Fire Extinguishers in Fire Safety Assistant Training: Which Types Are Used?
Fire extinguishers used in fire safety assistant training should provide a realistic understanding of their operation, performance and limitations. The aim is not to discharge as many extinguishers as possible. Specially suitable training extinguishers are used, not the appliances provided for real emergencies at the workplace or units that have already been taken out of service.
The short answer
Fire extinguishers provided at the workplace for real emergencies must not be consumed in exercises. Equipment withdrawn from service for technical reasons is not safe for training either.
Practical extinguishing exercises use extinguishers specifically manufactured or permanently marked as training equipment. Training providers often use refillable water training extinguishers with gas-powered fire simulators. Maintained CO₂ extinguishers can also be included outdoors.
The suitable design also depends on the equipment installed at the organisation. A cartridge-operated extinguisher is activated differently from a stored-pressure extinguisher. The DGUV therefore recommends using designs and operating principles in training that correspond to the equipment available at the workplace.
Water training extinguishers on a fire simulator
Special training extinguishers can be refilled repeatedly and are designed for frequent activation and discharge cycles. Water is often used as the training medium. Compared with dry powder or foam concentrate, this reduces environmental and health impacts and makes the training area easier to clean.
The fire simulator produces a controlled flame pattern. Participants can practise distance, approach, wind direction, applying the extinguishing agent in bursts and retreating safely. The scenario teaches operation and extinguishing tactics, but it does not replace an explanation of how the different extinguishing agents work in the workplace.
When CO₂ extinguishers are used
According to DGUV guidance, CO₂ extinguishers may be used in outdoor extinguishing exercises. Participants experience their short operating time, limited range and the very cold discharge. CO₂ must never be directed at people. The extinguishing agent can emerge from the nozzle at approximately minus 79 degrees Celsius.
Outdoor use is also important because CO₂ can create a life-threatening asphyxiation hazard in small or poorly ventilated rooms. Anyone encountering CO₂ extinguishers at work must understand not only their advantages for sensitive electrical equipment, but also the importance of room size, ventilation and risks to people.
What about powder, foam and wet-chemical extinguishers?
The theoretical part of the course must cover how the extinguishing agents available at the organisation work and where they are suitable. Depending on the hazards, special appliances can be explained in practice or included in the site-specific instruction. Actually discharging every type of extinguishing agent is neither necessary nor sensible.
Dry powder impairs visibility, creates contamination and causes unnecessary exposure. Foam concentrates are not universally suitable for exercises. Cooking-oil or metal-fire risks require professionally planned specialist content. The important point is that participants can select the correct appliance and understand its limitations.
Check the fire class and suitability of the extinguishing agent from the label.
Explain how the workplace extinguishers are activated.
Treat electrical installations, oils and fats, metals and gases as special hazards.
Teach performance limits and criteria for stopping an attempt in practical terms.
Why withdrawn fire extinguishers must not be used
A fire extinguisher is withdrawn for technical reasons when its safe operation can no longer be guaranteed. Repeated pressurisation and discharge during exercises place particular stress on the equipment. The DGUV therefore expressly regards technically obsolete appliances as unsuitable for training.
Training extinguishers must also be inspected and maintained regularly and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The instructor is responsible for their selection, condition and safe use. A planned risk assessment for the extinguishing exercise is also required.
How organisations can recognise good practical training
Professional training explains the equipment before the exercise, secures the training area and gives every person the opportunity to act. Participants receive feedback on posture, distance, wind direction and their own safety. Individual employees can book a scheduled open fire safety assistant course.
After the general course, the learning must be connected to the workplace: Which extinguishers are actually installed on site? How are they activated? Which fire classes do they cover? Where do special restrictions apply? Only this site-specific instruction makes the exercise useful in an emergency. Fire safety assistant training in Munich combines these fundamentals with an individual practical fire-extinguisher exercise.
Suitable, maintained and clearly marked training extinguishers
A controlled training fire and a secured training area
An individual practical exercise for every participant
A link to the design and operation of the workplace equipment
Clear limits: raise the alarm, keep an escape route clear and avoid personal risk
Frequently asked questions
Does the training use real fire extinguishers?
Yes. Participants handle suitable fire-fighting equipment in practice. Safe appliances specifically intended for training are used, not the operational fire extinguishers from the workplace.
Does every participant have to extinguish the fire themselves?
The DGUV requires practical exercises and sufficient practice time for every person. Watching alone does not fully convey the individual handling and reaction of the appliance.
Can an old fire extinguisher be used for the exercise?
No. Fire extinguishers withdrawn for technical reasons are unsuitable for exercises. Training appliances must be intended for this purpose, operational and professionally inspected.
Sources and technical basis
Operate extinguishers, understand their effect and recognise their limits
Practical training with safe training equipment
In practical fire safety assistant training, every participant carries out the extinguishing procedure under expert supervision.
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