Posted By Jane Ling I would be grateful for some advice on what level of fire awareness training with regard to the use of extinguishers we should be providing. At the moment we have been providing a course which includes showing staff the different extinguishers and what they are used for etc. A Manager has approached me to say that she wants all her staff to have had hands on training (actually using an extinguisher). We are a housing association who provide care in small group homes and there are different staff on shift all the time so training just one or two isn't an option. We have 600 staff with a high turnover plus a number of relief staff who are called on to cover holidays/sickness etc. I don't know if this is necessary. Any views welcome. Jane

Posted By Bob Pedley Jane, Fire extinguisher training for everyone is both expensive and unnecessary. The primary issue you have to contend with is the means of escape from your premises and the ability for people to use the means of escape, not fighting the fire. Are you checking that people can raise an alarm effectively? Only a few key people should need training in the use of extinguishers, the remainder can have familiarisation training as part of your safety programme or fire drills. Have a chat with your local Fire Safety Officer.

Posted By Jane Ling Many thanks to everyone who replied including the private messages. As you know fire safety in residential homes is a hot topic and I feel more confident that our current procedures and awareness training are the right way to go. I would like to add how good it is to have a forum like this. For those of us who work on our own in health and safety it is a great help to be able to get so many expert opinions. Jane

Posted By Sam Bunch As a recently retired firefighter, fire safety officer and fire investigator now working in the Fire and Safety business, I would agree with the previous respondents in that while the provision of FFE is mandatory, its use is not. Firefighting equipment should be viewed as an aid to escape and not as an alternative. People should not be encouraged to remain in the building while their colleagues are leaving! Other considerations would be respiratory toxicity, PPE and the hazards associated with firefighting. A simple risk assessment of firefighting demonstrates how hazardous it is and should not be undertaken without training, protective clothing, equipment and procedures. So who should undertake such tasks? I suggest the local Fire Brigade who have been paid for through rates and taxation and are available to attend, without charge, to all emergencies. Staff should familiarise themselves with the fire safety features of their workplace, appreciate why they are there and the importance of their interaction. Protected routes, fire doors, assembly points, evacuation procedures, fire warning systems, individual roles and responsibilities etc should be familiar territory to staff. Fire is a time critical phenomenon and early warnings from automatic detection or personal discovery should be given to maximise the time available for safe evacuation. This time window is reduced when 'local' firefighting is attempted. Local firefighting actions may also delay the alert to the Fire Brigade and often, if the firefighting is considered successful by the occupants, negates the 999 call entirely. This can lead to hidden development of fire which could have breached the natural void spaces within then building fabric. A false sense of confidence can be given through the acquisition of a little knowledge without the skills acquired through practical experience. Instruction on the uses and limitations of firtefighting equipment is beneficial if only to highlight the inherent danger of toxic combustion products, rapid fire development and potential for hidden fire spread. The development of a fire safety consciousness can be achieved through the delivery of focused and relevant training which is not 'clouded' in legislation, but is practical in its application to the local need. I have found that people respond well when the principles of fire safety engineering and installed features are explained in the light of consequences and outcomes as identified within their own workplace. It is a truism that the best time to learn is the day before the incident occurs! The learning process can only be achieved through the delivery and practice of appropriate, accredited and competent training. Adopting a holistic training approach to incorporate people, property and process produces a more effective and durable outcome. In your specific situation where the staff are remotely located, I strongly recommend that their training reflect the nature of their role and not include a change in their job description to add 'Firefighter'.

Posted By Laurie I agree that this training is not necessary, but it is highly desirable. I advise all and sundry that if ever they get the chance of "hands on" fire extinguisher training to grab it. Most people are amazed at how quickly an extinguisher runs out, and people who have never heard the noise a CO2 extinguisher makes are sometimes so surprised that they drop it. Spend as much as you can possibly afford on this training Laurie