1. How much does fire fighting training cost?
Our fire fighting course costs R5,500 per person for 2 weeks of training. The programme introduces learners to fire prevention, fire extinguisher operation, firefighting equipment, emergency procedures and workplace fire safety.

2. What is fire fighting training?
Fire fighting training teaches individuals how to identify fire hazards, prevent fires and respond appropriately when a fire occurs. It develops an understanding of how fires start, how they spread and which methods and equipment are suitable for controlling different types of fires.

Training covers important areas such as:

• Fire prevention and hazard identification.

• Understanding the fire triangle.

• Different classes of fire.

• Selecting and using fire extinguishers.

• Fire blankets and other firefighting equipment.

• Emergency response procedures.

• Evacuation and assembly-point procedures.

• Workplace fire safety responsibilities.

3. What are the different classes of fire?
Fires are classified according to the materials involved. Understanding these classifications helps individuals identify the appropriate extinguishing method and avoid using unsuitable equipment.

The main fire classes include:

• Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, fabric and certain plastics.

• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, paint and solvents.

• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as LPG, propane and butane.

• Class D: Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium and aluminium powder.

• Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, commonly found in commercial kitchens.

• Electrical fires: Fires involving energised electrical equipment. These require suitable extinguishing agents and safe isolation of the electrical supply where possible.

Knowing the fire classification helps determine which firefighting equipment should be used.

4. What does a fire fighting course cover?
The course introduces learners to the knowledge and procedures required to prevent fires and respond to workplace fire emergencies.

Key learning areas include:

• Fire behaviour and the fire triangle.

• Causes of workplace fires.

• Fire prevention and hazard identification.

• Classes of fire and suitable extinguishing agents.

• Types of fire extinguishers and their applications.

• Fire blankets and firefighting equipment.

• Correct fire extinguisher operation.

• Emergency communication and reporting.

• Evacuation procedures and assembly points.

• Basic fire safety responsibilities.

• Safe response to fire emergencies.

5. What are the different types of fire extinguishers?
Different fire extinguishers are designed for specific types of fires. Selecting the correct extinguisher is important because an unsuitable extinguishing agent can make a fire more dangerous.

Common types include:

• Water extinguishers: Used for Class A fires involving ordinary combustible materials. They must not be used on energised electrical fires or flammable liquid fires.

• Foam extinguishers: Commonly used for suitable Class A and Class B fires.

• CO2 extinguishers: Commonly used on flammable liquid and electrical equipment fires.

• Dry chemical powder extinguishers: Available in different formulations for particular fire classes, including common workplace fire risks.

• Wet chemical extinguishers: Designed primarily for Class F cooking oil and fat fires.

Learners develop an understanding of extinguisher identification, applications and safe operating procedures.

6. How do you use a fire extinguisher?
A common method for operating many portable fire extinguishers is the PASS technique:

• Pull: Remove the safety pin.

• Aim: Direct the nozzle towards the base of the fire.

• Squeeze: Press the operating handle to release the extinguishing agent.

• Sweep: Move the discharge from side to side across the base of the fire.

The extinguisher must be suitable for the fire involved. Only attempt to extinguish a small, manageable fire if you are trained, have a clear escape route and can do so safely. Raise the alarm and evacuate when the fire is spreading or conditions are unsafe.

7. What equipment is used in fire fighting?
Firefighting equipment helps individuals detect, control and respond to fire emergencies. Common equipment includes:

• Portable fire extinguishers.

• Fire blankets.

• Fire hoses and hose reels.

• Fire hydrants.

• Fire buckets.

• Fire alarms and detection systems.

• Emergency lighting and exit signage.

• Firefighting protective clothing.

• Suitable gloves, helmets and safety footwear.

Understanding the purpose and correct use of firefighting equipment is important for workplace fire safety.

8. What are the common causes of workplace fires?
Workplace fires can result from unsafe activities, faulty equipment and poor storage or handling of combustible materials.

Common causes include:

• Electrical faults and overloaded circuits.

• Unattended heating equipment.

• Smoking near flammable materials.

• Gas leaks and unsafe gas connections.

• Welding, grinding and hot-work activities.

• Improper storage of flammable liquids.

• Poor housekeeping and combustible waste.

• Open flames near hazardous materials.

Fire prevention involves identifying hazards, following safe operating procedures, maintaining equipment and keeping emergency exits accessible.

9. What should you do during a workplace fire emergency?
A workplace fire emergency requires a quick and organised response. Employees should know how to raise the alarm, report the incident and follow established evacuation procedures.

Important actions include:

• Raise the fire alarm immediately.

• Notify the responsible emergency personnel.

• Evacuate using the nearest safe exit.

• Avoid lifts during evacuation.

• Keep away from smoke and fire.

• Proceed to the designated assembly point.

• Follow instructions from emergency personnel.

• Do not re-enter the building until authorised.

Never put yourself or others at unnecessary risk by attempting to fight a fire that is spreading or beyond your ability to control.

10. Where can fire fighting skills be used?
Fire safety knowledge is valuable in workplaces where employees need to identify fire hazards and respond to emergencies.

Relevant environments include:

• Construction sites.

• Manufacturing plants.

• Warehouses and distribution centres.

• Factories and industrial facilities.

• Offices and commercial buildings.

• Hotels and hospitality businesses.

• Shopping centres and retail facilities.

• Workshops and engineering environments.

• Schools and other public facilities.

11. Can I get a fire fighting certificate after training?
Yes. Learners who successfully complete the required course assessments receive a fire fighting training certificate confirming completion of the programme. The certificate can be included in a CV and used as evidence of completed fire safety training when applying for relevant workplace opportunities.

12. What are the requirements for fire fighting training?
Our fire fighting course is suitable for beginners, employees and individuals interested in learning workplace fire safety and emergency response procedures. Previous firefighting experience is not essential.

Learners should be prepared to:

• Follow training instructions and safety procedures.

• Understand basic workplace safety principles.

• Participate in the required learning and assessment activities.

• Learn how to identify fire hazards and select suitable extinguishers.

• Follow emergency response and evacuation procedures.