Hi All, I have just come across a situation that I have never experienced before and would like some advice and feedback. I am to attend a Fire extinguisher maintenance training course in the near future, I received the joining instructions; they were very brief and seemed unprofessional. I was shocked to read that the course provider has inserted a disclaimer on the bottom of the instructions, stating that they would not be providing insurances against accidents, and / or damages to attendees and equipment during the course, and that all attendees are to ensure that their individual employers should provide this insurance?????? They are a reputable fire training organisation, and the course is being hosted in a Holiday inn. Is this legal for course providers to mandate this? Hope somebody can shed some light on this?

They do not appear to be disclaiming liability for injuries caused through their negligence - that would be unethical and would not stand up in court. As bob has indicated though, it does not sound particularly high risk and unless a trainer drops an extinguisher on your hand or discharges one in your face (Co2), you should be okay. Only EL cover is a legal requirement, public liability cover (which would cover course delegates) is not. I would suspect a major firm does have cover in place for injuries / damage caused by their negligence. I expect the disclaimer you have is to prevent frivolous claims for things like lost mobile phones or ripped / stained clothing incurred through non course activities, e.g. lunch time refreshments.