Fire Extinguisher Training: Why Every UK Workplace Needs It

Ray Palmer
6 days ago
3 min read

Fire is one of the most serious risks any organisation can face. In the UK, businesses have a legal duty to assess fire risks, put appropriate measures in place, and ensure employees are prepared to act in an emergency. Yet one of the most overlooked aspects of fire safety is practical fire extinguisher training.

Many employers assume that simply providing fire extinguishers is enough to meet their responsibilities. In reality, without proper training, staff are unlikely to know which extinguisher to use, how to operate it effectively, or when it is safer to evacuate.

The difference between a trained response and an untrained one can be measured not only in property damage but in lives saved.

The Legal Framework

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires UK employers to provide adequate fire safety measures, including ensuring that employees are instructed in the correct use of fire equipment. This goes beyond a box-ticking exercise. Fire extinguishers must not only be available but employees must also be competent in using them.

Fire authorities and insurers are increasingly strict about evidence of training. In the event of a fire, regulators will ask whether staff were trained, records were kept, and refresher training was provided. Failing to deliver this can leave businesses exposed to prosecution, fines, and reputational damage.

Common Misconceptions

One of the most widespread myths is that “anyone can pick up a fire extinguisher and use it.” In reality, each type of extinguisher is designed for specific fire classes. Using the wrong one can make a fire worse or put the user in danger.

Did you know that water extinguishers must never be used on electrical or oil fires?

Or that CO₂ extinguishers are effective on electrical fires but offer no cooling effect, meaning the fire could reignite? Foam extinguishers are versatile but unsuitable for certain flammable metal fires.

Training dispels these misconceptions, giving staff the knowledge to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations.

What Proper Training Covers

A robust fire extinguisher training programme equips employees with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills.

Training typically includes:

· Fire theory – understanding how fires start, spread, and can be controlled.

· Extinguisher identification – recognising different types of extinguishers by colour coding and labelling.

· Safe operation – learning the correct technique, such as the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

· Decision-making – knowing when to attempt to fight a fire and when to prioritise evacuation.

· Practical exercises – where staff use extinguishers on controlled fires under professional supervision.

The aim is not to turn every employee into a firefighter, but to give them the competence and confidence to act appropriately without hesitation.

Why invest in fire extinguisher training?

Investing in fire extinguisher training delivers tangible benefits beyond compliance. A trained workforce is less likely to panic in an emergency, reducing the risk of injury and enabling safe, effective responses. Fires that are tackled quickly can be contained before they escalate, protecting property, operations, and continuity.

The financial case is also strong. Fires can cost businesses millions in damages, insurance claims, and lost revenue. Prevention and preparedness are always less costly than recovery. Regulators and clients increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate high standards of health and safety as part of tenders, contracts, and ESG reporting. Training is a visible and measurable commitment to those standards.

Tailored Training for Different Workplaces

No two workplaces face the same fire risks. A warehouse, an office, and a care home all have very different fire hazards, layouts, and staff profiles. That is why generic, one-size-fits-all training often falls short.

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, our fire extinguisher training is bespoke. We design each session around your specific workplace, your workforce size, and your unique fire risks. We provide both in-person training at your site and practical demonstrations that give staff real confidence in using extinguishers.

We integrate extinguisher training into wider fire safety awareness, covering evacuation procedures, alarm testing, and maintenance responsibilities. This holistic approach ensures that fire safety is understood as part of your overall safety culture, not an isolated exercise.

The Importance of Refreshers

Fire safety knowledge fades over time, particularly if employees have not had to use extinguishers in real life. That is why refresher training is essential. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fire services recommend regular refreshers, typically every 12 months, to ensure staff remain confident and competent.

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we deliver comprehensive, bespoke fire extinguisher training that goes beyond compliance. Our courses are designed to give your employees practical experience, confidence, and the knowledge to act decisively in an emergency.