Does fire-extinguisher training via video / DVD meet fire-safety legislation?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 tells us that we should ensure that ‘the premises are, to the extent that it is appropriate, equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment’.

Once in place there is a requirement to provide ‘adequate training’. It is recommended that staff (who will be able to use the extinguishers) are trained to do so on induction and at regular refresher intervals.

Hands-on practical training is ideal but in the real world proves too costly and logistically difficult to implement every time a new member of staff starts work. Moreover the FSO does not have a specific requirement for hands-on training and a more basic understanding of fire principles, extinguisher selection and use is adequate.

Therefore a more affordable approach involves the use of video learning. This has inspired a raft of training DVD’s however simply watching an informational video doesn’t quite cut it as ‘Training’.

Video learning with a testing element i.e. test questions and a minimum pass mark proves a degree of understanding and competence.

This approach inspired this fire extinguisher training DVD