Fire extinguishers are essential tools for preventing and controlling small fires in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. However, using a fire extinguisher incorrectly or without proper training can be dangerous and ineffective. That’s why fire extinguisher training and certification programs are important for anyone who wants to learn how to use fire extinguishers safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Benefits of fire extinguisher training and certification | – Enhance your fire safety knowledge and skills – Reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and liability – Meet the requirements of OSHA, NFPA, and other authorities – Boost your career prospects and credibility |
| Requirements for fire extinguisher training and certification | – Vary depending on the program, organization, and level of certification – Typically include eligibility criteria, training courses, exams, fees, and renewal processes |
| Options for fire extinguisher training and certification | – Online courses, live virtual training, webinars, or onsite programs – Certification programs from NFPA, FEMA, or other organizations – Associate, professional, or expert level certifications |
Benefits of Fire Extinguisher Training and Certification
Fire extinguisher training and certification programs can provide you with many benefits, such as:
- Enhancing your fire safety knowledge and skills. You will learn about the types, classes, and ratings of fire extinguishers; the fire tetrahedron and the principles of fire extinguishment; the PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) technique; and the best practices for inspecting, maintaining, and testing fire extinguishers.
- Reducing the risk of injury, property damage, and liability. You will be able to identify when and how to use a fire extinguisher safely and effectively; when to evacuate and call for help; how to avoid common mistakes and hazards; and how to comply with the relevant codes and standards.
- Meeting the requirements of OSHA, NFPA, and other authorities. You will be able to demonstrate that you have met the minimum training requirements for fire extinguisher use as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other local, state, or federal authorities.
- Boosting your career prospects and credibility. You will be able to showcase your competency and professionalism in your field by earning a recognized credential from a reputable organization. You will also be able to access more opportunities for advancement, recognition, or specialization.
Requirements for Fire Extinguisher Training and Certification
The requirements for fire extinguisher training and certification vary depending on the program, organization, and level of certification you choose. However, some common elements include:
- Eligibility criteria. You may need to meet certain prerequisites before you can enroll in a training or certification program. For example, you may need to have a high school diploma or equivalent; a certain amount of work experience or education in fire safety or related fields; or a membership or affiliation with a specific organization.
- Training courses. You may need to complete one or more courses that cover the theory and practice of fire extinguisher use. The courses may be delivered online, live virtual training, webinars, or onsite programs. The courses may also include quizzes, assignments, or practical exercises to assess your learning outcomes.
- Exams. You may need to pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in fire extinguisher use. The exams may be written or oral; multiple choice or short answer; online or proctored; open book or closed book. The exams may also have different passing scores or time limits.
- Fees. You may need to pay one or more fees to enroll in a training or certification program. The fees may cover the cost of registration, materials, exams, certificates, or renewals. The fees may vary depending on the program, organization, level of certification, or discounts available.
- Renewal processes. You may need to renew your training or certification periodically to maintain your credential. The renewal processes may involve completing continuing education units, taking refresher courses, passing recertification exams, paying renewal fees, or submitting renewal applications. The renewal processes may vary depending on the program, organization, level of certification, or expiration date.
Options for Fire Extinguisher Training and Certification
There are many options for fire extinguisher training and certification available from different organizations and for different levels of expertise. Some examples include:
- NFPA Certification Programs. The NFPA offers several certification programs based on the codes and standards developed and published by the NFPA². The NFPA certification programs are available at three levels: associate, professional, and expert. Some of the relevant programs for fire extinguisher use are:
- Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I): This program validates your ability to meet the NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, requirements and other related code and standard provisions. This program is accredited by the ProBoard.
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS): This program verifies your proficiency in applying the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem components to protect people and property from fire and related hazards. This program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Certified Hazard Recognition Specialist (CHRS): This program provides recognition of your understanding of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, fire and life safety concepts and best practices.
- FEMA Training and Education. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers various training and education opportunities for emergency managers, first responders, and other professionals involved in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Some of the relevant courses for fire extinguisher use are:
- IS-5.A: An Introduction to Hazardous Materials: This course introduces you to the basic concepts of hazardous materials, including identification, classification, labeling, packaging, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. This course also covers the use of fire extinguishers for Class B and Class C fires involving flammable liquids or gases and energized electrical equipment.
- IS-10.A: Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness: This course provides you with information on how to protect yourself and your animals from fire and other hazards during disasters. This course also covers the use of fire extinguishers for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, or plastic.
- IS-907: Active Shooter: What You Can Do: This course provides you with guidance on how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from an active shooter incident. This course also covers the use of fire extinguishers as improvised weapons or distractions against an active shooter.
- Other Organizations. There are also other organizations that offer fire extinguisher training and certification programs, such as:
- OSHA cademy: This organization provides online occupational safety and health training courses that are recognized by OSHA¹ and other authorities. One of the courses is 711 Fire Extinguisher Safety, which covers the basics of fire extinguisher use, inspection, maintenance, and testing.
- American Red Cross: This organization provides online or in-person courses that teach you how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. One of the courses is Fire Safety Training for Employees, which covers the causes of workplace fires, fire prevention measures, fire evacuation procedures, and fire extinguisher use.
- National Safety Council: This organization provides online or onsite courses that help you improve your safety skills and knowledge. One of the courses is Fire Extinguisher Training, which covers the types of fires, types of fire extinguishers, how to select the right fire extinguisher, how to use a fire extinguisher safely and effectively, and how to inspect a fire extinguisher.
Conclusion
Fire extinguisher training and certification programs are valuable for anyone who wants to learn how to use fire extinguishers safely and effectively. By taking these programs, you can enhance your fire safety knowledge and skills; reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and liability; meet the requirements of OSHA, NFPA, and other authorities; and boost your career prospects and credibility. There are many options for fire extinguisher training and certification available from different organizations and for different levels of expertise. You can choose the one that best suits your needs and goals.
