Hi, We have been advised by two different fire services that we should not train fire marhalls to use extinguishers, in their opinion we should get out of the building and leave it to them. On a recent insurance inspection they are requesting all fire Marshalls are trained to use extinguishers. I can see the argument for both, but wanted to get a view on what other out there do please? Thanks

Thanks Frank We have a couple of sites in UK so diffrent fire servces

Bill, Although the FSO does refer to training, it is still down to organisations to determine the level and type of training which in turn will fall out of your fire risk assessments. Our advice to staff re fighting fires is to raise the alarm - start to evacuate - only consider fighting fires if your only route out of the building is blocked by a fire. This is in line with the type and location of our extinguishers which are primarily along fire routes and adjacent to fire exits. We cover this requirement by informing staff on the safe use of extinguishers during general fire safety training, but we do not do any practical or "hands on" training with extinguishers. The exception to this is in our higher risk areas such as garage workshops, where staff will receive "hands on" training in the use of appropriate extinguishers. Another consideration is cost of hands on training, refresher training, and accounting for additional training requirements arising from staff turnover, recruitment etc. You do not specify your workplace, work activities, who is at risk etc, but it may be that your insurers could be convinced that your management arrangements are sufficient. FHS

We train only to use defensively as a means of escape

Hi Guys, not had much chance to post anything lately. In the last job I had as a Business Systems Advisor for an important office based organisation of about three hundred people in a seven story building I recomended no one be trained in the correct use of a fire extinguisher but to emphasis the correct way of evacuating the premises and leave any fire to the pros the fire service. I had training many years ago on how to use a extinguisher including water, foam and co2 and still fuklly understand how to use them but would rather escape than use one. The advice I was given is unless it is needed to establish an escape route simply evacuate all people from the premises as building can be repalced but lives are very precious and you only get one of those.

Fire extinguishers are there to enable escape and need to be used and whatever people are told about evacuating the building, people will use them anyway - so get them trained.

And in my experience of actual live fires people do grab the extinguisher and have a go.