Fire Extinguisher Awareness Course
Learn to identify, select and use fire extinguishers safely and effectively — the UK fire classes, the five extinguisher types and the PASS technique.
- Level
- All employees
- Format
- Online
- Duration
- 30–45 minutes
- Modules
- 8 core modules
- Assessment
- Multiple-choice exam
- Pass mark
- Free unlimited retakes
- Certificate
- Digital PDF (instant)
- Accreditation
- RoSPA · CPD
What is the Fire Extinguisher Awareness Course?
The Fire Extinguisher Awareness Course is a comprehensive online training programme designed to teach learners how to identify, select and use fire extinguishers safely and effectively. Suitable for all employees and workplaces, it provides a clear understanding of fire classifications in the UK, the components of fire, and when and how to tackle a fire safely.
It is ideal for anyone wanting to gain confidence in fire prevention and control, and covers the practical aspects of fire response — including assessing risks before using an extinguisher and knowing when evacuation is the safest option.
Studied entirely online and at your own pace on any device, you'll receive an instant digital certificate the moment you pass. This course is digital-certificate only — there is no printed copy.
What you'll learn
By the end of this fire extinguisher training you'll be able to:
- Explain how fires start and spread using the fire triangle
- Identify the UK fire classes — A, B, C, D, electrical and F
- Recognise the five main extinguisher types and how each works
- Match the correct extinguisher to each class of fire
- Read extinguisher colour codes and labelling at a glance
- Carry out simple safety checks before tackling a fire
- Operate an extinguisher correctly using the PASS technique
- Judge when it is safe to fight a fire and when to evacuate
Use the right extinguisher, the right way
Learn the UK fire classes, the five extinguisher types and the PASS technique for using them safely — plus the most important skill of all: knowing when to tackle a fire and when to evacuate.
Short and hands-on, this course takes just 30–45 minutes on any device.
Course content
Eight core modules, each focusing on a key area of extinguisher awareness. Every module ends with a short review, and you can revisit any topic as often as you need. Tap a module to see what's covered.
1Introduction to Fire Safety and ExtinguishersWhy extinguisher awareness matters at work.
What's covered
- Why fire safety and extinguisher awareness matter to every employee
- The role of portable extinguishers as a first line of defence
- Your employer's duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- An overview of what the rest of the course covers
2The Fire Triangle — How Fires Start and SpreadThe science behind every fire.
What's covered
- The fire triangle — fuel, oxygen and heat
- How removing any one element extinguishes a fire
- How extinguishers work by starving, cooling or smothering a fire
- How fire spreads by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning
3Fire Classifications in the UKKnowing what is actually burning.
What's covered
- The UK fire classes — A, B, C, D and F
- How electrical fires are treated separately from the lettered classes
- Typical fuels and examples for each class of fire
- Why identifying the fire class determines the safe response
4Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their UsesThe five main extinguisher types explained.
What's covered
- The five extinguisher types — water, foam, CO₂, dry powder and wet chemical
- How each extinguishing agent works and what it is designed for
- The UK colour-code bands and labelling system
- The fire classes each extinguisher type is suited to
5Choosing the Correct ExtinguisherThe right extinguisher on the right fire.
What's covered
- Matching the correct extinguisher to each class of fire
- The serious dangers of using the wrong extinguisher — for example water on electrical or cooking-oil fires
- Where different extinguisher types are sited around a building
- Reading the extinguisher label to confirm it is suitable
6Safety Checks Before Using an ExtinguisherAssessing the risk before you act.
What's covered
- Raising the alarm and ensuring others are evacuating first
- Checking the extinguisher is the correct type and within its service date
- Keeping a clear escape route behind you at all times
- Judging the size of the fire and never putting yourself at risk
7The PASS Technique — How to Operate a Fire ExtinguisherOperating an extinguisher correctly.
What's covered
- The PASS technique — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
- Aiming at the base of the fire rather than the flames
- Maintaining a safe distance and a steady sweeping motion
- What to do once the fire is out, and watching for re-ignition
8Knowing When to EvacuateWhen walking away is the safest option.
What's covered
- When NOT to fight a fire — size, spread, smoke and toxic fumes
- Why personal safety always comes before property
- Following evacuation procedures and reaching the assembly point
- Reporting to the fire and rescue service on their arrival
Assessment & certificate
To earn your Fire Extinguisher Awareness certificate, you'll complete a multiple-choice final assessment. If you're not successful first time you can retake it for free, as many times as you need.
The moment you pass, you can download your digital certificate instantly. This course is digital-certificate only — there is no printed copy. Your certificate is RoSPA assured and CPD certified, carries a unique ID number and can be presented to employers, insurers and enforcement authorities as evidence of training. There's no expiry date, but we recommend refreshing your training every three years.
Who is this course for?
This course is for any employee who may need to identify, select or use a fire extinguisher in the workplace, including:
- Warehouse and factory workers
- School and childcare staff
- Healthcare and care home employees
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Office and retail employees
- Anyone wanting to improve their extinguisher awareness
It's designed for all industries — offices, schools, construction sites, warehouses, retail, healthcare and hospitality.
Need general fire safety awareness for all staff? The Fire Safety Awareness Course is the better fit. If you have designated fire safety duties, see the Fire Warden / Fire Marshal Course.
Training your team
Buy, assign and manage fire safety training across your whole team — all from one place.
Buy in bulk and save
Discounts apply automatically at checkout and scale with your order. Mix and match different courses across your team — the discount applies to your whole basket.
Assign licences your way
Buy the licences you need now and assign them to staff whenever it suits — add team members by email and they'll get their own login.
Track progress in real time
A simple manager dashboard shows who has started, who's in progress and who has passed — so you can follow up before an inspection.
Certificates and audit records
Download every team member's certificate from one account and export a training record for inspections or internal audits.
Flexible payment
Pay by card for instant access, or get in touch about invoicing and purchase orders on orders of 20 or more.
UK-based support
Our team is on hand to help with enrolments, dashboards and invoicing. Call 0800 852 7729.
Bigger orders = bigger discounts
The more licences you buy, the more you save — and discounts apply across your whole order, including mixed courses.
Discounts are applied automatically at checkout based on your total quantity.
Why train with us
Fire Extinguisher Awareness course FAQs
Do I need any prior qualifications? +
No previous training is required. The course is suitable for any employee who may need to identify, select or use a fire extinguisher in the workplace.
How long does it take? +
Most learners complete it in around 30–45 minutes. It's fully self-paced, so you can work through it in one sitting or over several and pick up where you left off.
What happens if I fail the assessment? +
You can retake the multiple-choice assessment free of charge, as many times as you need, until you pass.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. A digital certificate is issued instantly when you pass. This course is digital-certificate only — there is no printed copy. It carries a unique ID and has no expiry, though a refresh every 3 years is recommended.
Do I get a printed certificate? +
This course provides a digital certificate only — you can download it instantly the moment you pass. For a posted printed certificate, see our Fire Warden / Fire Marshal or Fire Safety Awareness courses.
Is it recognised by employers and authorities? +
Yes. The certification is RoSPA approved and CPD accredited, and is widely recognised across the UK by employers, insurers and local authorities.
Can I buy this course for my team? +
Absolutely. Buy multiple licences and you'll get a management dashboard to enrol staff, track progress and download certificates. Bulk discounts apply automatically from 10 seats.
What's the difference between the Single User and Admin Dashboard? +
If you buy one course you get a Single User Dashboard to complete your own training. If you buy multiple courses you get an Admin Dashboard to assign courses to staff, track progress and download certificates. Dashboard upgrades are free.
Do the course credits expire? +
No — your course credits never expire until they're used. Buy now and assign them to staff whenever you're ready.
Which devices can I use? +
Any device with a modern browser — desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The final multiple-choice assessment must be taken on a laptop or PC.
Start the Fire Extinguisher Awareness Course today
Instant access, learn at your own pace, and download your RoSPA-accredited digital certificate the moment you pass.