Portable Fire Extinguishers - Canada Training Course

Portable fire extinguishers are an important part of workplace fire safety, but employees must understand how and when to use them safely. This Portable Fire Extinguishers – Canada Training Course provides practical guidance on fire classifications, extinguisher selection, emergency response decisions, and proper fire extinguisher operation to help protect workers and workplaces.

Participants will learn how to recognize different classes of fires, select appropriate extinguishing agents, apply the P.A.S.S. technique, and determine when a fire is too dangerous to fight. The course also covers WHMIS and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), along with monthly visual inspection procedures for portable fire extinguishers.

Designed for employees, supervisors, facility managers, maintenance personnel, safety coordinators, and anyone responsible for workplace fire safety, this training provides a foundation in portable fire extinguisher awareness and emergency preparedness in Canadian workplaces.

Training Objectives

• Determine when it is appropriate to use a portable fire extinguisher or evacuate
• Identify different fire classifications and select appropriate extinguishing agents
• Apply the P.A.S.S. technique when operating a fire extinguisher
• Understand how WHMIS labels and Safety Data Sheets provide fire-extinguishing guidance
• Perform monthly visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers
• Recognize the importance of maintaining accessible and properly functioning fire extinguishers

Course Overview

Portable fire extinguishers are found in workplaces throughout Canada, but having an extinguisher available does not automatically mean employees know how to use it safely. These devices are designed for incipient-stage fires, which are small, contained fires that have just started. Before attempting to fight a fire, workers must evaluate the situation and determine whether it is safe to proceed. If the fire is spreading, smoke is increasing, visibility is decreasing, or the correct extinguisher is unavailable, evacuation must take priority.

This training provides an overview of portable fire extinguisher safety and explains the importance of recognizing fire conditions, selecting the correct equipment, and understanding when to evacuate. Participants will review key safety considerations before attempting to extinguish a fire, including raising the alarm, assessing the size of the fire, confirming the appropriate extinguisher is available, and maintaining an unobstructed exit route.

The course examines the different classifications of fires and the extinguishing agents used to control them. Topics include Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and trash; Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases; Class C fires involving energized electrical equipment; Class D fires involving combustible metals; and Class K fires involving commercial cooking oils and fats. Participants will learn why selecting the correct extinguishing agent is essential and how using an unsuitable agent can create additional hazards.

Learners will also be introduced to the P.A.S.S. technique, a commonly used method for operating portable fire extinguishers. The process involves pulling the safety pin, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the operating lever, and sweeping the discharge from side to side. The course reinforces the importance of following proper operating procedures and maintaining a safe exit route while using an extinguisher.

The program also explores the relationship between fire safety, WHMIS, and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Participants will learn how Section 5 of an SDS provides information about suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media for specific hazardous products. Understanding this information can help workers recognize the appropriate fire response considerations when hazardous materials are involved.

Finally, the course covers routine fire extinguisher maintenance and monthly visual inspections. Learners will review how to check extinguisher accessibility, pressure gauge readings, tamper seals, physical condition, and hoses. These inspections help identify visible problems that could affect equipment readiness during an emergency.

By understanding fire classifications, proper extinguisher operation, emergency response decisions, and inspection procedures, employees can contribute to safer workplaces and improved fire preparedness.

This program is available with English and French closed captions.

Compliance Standards & Regulations

This course addresses workplace fire extinguisher safety and related hazard communication practices, including:

• Canadian workplace fire prevention and emergency preparedness practices
• Portable fire extinguisher selection and safe operating procedures
• Fire classifications and appropriate extinguishing agents
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), including Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
• Workplace fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance practices

Key Benefits

• Improves awareness of workplace fire hazards and extinguisher safety
• Helps employees recognize different classes of fires
• Reinforces proper selection of fire extinguishing agents
• Develops understanding of the P.A.S.S. fire extinguisher technique
• Helps employees recognize when to fight a small fire and when to evacuate
• Reinforces the importance of WHMIS and SDS fire response information
• Promotes routine fire extinguisher inspections and workplace preparedness

Course Details

• Course Length: 15 Minutes
• Language(s): EN / FR (English and French closed captions)
• Progress Tracking: Included
• Mobile Compatible: Yes
• Participant Resources: Downloadable participant guide
• Course Format: Streaming video on-demand
• Access: Included with license
• LMS Compatibility: Compatible with your LMS or accessible through a hosted LMS platform
• Produced: 2026
• SKU: AT312

Video Streaming Licensing Options

The pricing displayed above applies to the hosted video-streaming option and includes access for the selected number of learners based on the license tier selected.

Included with Your License

• Hosted video-streaming access
• Downloadable participant guide
• Closed captions (where available)
• Certificate of completion (where applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is licensing calculated?
Licensing is based on the total number of learners who will access the course during the license period.

Can I train more than 100 employees?
Yes. We offer enterprise licensing options for larger organizations and multi-location businesses.

Can we use our own LMS?
Yes. Courses are available in SCORM-compatible formats and can be deployed through most learning management systems.

Do you offer multi-course discounts?
Yes. Organizations licensing multiple courses may qualify for discounted workforce training packages.

Do you offer custom pricing?
Yes. We can create customized pricing solutions for enterprise organizations, multi-course licensing programs, annual training initiatives, and large workforce deployments. Contact us for custom pricing tailored to your organization.