Fire emergencies can begin in an instant, and staying well-prepared can help save lives and property. The fire extinguisher training teaches how to act safely and quickly in the event of a fire breaking out. From a homemaker to an office worker, individuals with the right training can act quickly and confidently during a fire.
Importance of fire extinguisher training
The fire extinguisher training is crucial because it provides you with the chance to learn how to act safely and immediately during a fire. Trained individuals can stop the fire before it begins to spread, reducing the chances of injury or much worse. It also instils confidence and keeps you calm under pressure.
In places like kitchens, factories or offices, a correct and instant response can mean the difference between a severe loss and minor damage. Furthermore, many safety codes and laws in India require businesses to train their workers for emergencies. Doing so will enable organisations to remain within the legal requirements and safeguard everyone on site.
Benefits of fire extinguisher training
The fire extinguisher safety training has many advantages. Here are some of the main ones:
- Life-saving skills
This training will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to fire-related incidents. Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher correctly helps contain and extinguish a fire, saving lives.
- Lowers property damage
Fire might lead to property damage at home, the workplace, etc. This leads to disruption in day-to-day life and also monetary loss. Individuals who undergo training will be able to respond immediately to stop minor fires before they spread, thereby reducing property loss.
- Compliance with regulations
Many workplaces have legislation in place that mandates several businesses to provide fire safety training to workers. Conducting this training can assure compliance with these regulations and prevent legal consequences or penalties.
- Promoting safety culture
With the fire safety training, you are not just ticking a box on the safety checklist. You’re also demonstrating your company’s commitment to safety. The training will foster a culture of proactive safety, empowering workers to respond to and prevent emergencies. In return, it will offer a secure workplace.
- Willingness and confidence in using the fire extinguisher
Individuals who receive this training will be a lot more confident. They will also be well-equipped to handle various fire emergencies. When you know how to use a fire extinguisher in the right manner, it will help lower panic and lead to instant and proper response, which will provide much better crisis outcomes.
Techniques in fire extinguisher training
The fire safety training covers both practical methods and knowledge. Here is what you will learn:
- Types of extinguishers and fire
Fires fall into different classes, which are Class A (cloth, wood), Class B (liquid), Class C (electric), Class D (metals) and Class K (cooking oils). For the extinguishers, you will find water, wet chemical, foam, carbon dioxide and dry powder. Each of them is meant for a different type of fire.
- The PASS technique
This is the standard technique for using a fire extinguisher. Here, individuals must pull the pin, aim at the fire’s base, then squeeze the handle and sweep side-to-side till the fire is out.
- Hands-on drills
Training can include actual practice on a controlled and simulated field to help build confidence and practical skills.
- Staying safe
Using the extinguisher from a much safer distance (between 1.8m and 2.4m), back away when the fire starts to spread and keep the escape route clear.
- Upkeep and inspection
It’s crucial to check the extinguishers regularly. Things like hoses, pressure gauge, corrosion, seals and the area where extinguishers can be found immediately are taught.
Places where fire extinguisher training is mandatory
The fire safety training is usually compulsory in public buildings, offices, schools, big residential complexes, factories and even workplaces. The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, includes fire extinguisher use and evacuation as the main safety measures.
Even where training is not strictly enforced, many companies still aim to train their workers to lower the dangers, satisfy local fire safety rules and maintain a secure work setting.
Role of fire insurance in case of fire
The fire insurance policy offers monetary support after a fire incident, helping with the rebuilding or repairing. Also, insurance firms usually favour workplaces that invest in fire training and protection because it lowers the risks. In certain cases, trained staff and periodic safety inspections can help reduce premiums or expedite claim settlement.
Furthermore, if you need a much broader coverage that goes beyond fire, opting for a property insurance policy will be an excellent option. It’s because this policy offers protection for the building and its contents from a much broader range of dangers like vandalism, natural disaster, theft and more.
Conclusion
Fire safety training is a straightforward yet powerful way to keep people and places safe. It shows how to act calmly, wisely and immediately during a fire incident. When you blend such training with suitable policies like workmen compensation, property insurance and fire insurance, it will help create an effective safety net. This will also aid in safeguarding not just against fire incidents, but also support anyone who gets hurt at work. Training and the correct cover will provide better security, readiness and confidence.
FAQs
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What is the PASS technique?
The PASS is known as the Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep method. These are the four steps that will let you use a fire extinguisher in the right way.
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How often should fire extinguishers be checked?
They need to be inspected periodically by the staff and serviced yearly by experts.
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Are there different types of extinguishers for different fires?
You will come across wet chemical, dry powder, foam and water mist-based extinguishers and each of them is designed for different fires.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.