Lesson 7 – Fire Extinguishers, Staff Roles and Re-Entry

7.1 Purpose of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers may help:

• Support escape;
• Control a very small fire in its earliest stage; or
• Protect a route of escape.

The Health and Safety Executive states that the primary purpose of an extinguisher is to aid escape. Only trained people should consider using one in limited circumstances.

7.2 Different types of fire

Different extinguishers are designed for different fire risks. Using the wrong extinguisher may:

• Spread the fire;
• Cause explosion;
• Create electric shock;
• Produce dangerous fumes;
• Injure the user; or
• Block the escape route.

This course does not provide practical extinguisher-use training.

7.3 When employees should not fight a fire

An employee should not attempt to use an extinguisher where:

• They have not been trained;
• The alarm has not been raised;
• The fire is spreading;
• Smoke is accumulating;
• The exit is not behind them;
• The correct extinguisher is uncertain;
• Gas cylinders or hazardous materials are involved;
• A lithium-ion battery is burning;
• The fire is larger than a very small initial fire;
• They would need to move toward the fire to escape; or
• They feel unsafe.

Evacuation is the priority.

7.4 Fire marshals and wardens

Depending on site arrangements, trained fire marshals may:

• Direct evacuation;
• Check designated areas where safe;
• Assist with roll call;
• Check information about visitors;
• Report missing persons;
• Liaise with emergency services;
• Monitor exit routes; and
• Assist with drills.

Employees must not assume fire-marshal duties unless trained and appointed.

7.5 Staff responsibilities during an emergency

Staff should:

• Follow instructions;
• Direct customers to exits;
• Avoid spreading unverified information;
• Keep calm;
• Report relevant hazards;
• Account for visitors;
• Keep emergency access clear;
• Provide information to firefighters; and
• Remain at the assembly point.

7.6 Re-entry restrictions

No employee should re-enter the building:

• To collect belongings;
• To retrieve keys;
• To save equipment;
• To look for a colleague;
• To inspect damage;
• To silence an alarm;
• To reopen the office; or
• Because smoke is no longer visible.

Only the fire and rescue service or another person authorised under the emergency plan may confirm that re-entry is permitted.

7.7 After the all-clear

Even after emergency services have left, the building may require:

• Electrical inspection;
• Structural assessment;
• Alarm reset;
• Fire-door inspection;
• Smoke clearance;
• Security arrangements;
• Hazardous-material assessment; or
• Formal management approval.

Lesson 7 key point

Fire extinguishers are not a substitute for evacuation. Untrained employees should leave the building and remain outside.