Are Your Employees Confident in Using Fire Extinguishers?
When a fire breaks out in the workplace, every second counts. The ability to act quickly, calmly, and correctly can make the difference between a small incident and a catastrophic emergency. Yet, despite this, many employees across the UK are unsure how to operate a fire extinguisher safely.
Ensuring your staff are confident and competent in fire extinguisher use is a crucial part of workplace fire safety — and one that too often goes overlooked. Investing in professional fire extinguisher training doesn’t just help meet legal obligations; it can save lives.
Why Fire Extinguisher Confidence Matters
Even in well-prepared workplaces, fires can start unexpectedly — from electrical faults and overheating equipment to kitchen mishaps or flammable materials. In such moments, hesitation or misuse of an extinguisher can have serious consequences.
When employees understand how to identify the right type of extinguisher, how to operate it safely, and when it’s appropriate to use one, they can take swift, effective action while keeping themselves and others safe.
A confident, trained team can:
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Respond faster in emergencies
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Prevent minor fires from escalating
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Reduce panic and confusion
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Support safe evacuations
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Protect property and reduce downtime
The Legal Responsibilities for Employers
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, UK employers have a legal duty to ensure their staff receive adequate fire safety training. This includes knowing the location of extinguishers, how to use them, and understanding when it is or isn’t safe to attempt to tackle a fire.
Employers are also required to:
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Carry out regular fire risk assessments
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Provide and maintain appropriate fire-fighting equipment
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Conduct routine fire drills and training sessions
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Appoint competent persons to assist with fire safety compliance
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution.
Fire extinguisher training is not just a legal box to tick — it’s an essential part of creating a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace.
The Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
Confidence comes from understanding. Knowing the differences between extinguisher types — and when to use them — is fundamental to effective fire safety training.
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Water (Red Label) – For fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, or textiles (Class A).
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Foam (Cream Label) – Suitable for Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids like petrol).
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CO₂ (Black Label) – Ideal for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
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Dry Powder (Blue Label) – Can be used on most fire types, but not recommended for indoor use due to inhalation risk.
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Wet Chemical (Yellow Label) – Specifically designed for cooking oil and fat fires (Class F).
Untrained staff may not realise that using the wrong extinguisher type can actually make a fire worse — for example, spraying water on an electrical or oil fire. Proper training ensures employees know the correct extinguisher to use and how to apply it safely.
What Happens During Fire Extinguisher Training
At Fireline UK, our fire extinguisher training courses are designed to give staff both the knowledge and hands-on confidence they need to act safely during a fire emergency.
Our professional trainers cover:
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The science of fire – understanding how fires start and spread
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Fire classifications and appropriate extinguisher use
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The PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
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When to fight a fire — and when to evacuate
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How to operate extinguishers safely under pressure
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Live demonstrations and practical exercises
By combining theory with practical experience, participants leave the session feeling confident, capable, and ready to respond calmly in a real situation.
Common Myths About Fire Extinguishers
There are several misconceptions that can lead to mistakes during a fire. Some of the most common include:
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“Any extinguisher can be used on any fire.”
False. Using the wrong extinguisher can spread flames or cause explosions. -
“CO₂ extinguishers cool fires.”
False. They remove oxygen but do not cool materials, so re-ignition is possible. -
“You can test an extinguisher briefly to check it works.”
False. This releases pressure and may render it ineffective.
Proper training corrects these misunderstandings and ensures every employee knows what to do — and what not to do.
Building Confidence Through Regular Refresher Training
Fire safety is not a “one and done” exercise. Staff changes, equipment updates, and building modifications can all affect fire procedures. That’s why refresher training should be scheduled at least once a year, or more frequently in high-risk environments.
Regular sessions keep employees alert, confident, and up to date with the latest safety practices. They also provide an opportunity to test equipment, review evacuation routes, and reinforce best practice across the team.
Why Choose Fireline UK for Fire Safety Training?
At Fireline UK, we’ve been helping businesses across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire stay safe for over 25 years. Our qualified fire safety trainers deliver engaging, informative, and compliant training tailored to your workplace.
We provide:
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On-site fire extinguisher and awareness training
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Certified, competent-person instruction
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Hands-on demonstrations with real extinguishers
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Guidance aligned with current UK fire legislation
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Practical advice for everyday fire prevention
Our goal is simple — to make sure every member of your team feels confident and capable in the face of a fire emergency.
Book Your Fire Extinguisher Training Today
Don’t leave fire safety to chance. Ensuring your staff are confident in using fire extinguishers can make all the difference when it matters most.
Call 0800 096 6761 today to book your fire extinguisher training with the experts at Fireline UK.
Together, we’ll make sure your team — and your business — are ready to respond safely and effectively.