Online fire extinguisher technicians refresher course available

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has introduced an online version of its Fire Extinguisher Technicians Refresher course, complementing its existing in-person classroom option.

As reported by the FPA, this move aligns with the Part 3 legal requirements of BS 5306, which mandates that refresher training be conducted every three years.

This course is intended to help professionals maintain their competence after completing the FPA’s Portable Fire Extinguisher Recharging Maintenance course.

Benefits of the new online course

The new online offering aims to ensure that professionals can access this essential training regardless of their location.

The online course is designed to offer the same technical level and quality as the in-person course, featuring a tutor-led virtual classroom with breakout room work, video streaming, and real-time messaging.

Russell Pratt, Senior Fire Safety Trainer at the FPA, stated: “The FPA recognises the importance of accessible learning.

“Changing the delivery method of this course enables technicians nationwide to adhere to the requirement of refresher training with BS5306-3 without having the level of technical delivery compromised.”

Target audience and learning outcomes

The course is targeted at various professionals, including fire extinguisher maintenance practitioners, fire door inspectors, fire safety consultants, fire safety technicians, apprentice fire alarm engineers, sellers and estimators, designers, premises managers, maintenance staff, and facility managers.

Learning outcomes of the course include:

• Awareness and understanding of the British standards
• Awareness of new requirements
• Knowledge of current and forthcoming industry issues, such as the environmental impact of extinguishants and obligations for their responsible disposal
• Awareness of new extinguishers to offer best practice advice and informed cost-effective choices
• Knowledge of provision and siting for different extinguishers, considering travel distances
• Understanding of maintenance intervals and current service principles, including condition checks, weight tolerances, and disposal processes

Member benefits

The one-day refresher course is available to FPA members with a 10% discount.