The fire extinguisher is now a common sight in all businesses, this is because legislation demands its presence in all industries in high enough numbers to cope with a minor fire should one break out. The importance of the fire extinguisher is immense, it can give staff members the tools to fight a blaze, while this is never advisable for major infernos, as a piece equipment that can quell minor fires and make exiting a building much easier it is unparalleled. Using a fire extinguisher is not that simple however, this is why training of staff members should be enforced and paid for by business owners; after all, it is in their own interest to protect their assets and operations.

Part of this training is likely to include an element of fire extinguisher identification. Typically extinguishers contain different materials and as a result should only be used on particular types of fire. As an employer it is vital that staff members be given the right training to recognise the different forms of fire and select the correct extinguisher for the job. These differing varieties have uses depending upon the fire; as a business owner it is legally demanded that a sufficient number of appropriate extinguishers be kept on the premises in strategic locations. In the majority of cases extinguishers are a labelled with a symbol system that utilises shapes and colours, additionally however a lettering system and written information has been applied to extinguishers to clarify their usage; naturally training will ensure that staff members are given the knowledge to select the correct extinguisher for the purpose.

A class distinguishing system is often used to classify fires and naturally each has specific materials that should be used in extinguishing the blaze. These classes are A, B, C and D and refer to what type of material is fuelling the fire.

A Class A extinguisher is normally used on fires fed by regular combustibles. These 'regular' combustibles are anything from paper and cardboard to soft furnishings like carpet and sofas. Understandably many of these are highly prevalent in business settings.

Class B extinguishers are most widely used on liquid fires. The risks posed by liquid fires are uniquely different from others; liquids spread quickly and hence are a great challenge when aflame. Liquids such as oil, petrol and certain chemicals all fall into the Class B bracket.

Class C extinguishers contain materials that are particularly suited to tackling electrical fires. It is essential that these extinguishers are used as using either A or B varieties will in fact worsen a blaze.

The final classification Class D refers to extinguishers that are filled with materials specifically designed to cope with certain chemicals and components. Class Ds are legally required on any business premises that contain dangerous chemicals; additionally they are also installed on tanker trucks and other mobile containers.

It is only thorough effective fire extinguisher training that the differences between this type of equipment can be recognised. In addition, training programmes can help staff members gain knowledge and experience of using fire fighting equipment. Having this sort of practical know-how is supremely important, as in emergency situations nothing is more valuable than being comfortable with the relevant equipment. Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to instilling the importance of fire extinguisher training in the world of business; not only is it a legal obligation but a moral one as well.