The Austrian Armed Forces attach great importance to ensuring that their new recruits are not only well trained in the use of weapons, but also in fire safety. With this in mind, an intensive training course was recently held at the Salzburg Military Command, where the recruits learned how to use fire extinguishers properly.
The focus was on the following topics:
- Availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers: A fundamental prerequisite for effective firefighting is the sufficient availability and easily accessible storage of fire extinguishers – indicated by clear fire safety signs.
- Maintenance and inspection: To ensure the functionality of the fire extinguishers, they are inspected by specialists every two years. The inspection is documented by an inspection sticker attached to the fire extinguisher.
- Selecting the right extinguishing agent: The extinguishing agents contained in the fire extinguishers must be suitable for the class of fire they are intended to fight. The fire class is clearly marked on the extinguisher to facilitate the effective fighting of different types of fires, including those caused by wood, cardboard or liquids such as gasoline.
- Practical extinguishing exercises: To save valuable time in an emergency, recruits are trained in the correct use of fire extinguishers. Through practical exercises, they acquire the necessary know-how to be able to react quickly and effectively in an emergency.
