An evaluation of the role of fire extinguishers

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241. Recognition of the influence of what and how data is collected is not entirely new. In 2003, an industry survey identified that the role of extinguishers was not accurately represented and did not accurately convey their important contribution. It is clear, 18 years later, that not much has changed. Recommendations 7 and 8 242. The fire sector urgently needs to co-operate to develop an integrated and dynamic knowledge management system. 243. A specific focus for the above should be to ensure the customer/public experience and perspective is fully represented. Risk Findings 244. The understanding and application of risk in relation to dwelling/HMO fires is varied, confusing and ambiguous both in the literature and in practice. The research finds that there is a need to better align risk theory, evidence, practice and communication between professionals and with the public. Discussion 245. Throughout the research for this report, references were found to ‘risk’, which was not unexpected. However, it was clear that this was most often used in a generic and unqualified sense. As the fire sector (including services related to fire extinguishers) is ultimately in the risk business, it would be inappropriate to ignore this observation or to consider its impact. 246. Several studies have identified that even in academic papers, the term risk is used interchangeably and without distinction to variously mean the risk of a fire starting, of it developing, causing an injury or leading to a fatality. These are all very different risks. 247. This oversimplification and failure to convey the complex and layered or nuanced nature of risk is then seen in sector publications and practice. As a result, there is little appreciation that those who incur minor injuries are vastly different to those at risk of a fatal outcome, with each group having different needs and capabilities. This is accompanied by a tendency for policies and interventions to overly focus on the worst-case outcome. Hence, we see the general public discouraged from tackling fires despite the evidence of their effectiveness, low risks presented and benefits achieved. 248. Selectivity about what data is of interest distorts the true picture. In the same way that the police recognised the need to capture the full picture and nature of unrecorded crime, the fire sector would benefit from having a single and full view of all dwelling/HMO fires. This would better inform existing interventions and potentially identify new options/community needs. But certainly, the absence of a complete picture means that the level of risk evident from FRS data, whilst relatively low, is still significantly more than the real risk encountered if all dwelling/HMO fires were included. Risk management cannot be effective if the data or knowledge it is based on is incomplete or flawed. The role of bias (individual and 45 organisational) and assumptions must also be understood in terms of their influence on the interpretation and assessment of risk.
249. The role and influence of case studies may also overly inflate perceived risk, despite the fact that they are highlighted because they are atypical. That is not to say they do not provide a valuable learning opportunity, but so do most events which avoid bad outcomes. The chance to learn from success, when fire spread is limited, and injuries avoided should be of equal interest. 250. There is much more that could be discussed in relation to risk. But for the purpose of this report, it is important to note that the guidance and advice (to professionals and the public) regarding the use of fire extinguishers is not informed by a complete and objective evidence base or risk framework. As a result, insufficient distinction is made of the risks in relation to different groups, and, perversely, it may leave many vulnerable to worse experiences and outcomes than could be achieved for them by a more positive and informed approach to the use of extinguishers. Recommendations 9 and 10 251. The fire sector needs greater clarity, consistency and transparency in relation to its approach to risk management. This should include areas such as definitions, use of evidence, risk models and evaluation processes. 252. Legislation, standards, guidance and public advice should be amended to provide evidence-based and objective information in relation to the benefits and risks associated with the use of portable fire extinguishers, which are currently misrepresented. 46 4
Page 4 and 5: Aim and audience This report was pr
Page 6 and 7: Definitions Dwelling fires - fires
Page 8: 10. There is limited literature and
Page 11 and 12: 25. Limiting the fire to the smalle
Page 13: 40. To capture the concept of indir
Page 16 and 17: 52. Between 2001/02 and 2002/03, th
Page 18 and 19: 65. In Wales: • the proportion of
Page 20 and 21: 79. This quantified modelling appro
Page 23 and 24: Human behaviour and motivation in d
Page 25 and 26: 106. It is a dilemma found in many
Page 27 and 28: 120. Surveys from the National Asso
Page 29: 133. A 2003 UK survey found that pr
Page 32 and 33: The role of portable fire extinguis
Page 34 and 35: 159. To help the end user distingui
Page 36 and 37: 174. BS 5306-8 considers that encou
Page 39 and 40: Research and data 184. The point ha
Page 42 and 43: Key findings, discussion, and recom
Page 44 and 45: 212. Response times do not appear t
Page 46 and 47: Extinguishers Findings 227. Standar
Page 50 and 51: REFERENCES British Standards Instit
Page 52 and 53: Harpur, A., Boyce, K. and McConnell
Page 54 and 55: LACORS (2008) Housing - Fire Safety
Page 56 and 57: United Nations Office for Disaster
Page 58 and 59: Acknowledgement The author is grate

An evaluation of the role of fire extinguishers

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