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Effect of Fire-Extinguisher Demonstration on Fire-Extinguisher Handling Skills among Market Traders in Nigeria

Abstract

Market fires are an important public health, occupational safety, and disaster-prevention concern in Nigeria because overcrowded trading environments, electrical faults, open flames, cooking activities, combustible materials, poor storage practices, and inadequate fire-safety measures may increase the risk of fire outbreaks. Market traders are often among the first individuals present when a fire starts and may have an opportunity to respond before professional firefighters arrive. However, inadequate knowledge of fire extinguishers, lack of practical training, fear of using fire-extinguishing equipment, and limited familiarity with appropriate fire-response procedures may reduce traders' ability to respond effectively to small fires. Fire-extinguisher demonstrations provide an opportunity to develop practical knowledge and skills in selecting, handling, and operating fire extinguishers safely. Against this background, this study investigates the effect of fire-extinguisher demonstration on fire-extinguisher handling skills among market traders in Nigeria. The study will be anchored on Social Cognitive Theory, Protection Motivation Theory, and the Health Belief Model. Social Cognitive Theory explains how practical observation, behavioural modelling, self-efficacy, reinforcement, and repeated practice may influence traders' ability to acquire and maintain fire-extinguisher handling skills. Protection Motivation Theory explains how perceived fire risks, perceived severity of fire-related consequences, response efficacy, response costs, and confidence in one's ability to respond may influence adoption of appropriate fire-safety behaviours. The Health Belief Model explains how traders' perceptions of susceptibility to market fires, perceived severity of fire consequences, perceived benefits of fire-extinguisher use, perceived barriers, and cues to action may influence fire-prevention and response practices. Collectively, these theoretical perspectives provide a suitable framework for explaining how practical fire-extinguisher demonstrations may influence fire-extinguisher handling skills among market traders in Nigeria. The study will adopt a quantitative quasi-experimental or analytical cross-sectional research design. The study population will comprise traders operating in selected formal and informal markets across Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique will be used to select geopolitical zones, states, local government areas, markets, market sections, stalls, and eligible traders. Fire-extinguisher demonstration will be assessed using indicators such as exposure to practical demonstrations, duration and frequency of training, demonstration of extinguisher components, identification of different extinguisher types, knowledge of appropriate extinguisher selection, understanding of extinguisher safety precautions, demonstration of proper extinguisher handling, ability to remove the safety pin, appropriate positioning during use, correct operation of the discharge mechanism, appropriate direction of the discharge stream, maintenance of safe distance from the fire, and knowledge of situations in which extinguisher use should be avoided. Fire-extinguisher handling skills will be assessed using indicators such as correct identification of extinguisher type, inspection before use, safe lifting and carrying, correct removal of the safety pin, appropriate stance and positioning, correct aiming technique, controlled operation of the extinguisher, sweeping movement during discharge, appropriate response to fire conditions, safe withdrawal after extinguishing or when the fire becomes unsafe, and ability to demonstrate the complete procedure correctly. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires, fire-safety knowledge assessment tools, standardized practical skills checklists, direct observation of extinguisher-handling demonstrations, and pre-test and post-test assessments where a quasi-experimental intervention is adopted. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize traders' demographic and occupational characteristics, previous fire experiences, access to fire-safety equipment, exposure to fire-safety education, and baseline handling skills. Inferential statistical techniques, including chi-square tests, paired and independent t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic or multiple regression analysis where appropriate, will be used to determine the effect of fire-extinguisher demonstration on handling skills. Where a quasi-experimental design is adopted, practical skill scores before and after the demonstration may be compared with those of a comparison group to determine changes associated with the intervention. Diagnostic tests will also be conducted to assess the reliability, validity, and robustness of the findings. The study is expected to find that fire-extinguisher demonstration has a significant positive effect on fire-extinguisher handling skills among market traders in Nigeria. Traders exposed to practical demonstrations are expected to demonstrate greater competence in identifying, handling, and operating appropriate fire extinguishers than traders without comparable training. Demonstrations may improve traders' ability to inspect extinguishers, select appropriate equipment, adopt correct positioning, operate the extinguisher, direct the discharge appropriately, and respond safely to small fire incidents. Repeated demonstrations, supervised practice, visual materials, and realistic market-based fire scenarios may further strengthen practical competence and confidence. However, inadequate availability of functional fire extinguishers, poor maintenance, overcrowded market structures, limited access to training facilities, fear of fire, and misconceptions about appropriate extinguisher use may reduce the effectiveness of demonstrations alone. The study therefore expects regular, practical, accessible, and market-specific fire-extinguisher demonstrations, supported by functional fire-safety equipment and effective market fire-safety systems, to contribute significantly to improved fire-extinguisher handling skills among market traders in Nigeria. The study is expected to contribute to the literature on fire safety, occupational health and safety, market safety, disaster preparedness, emergency response, injury prevention, practical safety education, and public health in Nigeria. The findings will provide useful information to the National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Fire Service, state fire services, local government authorities, market associations, market management committees, occupational health and safety professionals, environmental health officers, public health practitioners, emergency responders, development partners, and policymakers regarding strategies for strengthening fire preparedness in Nigerian markets. The study will also provide evidence-based recommendations for incorporating practical fire-extinguisher demonstrations into market safety programmes, ensuring adequate availability and maintenance of fire extinguishers, conducting regular fire drills, improving market fire-safety infrastructure, strengthening trader emergency-response training, and developing sustainable fire-prevention and preparedness programmes across Nigerian markets.

Keywords: Fire-extinguisher demonstration, fire-extinguisher handling skills, market traders, fire safety, emergency preparedness, disaster preparedness, occupational safety, fire prevention, emergency response, Nigeria, public health.