Operate fire extinguishers

Understand the operation of fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing techniques.

operate extinguishers
use extinguishers
use fire extinguishers
utilise fire prevention equipment
utilise fire extinguishers
apply fire extinguishing techniques
control fires using extinguishers
utilise fire extinguishing techniques
use fire prevention equipment
employ fire extinguishers

skill/competence

cross-sector

Operate fire extinguishers is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Fire protection technician: Fire protection technicians install and maintain fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire detection systems, or sprinkler systems in facilities to ensure compliance to safety standards and protection from fire hazards. They inspect the equipment to ensure its functionality, and perform repairs.
Pump operator: Pump operators assist firefighting operations by controlling the pumps which supply water and other substances for extinguishing fires. They ensure the substance is delivered in the right amount and under the correct  pressure through the firehose.
Ship assistant engineer: Ship assistant engineers assist the ship chief engineer and the ship duty engineer in the operations of the ship’s hull. They support the operation of the main engines, steering mechanism, electrical generation and other major subsystems. They communicate with maritime engineers about the performance of technical operations. They also ensure appropriate safety and regulatory standards compliance and are able to take on higher level positions if needed.
Fire safety tester: Fire safety testers conduct a variety of tests on materials such as building, transportation and textiles materials, as well as on fire prevention and fire fighting systems. They measures, among other things, the flame resistance and behaviour of materials under extreme circumstances.

Operate fire extinguishers is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Life guard: Life guards monitor and ensure safety in the aquatic facility by preventing and responding to any emergencies. They identify potential risks, advise individuals on proper behaviour and dangerous zones, conduct life-saving techniques such as first aid and supervise activities of the general public.
Swimming facility attendant: Swimming facility attendants handle the daily activities of a swimming facility such as a swimming pool, beach and lake. They clean the facility, maintain a good attitude towards the clients and ensure the overall safety within the facility.
Store detective: Store detectives monitor the activities in the store in order to prevent and detect shoplifting. Once the individual is caught red-handed, they take all the legal measures, including announcing the police.
Door supervisor: Door supervisors ensure that the people entering public places such as bars, restaurants and concert venues are suitable and that they do not represent potential problems. They enforce legal regulations by checking individuals’ legal age to enter a bar, manage crowds and emergencies, monitor dress codes and handle aggressive and abusive behaviours.
Usher: Ushers assist visitors by showing their way in a big building such as a theatre, stadium or concert hall. They check visitors’ tickets for authorized access, give directions to their seats and answer questions. Ushers may take on security monitoring tasks and alert security personnel when required.
Crowd controller: Crowd controllers keep constant watch of the crowd during a specific event such as public speeches, sporting events or concerts, in order to prevent and react quickly to incidents. They control the entry to the venue, monitor the behaviour of the crowd, handle aggressive behaviour and conduct emergency evacuations.
Chief fire officer: Chief fire officers supervise a fire department. They coordinate the operations of the department, and supervise and lead the fire and rescue staff during firefighting and rescue activities to ensure the safety of the staff and limitation of risks. They perform administrative duties to ensure record maintenance, and implement policies to improve the department’s operations.

References

1. Operate fire extinguishers – ESCO