Fire extinguishers are a vital line of defence against small, manageable fires, but only if your staff know how and when to use them. In an emergency, hesitation or misuse can lead to serious consequences. That’s why fire extinguisher training isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal obligation for many UK workplaces.
In this post, we’ll explain what fire extinguisher training should include, who needs it, and how to run a safe and effective session to keep your team confident, competent, and compliant.
Why Fire Extinguisher Training Matters
Having extinguishers on site is only part of the picture. Fire safety depends on your staff being able to:
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Identify the right type of extinguisher for the fire
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Use it safely and correctly
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Know when not to attempt to tackle a fire
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Respond quickly without panicking
Training reduces risk, builds confidence, and could save lives in the critical early moments of a fire.
Is Fire Extinguisher Training a Legal Requirement?
Yes, for most businesses and non-domestic premises in the UK.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers must:
“Ensure that their employees are provided with adequate fire safety training, including in the appropriate use of fire-fighting equipment.”
This applies to:
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Offices and shops
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Warehouses and factories
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Care homes and healthcare premises
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Hospitality, education, and public buildings
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HMOs and shared residential blocks (for staff and caretakers)
While not everyone needs hands-on training, at least some employees, especially fire wardens or marshals, should be trained to safely operate extinguishers in real situations.
What Staff Should Learn During Training
Effective fire extinguisher training should cover both theory and practical use. Key topics include:
1. Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
Staff should be able to identify and understand the colour codes and uses of each extinguisher type:
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Water (Red): Class A – solid combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)
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Foam (Cream): Class A & B – solids and flammable liquids
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CO₂ (Black): Class B – electrical and flammable liquid fires
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Dry Powder (Blue): Class A, B, C – most fire types but can reduce visibility
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Wet Chemical (Yellow): Class F – cooking oils and fats (deep fat fryers)
✋ Important: Using the wrong type of extinguisher, especially on electrical or oil fires, can make a fire worse or put the user at risk.
2. The PASS Technique for Operation
A simple acronym to remember how to use a fire extinguisher:
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P – Pull the pin
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A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
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S – Squeeze the handle
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S – Sweep from side to side
Practice helps reinforce this, so it becomes instinctive in an emergency.
3. When to Fight a Fire (and When Not To)
Training should clearly explain:
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Only attempt to use an extinguisher on small, contained fires
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If in doubt, evacuate immediately and alert the fire brigade
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Never try to fight a fire if:
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It’s spreading rapidly
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You’re not sure of the source
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You don’t have the correct extinguisher
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Your escape route could be blocked
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4. Evacuation Responsibilities
All staff should know that life safety comes first. If an extinguisher doesn’t put the fire out quickly, they should:
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Evacuate immediately
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Close doors behind them
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Go to the assembly point
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Report what happened to the fire marshal or emergency services
How to Run a Hands-On Training Session Safely
Practical extinguisher training builds confidence and gives staff the chance to feel the weight, understand how they operate, and learn how they behave when discharged.
Key steps to running a safe session:
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Use a qualified trainer with the correct insurance and demonstration equipment
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Choose a safe, outdoor space away from buildings or flammable materials
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Use training rigs or live fire trays with small, controlled flames
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Supply correct PPE for participants (e.g. gloves, goggles if needed)
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Demonstrate each extinguisher before letting staff try
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Ensure a first aid kit is available and risk assessments are complete
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Limit group size so each participant gets time to ask questions and practise
If live fire training isn’t possible on your premises, dry practice sessions can still be highly valuable when paired with realistic video demonstrations and trainer-led walkthroughs.
How Often Should Training Be Refreshed?
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Every 12–24 months is best practice for refresher sessions
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New staff should be trained during induction
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Training should be refreshed sooner if your building, equipment or extinguisher types change
Final Thoughts
Fire extinguisher training is more than a compliance checkbox, it’s a practical skill that empowers staff to act confidently and decisively in the face of danger. By giving your team the knowledge, hands-on experience, and clear decision-making tools, you help protect both people and property when it matters most.
At Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy, we offer expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures. Contact us today 07585 896648