Who is responsible for using a fire extinguisher in the workplace?

With latest data revealing there were 7,000 fires reported in the workplace in just one year in the UK, the threat of fire to business premises should always be taken seriously.

So how do employers reduce the risk to their staff and buildings? The answer lies with professional, thorough, practical fire safety training.

Simply installing fire extinguishers is not enough. In the wrong hands, emergencies can be made worse with portable fire extinguishers, with quick escalation and increasing danger.

Understanding how, when and who should handle firefighting equipment is crucial.

Who can use a fire extinguisher at work?

Employers must appoint a person or team to be given proper training to operate fire extinguishers in the event of a fire on business premises.

Under UK law set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) a ‘responsible person’ who is ‘competent’ and can use such equipment.

But what guidance is given about the level of fire training a ‘responsible person’ receives?

What does the law say?

While the RRO states that the person who can use an extinguisher should have “sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to implement” safe firefighting duties, it does not go into further detail about how robust that training should be.

It is clear, however, that appointing someone who understands how to use a fire extinguisher properly in a workplace is not just recommended, it’s a legal requirement.

Employers will find themselves at risk of being fined or going to prison if they do not follow correct fire safety regulations.

What should safety training cover before using a fire extinguisher? 

Pilots receive hours of simulated and instructed flights before taking to the skies alone, so would you like to be flown in an aeroplane by one who had only ever read a book?

At CE Safety we believe in live, in-person training.

Fire extinguishers are practical, hands-on firefighting apparatus, and real-life practice with them is the only way to become competent and confident in using one in an emergency.

Remember, in unskilled hands, fire extinguishers can be a hazard and make a dangerous situation far worse.

Fire extinguisher training at CE Safety covers:

• Different classes of fire
• Types of fire extinguishers
• When it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher
• How to use a fire extinguisher: Practical demonstrations and practice
• Reacting in an emergency
• The importance of workforce awareness and training

Can anyone use a fire extinguisher at work?

Under UK legislation, anyone without adequate training should not use a fire extinguisher in the workplace.

Failure to comply with this ruling can lead to catastrophic and dangerous consequences, as well as breaking the law.

Understanding when not to use a fire extinguisher is just as important as the training involved to use one, which is why we advocate annual company-wide fire training and awareness of procedures, policies and safety measures.

Gary Ellis, CE Safety’s training specialist, said: “A lot of fire and rescue services would tell you not to tackle a fire because you’re not a firefighter, but they may also say in some situations it’s necessary to use a fire extinguisher if you’re competent and confident.

“It can be a grey area. Not only should employers be aware of the training required for their designated persons, they should also be taking steps to ensure other staff members are prevented from acting dangerously by tackling a fire, even when their intentions are good.

“Ultimately, in-person, practical training that covers everything you need to know will be the safest option, minimise risk and give everyone in your business a clear plan of action.”

It’s worth noting that using a fire extinguisher outside of the workplace in other types of premises is not governed by the same rulings in the RRO.

Our Fire Warden Training includes practical use and understanding  of fire extinguishers in the workplace.