Extinguisher service training

[slyfox]

Hi

I'm looking to price up the viability of on site extinguisher servicing (3 schools) and wondered if anyone could recommend a local training provider to offer me the skills to become competent (Shrewsbury).

I've looked at as much information as I can find on refilling extinguishers and the equipment costs don't throw the idea straight out of the window, but would appreciate any advice if available, pro's con's.

Looking into becoming a trainer in the safe use of fire extinguishers (practical) along with a graduate qualified in Health and Safety.

Found one local company ( won't give full details as would be potent advertising )

any advice, tips of any legislation issues?

I know the word competent is going to play a big part in this, but what makes somebody competent at teaching me to be competent.

Thanks, and wishing you all a very merry Christmas

[Safelincs]

Hi, I would recommend that you take part in training through the British Fire Consortium. The courses take 3 to 4 days and you will be a qualified fire extinguisher servicing engineer at the end of it.

Alternatively, you can consider service free extinguishers, which do not require annual servicing or refill after 5 years. The installing company will offer site survey as well as training, so that you are fully covered.

Harry

[Guest Dan]

Hi, With regards to the 3 day Extinguisher Technician course, Can anyone advise what the 2 hour written examination involves or what the format is? Multiple choice etc? Many thanks in advance.

[AnthonyB]

Bear in mind most provider's basic servicing training no longer covers refilling or Extended Services so unless you were going to replace with new when an extinguisher reaches 5 years (10 for CO2) or needs refilling (which a lot of commercial servicing firms do now as it's more cost effective) and if you wanted to refill the extra training, and recharging equipment & consumables, would make it nonviable just for three sites.

Moving to P50 extinguishers as part of a risk reanalysis (to reduce numbers overall plus the fact that one P50 can replace up to three extinguishers of two different types at a single fire point) may be more viable - the only tools you need after the free training on installation would be a permanent marker (each extinguisher comes with the verification equipment required built in)

[Guest Dave]

Hello, I can see that the definition of a competent person when it comes to servicing fire extinguishers is some one who has  "on the job” experience – the trainee will be under the supervision of a competent person whilst working.

Can anyone advise what job role you can have where you are in the positionin of being under supervision of someone experienced? All the jobs I have seen ask for people with experience already. How do you get on the job experience?

Thanks

[AnthonyB]

Good question, in the good old days there were apprentices and trainees, I think that a lot of people are thrown straight in at the deep end these days post qualification

[Guest Dave]

Thanks for the quick response. As long as it is acceptable to be thrown in at the deep end after passing the course then great. This means I can hopefully move forward with my career once I have completed the 3 day course. Thanks again.

[AnthonyB]

Does your syllabus include recharging? Many new technicians can't do extended services or refilling because it isn't taught anymore unlike in the good old days of 4 or 5 day training.

[Guest Dave]

Unfortunately it doesn't. I'm hoping I can do this as further training in the near future once I've had a bit of experience going out and carrying out the basic annual service etc. 

[AnthonyB]

You may find it cheaper & easier (like most new to the trade) just using new from a box, the cost of the kit and the environmental rules associated with testing and filling are prohibitive in many cases - plus there is no follow on training course because the whole point of the technicians course is to teach you all aspects, it used to!