The COF (Certificate of Fitness) holder should only consider extinguishing fires when they are small in size. This is because small fires can often be managed effectively and safely with available extinguishing methods or equipment. The rationale behind this guideline emphasizes the safety of fire guards and the importance of assessing the situation accurately.
When fires are still small, there may be a higher likelihood of extinguishing them successfully without putting oneself or others at risk. In such scenarios, a COF holder can quickly apply the appropriate extinguishing agent, whether it be a fire extinguisher or other suppressive methods, to control the situation before it escalates.
In contrast, larger fires can quickly become too dangerous to manage without professional firefighting resources. As the size of the fire increases, the risk of injury and the potential for structural damage also significantly heighten, which may necessitate a call for emergency services rather than attempting to intervene personally. Therefore, the focus on small fires allows for timely intervention that prioritizes safety and effective risk management.