An evaluation of the role of fire extinguishers

174. BS 5306-8 considers that encountering a fire could cause distress which may impair the decisionmaking
of even someone who has had appropriate training. Whilst studies refute the idea of panic,
it is not unreasonable to acknowledge that stress could impair normal abilities to some extent. But
this statement by BS 5306-8 suggests a lack of confidence in prior training as the solution. A view
reinforced in the same document when it discusses training and cautions that this does not
provide sufficient experience for encountering a real fire. Most people will rarely encounter an
uncontrolled fire and this, along with the different experience it creates to simulated or contained
fires created for training purposes, mean that their response to the two may differ. It is likely that
these considerations are more relevant to the few fires which are larger than expected or are
developing rapidly. However, as the data has revealed, these are few and seem to be decreasing in
number and proportion. Here, again, any discussion should recognise the most likely fires people
will encounter rather than a default to the rare and worst-case scenario.
175. Compared to many items routinely used in everyday life, extinguishers are relatively simple and
easy to operate. Most fire safety publications seem to recognise this to be the case, with British
Standard 5306-8 adding the caveat that, they should be installed and maintained appropriately. In
fact, there are many examples of items with comparable or greater technical complexity which
pose serious risks, e.g. power tools for which training could be beneficial but is not mandatory.
176. The method of safely tackling a fire is also something which can be covered in training. This can
provide an opportunity to use an extinguisher in controlled conditions allowing users to see how
different extinguishers discharge. Whilst a jet of water coming from an extinguisher will not
surprise most people, the use of dry powder or carbon dioxide may, because of the sounds and
sight as it is operated. Familiarisation with this is clearly useful, but no data was found which
suggests that it represents a significant risk or that training would reduce it.
177. Training also provides an opportunity to demonstrate how a fire responds to different
extinguishing media. Evidence identifies that the public are tackling dwelling/HMO fires regularly,
successfully and at low risk using improvised means. Hence, the act of tackling a fire does not seem
to pose any training need.
178. Studies relating to the need for, or impact of training are scarce. However, between 2010 and
2012, Eastern Kentucky University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute conducted a joint study on
the effectiveness of ordinary people using portable fire extinguishers, and the impact of a minimal
amount of training, involving 276 participants. The study concluded that ‘the ordinary person is
able to use a fire extinguisher without hurting themselves or others’, and that ‘participants are
able to use a fire extinguisher with great effectiveness.’ (2012: 3)
179. It further found,
‘Almost three-quarters (74%) used proper technique of aiming at the base of the fire and
used a back and forth motion until the fire was extinguished. On average, users discharged
the extinguishers in 13.4 seconds. After just a few minutes of training, 100% of the
participants pulled the pin, squeezed the trigger, and discharged the extinguisher, with 96%
aiming at the base of the fire and sweeping back and forth.’ (undated factsheet)
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