fire extinguishers and fire blankets are used, including when it may be unsafe or inappropriate to attempt to fight a fire.

However, the training provided should be appropriate to the workplace and the risks identified by the fire risk assessment. Where employees are expected to use firefighting equipment as part of their workplace responsibilities, employers should consider whether additional instruction or practical training is necessary.

Fire extinguisher training should be refreshed periodically to help ensure that employees maintain the knowledge needed to respond appropriately in the event of a fire. While there is no single refresher interval that will be suitable for every workplace, fire safety training is commonly refreshed annually.

Additional training may also be appropriate when there are changes to workplace fire risks, firefighting equipment, emergency procedures or an employee's responsibilities.

Employers should use their fire risk assessment and workplace arrangements to determine how frequently training needs to be refreshed, particularly for employees who may be expected to use firefighting equipment.

The person responsible for fire safety in the workplace must ensure that suitable firefighting arrangements are in place, but this does not necessarily mean they will personally use a fire extinguisher.

Where necessary, employees or other competent people should be nominated and suitably trained to use firefighting equipment. Employees should also be made aware of who is expected to use fire extinguishers as part of the workplace's fire safety arrangements.

People who have not received appropriate training should not be expected to attempt to extinguish a fire. Anyone expected to use a fire extinguisher should understand how to select and use the equipment correctly, as well as when it is safer to evacuate rather than attempt to tackle a fire.

Employees who have not received appropriate training should not be expected to attempt to extinguish a fire. However, employees should be familiar with the location and basic operating procedures of the firefighting equipment provided in their workplace.

Where employees are expected to use fire extinguishers as part of the workplace's fire safety arrangements, they should receive suitable training so they understand how to select and use the equipment appropriately.

Employees should never put themselves or others at unnecessary risk when attempting to tackle a fire. If there is any doubt about whether a fire can be tackled safely, they should raise the alarm, evacuate and follow the workplace's emergency procedures.