Fire Extinguisher Course

Lesson 1 • Fire Spread Mechanisms

Teaches conduction, convection, and radiation as pathways of heat transfer. Recognizing spread mechanisms helps users position themselves safely.

Lesson 2 • Products of Combustion

Identifies toxic gases, smoke, and heat produced during burning. Awareness of combustion products informs safe approach and evacuation decisions.

Lesson 3 • Stages of Fire Development

Examines incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay phases. Understanding each stage guides correct extinguisher selection and timing.

Lesson 1 • Applying Classification in the Field

Trains rapid visual assessment to classify a fire before acting. Reinforces that misclassification leads to ineffective or hazardous responses.

Lesson 2 • Class A Ordinary Combustibles

Defines fires involving wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. Establishes the baseline class against which all others are compared.

Lesson 3 • Class B Flammable Liquids and Gases

Covers fires fueled by flammable and combustible liquids and gases. Highlights vapor suppression as the key extinguishment principle.

Lesson 4 • Class D and Class K Fires

Introduces combustible metals and cooking-oil fires as specialized classes. Emphasizes why standard agents are ineffective or dangerous on these fires.

Lesson 1 • Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Details CO2 units that displace oxygen and leave no residue. Highlights suitability for electrical and sensitive-equipment environments.

Lesson 2 • Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Examines ABC multipurpose and BC-rated dry chemical units and their powder agents. Connects chemical chain-reaction interruption to rapid knockdown capability.

Lesson 3 • Wet Chemical and Foam Extinguishers

Covers wet chemical units for Class K and AFFF foam for Class B fires. Explains saponification and vapor-sealing as distinct suppression mechanisms.

Lesson 4 • Clean Agent and Dry Powder Extinguishers

Introduces halogenated clean agents and specialized dry powders for Class D. Addresses niche applications where standard agents cause damage or danger.

Lesson 1 • Numerical Rating System Explained

Teaches how numerical prefixes on Class A and B ratings indicate extinguishing capacity. Students calculate coverage area and agent equivalency from label data.

Lesson 2 • Letter and Symbol Classification Marks

Covers geometric symbols and letter codes used to denote fire classes on labels. Reinforces visual recognition speed for emergency conditions.

Lesson 3 • Inspection Tags and Service Records

Explains monthly inspection tags, annual service stamps, and hydrostatic test dates. Connects record-reading to determining whether a unit is safe to deploy.

Lesson 1 • Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep Steps

Breaks down each PASS step with precise body mechanics and timing. Correct execution maximizes agent contact with the fire base.

Lesson 2 • Approach Distance and Body Position

Defines safe approach distances for each agent type and fire class. Proper stance and positioning protect the user from heat and re-flash.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Discharge Safety Assessment

Covers the safety checks required before pulling the pin and discharging. Establishes the habit of assessing escape routes and wind direction first.

Lesson 4 • Recognizing Discharge Completion

Teaches signs that an extinguisher is empty and the fire is or is not out. Students practice post-discharge verification and re-ignition monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Recharging and Replacement Decisions

Guides the decision to recharge versus replace after use or failed inspection. Emphasizes that any discharged unit must be serviced before returning to service.

Lesson 2 • Annual Professional Maintenance

Describes the internal examination, agent verification, and component testing done annually by a certified technician. Distinguishes user inspection from professional service.

Lesson 3 • Monthly Visual Inspection Procedure

Walks through the standardized monthly check covering location, accessibility, and condition. Builds a repeatable habit that catches defects before emergencies arise.

Lesson 4 • Hydrostatic Testing Requirements

Explains pressure vessel testing intervals and the consequences of skipping them. Connects hydrostatic compliance to preventing catastrophic cylinder failure.

Lesson 1 • Signage, Visibility, and Accessibility

Covers required signage, unobstructed sightlines, and accessibility for all users. Proper signage reduces search time during high-stress emergencies.

Lesson 2 • Determining Extinguisher Type and Rating

Applies hazard survey data to select agent type and minimum numerical rating per area. Reinforces the link between hazard class and extinguisher specification.

Lesson 3 • Conducting a Fire Hazard Survey

Teaches systematic room-by-room identification of ignition sources, fuel loads, and occupancy types. Survey results directly drive extinguisher selection and quantity decisions.

Lesson 4 • Documenting and Reviewing the Placement Plan

Guides creation of a floor-plan coverage map and a review schedule. Documentation supports regulatory audits and drives continuous improvement.

Lesson 1 • Training Frequency and Documentation

Defines required training intervals, competency verification, and record retention for extinguisher programs. Proper documentation protects the organization during regulatory inspections.

Lesson 2 • Incident Reporting and Post-Event Review

Covers required incident documentation after any extinguisher deployment or fire event. Post-event review drives corrective actions and prevents recurrence.

Lesson 3 • Applicable Fire Safety Regulations Overview

Surveys the regulatory framework governing portable extinguishers in workplaces without citing specific code identifiers. Establishes the compliance obligations every employer must meet.

Lesson 4 • Conducting a Compliance Audit

Provides a structured audit checklist covering equipment, placement, records, and training. Students practice identifying and correcting deficiencies before an official inspection.