Posted By peter gannaway Could people let me know where they stand on allowing staff to discharge extinguishers during training. My experience is that rarely are there enough extinguishers to go around and so most simply watch anyway so why not use a DVD, which is a cost saving as well as overcoming the obvious safety risks of using extinguishers, which include eliminating the temptation of using an out of life/low pressure extinguisher "cos its there". I know safety staff are often opposed to training employees on extinguishers as all should get out if a fire starts, but if it is there, someone, someday may have to use it. Any thoughts?

Posted By Fiona Cowan Hi Peter We have purchased a laser training system which can simulate various types of fire and level of difficulty. Feedback has all been positive and it can be used inside or out. Noise and length of extinguisher life replicate real equivalent. The system can also be used with a multi use rechargable water filled cylinder. I think if use of extinguishers is reasonably foreseeable by wardens in event of fire it is essential they have experience of use of extinguishers in advance. Fiona

Posted By Dave Merchant It's not just the benefit in "feeling what it's like" (which is IMO very important) - but practicals are the bits of the course that make people remember stuff. Fires on TV are boring; we see them every day. A fire 10 feet in front of you is exciting, or scary, or both - but you'll remember it.

Posted By Mike Charleston Peter: In a perfect world, everyone should have the chance to discharge extinguishers during training, if only to experience the effect for themselves. I don't see a conflict in saying this, whilst still supporting the "get out and stay out" philosophy. However, the practical limitations on lighting fires at commercial/industrial premises and setting off fire extinguishers in real life will always be a major consideration, let alone the risks that participants face when doing so. Using a DVD is just about OK as an alternative, yet it fails to provide any touch/feel sensations. The only other way that I have seen and think is good would be to set up a video screen and interactive training system. Basically, the large 2-3 metre screen is used to project a computer simulation of a fire and the fire extinguisher trigger and nozzle are tracked, so that the computer can depict a participant's prowess in "putting out" the "fire". If you or anybody else is interested, I do have a contact in Norway that can provide such a system - email me direct and I'll endeavour to assist. Mike

Posted By A Campbell Not sure if I’m missing a point here… Are the siting of fire extinguishers required in order to assist in escaping from a fire to a place of safety and not as a tool to fight fires? If so then why would we presume it would be of such benefit for fire wardens to operate extinguishers as part of their training, when in fact it would be highly likely that any employee may be required to use it (unless escorted by a warden?)

Posted By Tabs Water67 has it right. In my opinion, this is a MUST because until you have used one, it is a "black art" and everyone I have ever known use one gets something new from the experience. Peter - if you think people are not going to get a go, get more extinguishers there. Most trainers have access to old ones that they just recharge for the next session. Nothing on a DVD can prepare you for the heat, the smell, the smoke and the sheer fright of a fire in the workplace. I know. The diference is like seeing a rollercoaster on the TV and sitting on one for real.