Portable fire extinguishers can stop a small fire before it spreads. They work fast and keep people safe, but only if workers know how to use them correctly.
This 90-minute online course teaches the basics in plain language. It introduces major OSHA rules and helps employers provide the training required to comply with federal law. Lessons cover clear steps for using an extinguisher, teach simple fire safety tips and provide a foundation for a larger fire prevention plan
It's the perfect first step to building a safer workplace and preventing uncontrolled ignitions.
About Fire Extinguisher Training
Satisfies Training Standards for:
Designed for:
Workers in Facilities Where Employers Provide Portable Fire Extinguishers
Format:
100% Online Training
Provides:
Digital Certificate of Completion
Who Needs This Course?
OSHA training standards require employers to teach workers how to use a fire extinguisher wherever such devices are provided for employee use. You may be required to take an annual refresher if you work in a:
- Factory
- Warehouse
- Retail store
- Health care facility
- School
- Data center
- Commercial kitchen
- Office building
- And more
Some exemptions to the training requirement are listed in OSHA standard 1910.157. For example, training is not required if extinguishers are provided but aren't intended for employee use.
Learning Objectives
This course provides essential information about fire extinguisher use, safety tips and maintenance. By the time you complete this course, you will be able to:
- Explain various ways fires typically start and the extinguishing methods that are effective for each element.
- List the five classes of fires and understand how to extinguish each.
- State the different types of portable extinguishers, how to use them and the dangers of inappropriate use.
- Describe the appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire.
Course Outline
This online course includes four OSHA-aligned lesson modules. In less than two hours, you will learn the major elements of fires and the most common ways in which they start. You will also learn how to safely and effectively wield a variety of portable fire extinguishers to put out unexpected ignitions and prevent large blazes.
Module 1: Elements and Causes of Fire
Topics covered in Module 1 include:
- The Elements of Fire: Fuel, Heat and Oxygen
- Chemical Chain Reaction: Making the Fire Tetrahedron
- Fire Causes
Module 2: Classes of Fires and How to Extinguish Each
Topics covered in Module 2 include:
- Class A: Ordinary Combustibles
- Class B: Flammable Liquids
- Class C: Electrical
- Class D: Metal
- Class K: Combustible Cooking Media
Module 3: Understanding Fire Extinguishers
Topics covered in Module 3 include:
- Fire Extinguisher Ratings and Their Importance
- How Fire Extinguishers Are Rated
- Fire Extinguisher Markings
- Range of Fire Extinguishers
- Parts of a Fire Extinguisher
Module 4: Responding to a Fire
Topics covered in Module 4 include:
- What to Do When a Fire Occurs
- Recue, Alarm, Contain and Extinguish (R.A.C.E.)
- The Importance of Inspecting an Extinguisher Before Use
- Using a Fire Extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep (P.A.S.S.)
- What Happens Next?
Testing Requirements
Each of the four lesson modules ends with a 10-question multiple-choice quiz. You must pass each one before moving on to the next lesson.
At the end of the course, you must also pass a 20-question final exam. After successfully completing the test, you will be able to immediately download and print your digital Certificate of Completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is practical training on the use of fire extinguishers required by law?
Yes. This training is required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1) and 1910.157(g)(2) for employees on any worksite where employers have provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use.
This training is not required if workers are neither expected nor allowed to use the devices installed on site.
How often do I need to complete this training?
Federal law requires employers to provide training in the use of fire extinguishers upon starting employment. This education must be made available again on an annual basis.
You may purchase and repeat this course each year to satisfy the annual refresher requirement.
How long does this course take to complete?
You can complete this Fire Extinguisher Training online in approximately 90 minutes. You will complete four lesson modules full of high-quality instruction, full-color images, interactive activities and audio narration before passing a brief final exam.
Do I need additional training?
While fire extinguisher use is a crucial workplace fire prevention skill, it isn't the only way employers can protect their teams from deadly conflagrations. This training is just one part of a robust Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
Explore additional online fire prevention options and visit our general protection courses in our full catalog for a broader safety education. You can also build your fire safety skills with these courses:
Do I still need training if extinguishers are already installed on site?
Just having a fire extinguisher available isn't enough. Without prior education on the general principles behind firefighting equipment, most people can't identify which extinguisher is appropriate for which type of fire. Some might even freeze up in a real emergency situation without clear training in the proper procedures.
Even paperwork is crucial to protecting your workplace. Keeping accurate records provides important legal protections. OSHA requires thorough documentation, including records of the dates, attendees and topics covered during all training sessions. Simple logs can save a compliance headache later.
Can I use this course to train my team?
Yes. This is the perfect solution for teams of all sizes. This is a scalable, online-only, mobile-friendly education designed for workers of any skill or experience level.
This simple, fast and reliable compliance training teaches OSHA-aligned principles that meet mandatory federal training standards. Avoid the scheduling, paperwork and cost headaches that come with in-person classes.
With just a few clicks, you can purchase, assign and track training for as many employees as you need. We even offer bulk purchase discounts to make your training program even more cost-effective!