Fire Extinguisher Training

This course is designed for those who may need to respond to small workplace fires using first attack firefighting equipment. It is ideal for workers across construction, manufacturing, warehousing, office, retail, and healthcare settings with potential fire risks.

Training is delivered face-to-face by experienced, qualified trainers. Delivery options include:

• Public Courses – Held at our training facilities in Brisbane and Townsville.
• Client-Only Courses – Delivered onsite at your workplace (group bookings)

We offer flexible scheduling and can tailor delivery to suit your needs—please contact our team to discuss.

There are no pre-course or post-course requirements. All assessment activities are completed during the session.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for:

• CPPFES2005 – Demonstrate first attack firefighting equipment

Certificate delivery:

• Courses at our facilities: Certificates are issued on the day, with digital copies emailed to participants and employers (if applicable) the following business day.
• Courses at client sites: Certificates are issued within 7 business days, with digital copies emailed to participants and employers.

There are no formal entry requirements; however, participants must be physically capable of lifting and operating a fire extinguisher (up to 5kg) as part of the practical assessment.

If any additional learning support is required (e.g. with language, literacy or numeracy), please notify our Operations team prior to the course or speak with your trainer on the day—we’re here to help.

• Your USI (Unique Student Identifier) – click here for more info
• Comfortable, practical clothing is recommended (long pants or shorts and a sleeved shirt or t-shirt)
• No PPE/high-vis required
• Closed-in shoes
• All course materials are provided

Amenities at Our Brisbane and Townsville Facilities:

• Parking available on-site or nearby
• Complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and mints
• Fridge and microwave available for use
• Cafés and food options located nearby for breaks

Also referred to as “first attack firefighting”, this training involves the initial response to a small fire using basic firefighting equipment before emergency services arrive. This course trains participants to safely identify and suppress small fires using a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and—where available—a fire hose reel. The training includes practical, hands-on experience extinguishing a live controlled fire.

While both units focus on emergency response, they cover different aspects:

• PUAFER008 – Confine small emergencies in a facility: Covers how to recognise and respond to a range of small workplace emergencies (not just fire), such as chemical spills and minor incidents. It includes following workplace procedures and ensuring safety during and after the incident.

• CPPFES2005 – Demonstrate first attack firefighting equipment: Covers the identification and safe use of firefighting equipment—such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, and fire blankets—to control small fires in their early stages.

Different organisations may require one or both units depending on their internal policies and procedures—not due to specific legislative requirements. That’s why we’ve combined both units into a well-structured course—ensuring your team is prepared to respond to small emergencies and confident in using firefighting equipment effectively.

Fire is made up of four elements: heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical reaction. This is known as the fire tetrahedron. If any one of these elements is removed, the fire cannot start—or will be extinguished.

Use the acronym RACE:

• Remove everyone from the area
• Alarm – Commence procedures for alerting emergency services
• Confine the fire – Close doors behind you
• Extinguish or evacuate – Only extinguish if it safe to do so, otherwise evacuate

In Queensland, First Response Evacuation Instruction is a legal requirement under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008. This regulation mandates that the occupier of a building provide First Response Evacuation Instruction to all workers, including training on fire alarms and firefighting equipment.

Additionally, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires employers to ensure a safe workplace, which includes providing adequate fire safety training.

While the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 mandates general fire safety training, AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities provides further guidance for workplaces where employees are expected to use firefighting equipment.

Key Training Elements (AS 3745:2010 - Section 6.3.3):

If designated occupants are expected to use fire extinguishers as part of emergency procedures, they must be trained in:

• Roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) (if applicable)
• Preparing for and responding to site-specific fire emergencies
• Identifying fire classes and selecting the correct fire extinguisher
• Safely determining whether to use first-attack firefighting equipment
• Reporting fires and evacuating endangered areas
• Post-incident procedures, including extinguisher recharging

In short – fire extinguisher and fire response training should be refreshed every 2 years. This is supported by the following requirements:

• Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld) – All workers must receive first response evacuation instructions, which includes the use of firefighting equipment, at least every two years (Subdivision 4).
• Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 (Section 6.5.3 – Skills Retention) – Individuals expected to perform first attack firefighting must complete refresher training at intervals not exceeding two years to maintain competency.