Most of us walk past fire extinguishers every day without really noticing them. They sit on the wall, bright red, and we assume they’ll “just be there” if we ever need them.
The problem is this: when a real fire starts, that is not the time to be reading the label for the first time.
At Cataldo Training Ltd, we see fire extinguishers as tools – and like any tool, you need to know which one to pick up and how to use it safely. That’s why we place so much emphasis on practical, hands-on Fire Extinguisher Training, not just a quick chat at the fire drill.
A note from Simon
I’m Simon, a former firefighter and now Trainer at Cataldo Training Ltd, and this is why I believe every member of staff should have the chance to actually use an extinguisher in a safe, controlled setting.
Not All Extinguishers Are the Same
A lot of people think “a fire is a fire”. In reality, what’s burning makes all the difference.
Very simply:
- Water – for solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles
- Foam – for flammable liquids such as petrol or some paints
- CO₂ – often used around electrical equipment and some liquid fires
- Dry Powder – can deal with a range of fires, including gas
- Wet Chemical – for cooking oils and fats
Use the wrong type and you can easily make the situation worse. For example, spraying water onto a chip pan fire can cause a dangerous fireball.
On our courses we break this down in plain English. No jargon, no over-complication – just a clear link between CLASSES OF FIRE and the correct extinguisher to match the fuel that’s burning.
Why “Having a Go” Makes Such a Difference
You can put a poster up next to the extinguisher. You can send round a link to a video. It’s better than nothing – but it won’t prepare someone for that moment when the alarm is sounding and smoke is starting to build.
When adrenaline kicks in, we fall back on what we’ve already done, not what we once saw on a slide.
Hands-on training allows people to:
- Feel the weight of the extinguisher
- Work out how to hold it comfortably and safely
- See how quickly the contents discharge
- Learn how far away to stand and where to aim
- Practise a safe approach and retreat
On our live fire simulator rig, delegates get to put out a controlled fire under close supervision. Once they’ve done it once, you can almost see the shoulders drop – the mystery has gone, and they know they can use one if they ever need to.
Knowing When Not to Use an Extinguisher
Another key point we always stress is that not every fire should be tackled.
Sometimes the safest and smartest option is:
- RAISE THE ALARM
- EVACUATE
- CALL 999
In training we talk through simple decision-making:
- How big is the fire?
- Is there a clear escape route behind you?
- Do you know what’s burning?
- Are you on your own?
Fire Extinguisher Training isn’t about turning staff into firefighters. It’s about helping them make sensible decisions quickly and giving them permission to walk away when that’s the right thing to do.
Your Legal Duties – in Plain English
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers must make sure staff receive suitable fire safety instruction. That includes understanding what extinguishers you have on site and how they should be used.
Fire Wardens or Fire Marshals will usually receive more detailed training, but they may not be the person standing next to the photocopier, the fryer, or the pallet stack when a fire starts. Anyone in the building could be the first to see it.
By offering practical extinguisher training, you:
- Support your fire risk assessment
- Show that you’re taking reasonable steps to protect staff and visitors
- Back up your written fire procedures with genuine competence on the ground
It’s not just about “staying legal”. It’s about making sure those red cylinders on the wall are more than just decoration.
Reducing Panic, Building Calm
One of the biggest dangers in any emergency is panic. Even a small fire can cause people to freeze or rush about if they don’t know what to do.
Staff who have had proper Fire Extinguisher Training are more likely to:
- Stay calmer because the equipment is familiar
- Follow your fire plan rather than guessing
- Support colleagues who are anxious or unsure
- Communicate clearly with Fire Wardens and managers
We keep our courses relaxed and inclusive. There’s no “catching people out” – just clear explanation, demonstration and plenty of time to practise and ask questions.