What Is Fire Safety Training? Fire Classes, Extinguishers & PASS

Fire safety training gives workers the knowledge to stop fires before they start and to respond safely if one does. A small fire can grow out of control in minutes. Workers who know the basics can protect themselves, their co-workers and the building.

Good training answers three questions:

• How do fires start? Every fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen. This is called the fire triangle. Take away one side and the fire goes out.
• How do I prevent a fire? Good housekeeping, safe storage and spotting hazards early.
• What do I do if a fire starts? Raise the alarm, decide whether it is safe to fight the fire, and evacuate if it is not.

Fire safety training covers the general knowledge part. Every workplace must also train you on its own fire safety and evacuation plan, such as where the exits, alarms and extinguishers are, and where to meet outside.

Fires are grouped into classes by what is burning. The class tells you which extinguisher will work, and which one could make things worse.

Never use water on a Class B, C or K fire. Water can spread burning liquid or grease, and it conducts electricity.

Every extinguisher has a label that shows which fire classes it is rated for. Common types include:

• Multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC): the most common type in workplaces. Works on Class A, B and C fires.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): for Class B and C fires. Leaves no residue, so it is often found near electrical equipment.
• Water: for Class A fires only.
• Wet chemical: for Class K kitchen fires.
• Dry powder: for Class D metal fires.

To use an extinguisher, remember PASS:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim the nozzle low, at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
4. Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.

Keep your back to a clear exit at all times. Watch the area after the fire is out, because it can start again.

An extinguisher is for small fires only. The most important skill is knowing when not to use one. Only try to fight a fire if:

• The alarm has been raised and people are leaving.
• The fire is small and not spreading.
• You have the right extinguisher and know how to use it.
• You have a clear way out behind you.
• The room is not filling with smoke.

If any of these is not true, leave right away, close doors behind you if you can, and go to your muster point. Your safety comes before the building.

Whether you fight the fire or not, the emergency steps are the same:

1. Raise the alarm. Pull the nearest fire alarm and warn the people around you.
2. Call 911, or make sure someone has, and give the exact location.
3. Evacuate using the nearest safe exit. Use the stairs, not the elevator. If there is smoke, stay low where the air is cleaner.
4. Go to the muster point and stay there so your supervisor or fire warden can count everyone.
5. Do not go back inside until the fire department says it is safe.

Before a fire ever happens, learn your workplace plan: where the alarms, exits, extinguishers and muster point are, and who the fire wardens are.

Most workplace fires can be prevented. Fire risk management means finding hazards and fixing them before something goes wrong. Common hazards include:

• Piles of cardboard, paper and waste near heat sources
• Overloaded outlets, damaged cords and misused power bars
• Flammable liquids stored in open or unlabelled containers
• Grease build-up in kitchens and exhaust hoods
• Hot work such as welding and cutting near combustible materials
• Blocked exits, fire doors propped open, and extinguishers hidden behind stock

Simple habits make a big difference: keep work areas tidy, store flammables properly, report damaged equipment, and keep exits and extinguishers clear.

Every worker should know how to prevent fires and what to do in an emergency. This course is a good fit for people in:

It is also useful for fire wardens, supervisors, property managers and anyone who may need to use a fire extinguisher at work.

Gama Safety’s Fire Safety and Extinguishers course takes about 1 hour and has three modules:

1. Fire Safety and Extinguishers: how fires start, the fire classes, the types of extinguishers and how to use one safely with the PASS method.
2. Fire Risk Management: how to spot fire hazards at work and use housekeeping, storage and prevention steps to stop fires before they start.
3. Emergency Procedures for Responding to a Fire: how to raise the alarm, decide whether to fight or evacuate, and get everyone safely to the muster point.

The online course covers the knowledge part of fire safety. Some employers also run a hands-on extinguisher practice. Ask your employer what they need.

1. Enrol in the online Fire Safety and Extinguishers course and start right away on your phone, tablet or computer.
2. Learn at your own pace. Your progress saves automatically, so you can stop and come back anytime.
3. Pass the final exam with 80% or better. Retakes are unlimited and free.
4. Download your certificate right away. A physical wallet card is mailed to you free.

There is no single national expiry date for fire safety training. It depends on your province and your employer, and many employers ask for a refresher every 1 to 3 years. The course is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and more. Training a team? Volume pricing starts at 2 seats, with a dashboard to track progress.