Digital Fire training solutions

[Big T]

All,

I have had real problems getting training provided for the practical element of fire extinguisher training for our fire warden courses I have been delivering accross our organisation.

Has anybody used or purchased the Haagen Bullseye digital fire extinguisher traininer?

I saw it at the fire ex and thought it looked quite gucci, but before I cough up the ludicrously high fee I thought I would see if anyone here had maybe seen it and what their thoughts are?

Real training is not an option for us due to landlord restraint and location of our offcies with a lack of external space so this is the only option other than no practical training at all.....]

Regards

Big T

[kurnal]

Where abouts are you based big T?
Just thinking there could be another solution using an LPG  simulator trailer parked not at your premises but somewhere nearby by arrangement? We may be able to assist in both parts of the idea?

[Big T]

Nationwide, offices all over the place. We did investigate it but I get the feeling it becomes complicated with transportation, weather, insurance in transit etc etc.

I really want to investigate the indoor approach

[AnthonyB]

Although it's quite posh, I wouldn't class a digital system as practical in the sense it is intended.

You don't experience either the discharging of an extinguisher or the real effects of it's application (wrongly and correctly) on a fire.

It is a simulation, not a practical exercise and in my opinion encourages complacency in potential users. LPG rigs are better, but still not perfect.

Where a risk assessment dictates that practical training is critical rather than 'nice to have' we always make sure it is full hands on with real fires, even if that means it has to be an 'off site' course.

Most courses that don't have a safety critical need for practical training would suffice with a good pros & cons video (using real fires) and discharge of a CO2 & plain water ext to give familiarity with noise, throw, duration, etc (non fire unless you have a gas rig)

My opinion only, but I've seen & researched too many instances of poor application of extinguishers in life critical situations to be happy with some of the newer innovations totally replacing traditional methods