Fire Extinguisher Training Course

Fire Extinguisher Training – Online Course

Course overview
This online Fire Extinguisher Training course introduces the principles of fire prevention, fire classification and the safe use of fire extinguishers. Learners explore how fires start and develop, the different types of extinguishers, equipment maintenance and positioning, and the PASS technique for operating an extinguisher. The course also explains when it may be appropriate to tackle a small fire and when evacuation is the safest response.

Please note: This course provides introductory knowledge of fire extinguisher use and workplace fire safety. Online learning does not replace practical extinguisher training, workplace-specific emergency procedures or any additional training required for an employee’s role. Learners should only attempt to tackle a fire when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

What the course covers
• The fire triangle and the role of fuel, oxygen and heat
• Different types and classes of fire
• Types of fire extinguishers and their intended uses
• Fire extinguisher components
• Purchasing, commissioning and installing extinguishers
• Correct positioning and accessibility of extinguishers
• Fire extinguisher maintenance
• Safety considerations before using an extinguisher
• Operating an extinguisher using the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep
• Fire prevention, emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for employees and managers across healthcare, social care, education, hospitality, retail, offices, industrial workplaces and commercial settings. It may be particularly useful for:
• Care workers, support workers and residential care staff
• Nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Office staff, receptionists and retail workers
• Warehouse operatives, cleaners and facilities teams
• Hospitality workers and supervisors
• Fire wardens, fire marshals and workplace managers
• Employers arranging fire safety induction or refresher training

No previous experience is required.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of common fire hazards and prevention measures
• Understand the differences between fire classes and extinguishers
• Learn how to identify an extinguisher appropriate for a particular fire
• Recognise when using an extinguisher may be unsafe
• Improve understanding of alarms, escape routes and evacuation procedures
• Support workplace fire safety arrangements and employee preparedness

What learners will be able to do
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
• Explain how fires start and develop
• Recognise common workplace fire hazards
• Describe key fire prevention measures
• Identify different fire classes and extinguisher types
• Explain the main components and maintenance considerations of fire extinguishers
• Describe the PASS technique for operating an extinguisher
• Understand the importance of emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements
• Recognise the limitations of fire-fighting equipment and when evacuation is the safer option

Is this training a legal requirement?
Fire extinguisher training is not specifically required by law for every employee in the UK. However, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers must provide appropriate fire safety information, instruction and training. The training required depends on the workplace, its fire risks and employees’ responsibilities. Fire extinguisher training may form part of an organisation’s fire safety arrangements where relevant to employees’ roles.

Assessment and certificate
The course is completed online and includes a multiple-choice assessment. A CPD-accredited certificate is available upon successful completion. The course takes approximately one hour and can be accessed online from a phone, tablet or computer.