Fire Warden Responsibilities: Know the Key Workplace Duties

A fire warden or marshal is responsible for making sure everyone is safe in case of a fire. They check that all fire exits are clear and easy to use, and that fire alarms and equipment are working properly.

If there’s a fire, they help people evacuate the building safely and quickly. They also make sure no one is left behind and report to the fire services once everyone is out.

Fire wardens help prevent fires and ensure the safety of everyone in the building.

Fire warden responsibilities are required by law in the UK.

In England and Wales, this is based on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In Scotland, it follows the Fire Scotland Act (2005) and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations (2006).

Also, in Northern Ireland, it is covered by the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) (2010). These laws say that businesses must have enough fire wardens to help with fire safety and prevention.

Fire wardens have important jobs, like checking fire safety risks, organising fire drills and evacuation plans, making sure fire equipment is working, teaching staff about fire safety, and helping with emergency plans.

Fire warden training is necessary and should include learning about fire safety laws, how fires start and how to stop them, how to assess fire risks, different types of fires and how to put them out, and how to evacuate safely.

Certificates from fire safety training usually last from 1-3 years. It is important to get annual refresher fire marshal training.

👉Related Post: Who is responsible for fire safety at workplace.

Fire warden responsibilities

Fire wardens are important for keeping workplaces safe from fires. They have several key jobs, such as:

Routine Responsibilities

• Check fire doors, alarms, extinguishers, and other safety tools regularly.
• Make sure fire doors stay closed and that exit paths are clear.
• Practice fire drills to make sure everyone knows what to do.
• Test emergency lights every month.
• Make sure dangerous materials are stored safely.
• Check that fire safety signs are easy to see.
• Help improve the workplace’s emergency plans.

Fire Prevention and Awareness

• Make sure fire safety rules are followed.
• Teach staff about fire dangers in the workplace.
• Check for fire risks and update safety plans.
• Train new workers on fire safety and refresh the training every year.

Emergency Response

• In case of a fire, fire wardens:
  • Set off the fire alarm and call the authorities.
  • Close fire doors and other important doors.
  • Help people evacuate using safe exits.
  • Check all areas to make sure everyone leaves.
  • Assist people who need extra help.
  • Guide people to safe meeting spots and count everyone.
  • Work with emergency services when they arrive.

Fire wardens help reduce the chances of a fire and make sure people can evacuate safely.

👉Check our Course: Onsite Fire Evacuation Training – Group Booking.

What are the consequences of not following fire warden responsibilities

Not following fire warden responsibilities can cause serious problems for both businesses and people:

Legal and Financial Consequences

• Big fines, which could be unlimited.
• Jail time for up to 2 years in severe cases.
• Business owners or responsible people could be prosecuted.
• Local fire services may issue warnings or orders to stop business activities.
• Prohibition notices can stop businesses from operating.

Safety Risks

• Higher chance of fires happening because of missed safety steps.
• Increased risk of injuries or death during an emergency.
• Evacuation may not work properly, putting people in danger.

Business Impact

• Damage to property that could have been avoided.
• Higher insurance costs or even losing insurance.
• Damage to the business’s reputation, leading to loss of trust.
• Risk of business closure or restrictions on operations.

Workplace Consequences

• Employees may face punishment for not following safety rules.
• Reduced safety in the workplace, making it harder to handle emergencies.
• Staff may not have the right training on fire hazards or prevention.

It’s very important for businesses to take fire warden responsibilities seriously to keep everyone safe, follow the law, and avoid these harmful consequences.

How do fire wardens handle emergencies involving people with disabilities

Fire wardens have an important job to help people with disabilities during emergencies. Their main duties include:

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

• Create and follow PEEPs for each person with a disability.
• Learn about each person’s PEEP during fire warden training.
• Regularly check and update PEEPs when needed.

Emergency Response

• Identify and help people with disabilities during an evacuation.
• Guide them to safe areas or refuge points.
• Use special equipment, like evacuation chairs, if needed.
• Work with emergency services when they arrive.

Specific Considerations

• For people who can’t see well, give clear, verbal instructions and offer physical help.
• For people who can’t hear, make sure visual alarms are working.
• For wheelchair users, help them to safe stairwells if they can’t leave right away.
• For people with learning disabilities, use simple instructions and possibly a buddy system.

In short, Fire wardens should always be ready to help people with all kinds of disabilities, making sure that evacuation plans don’t just depend on emergency services but also include direct assistance during an emergency.

Fire Warden Checklist Free Download

What training is required to become a fire warden

To become a fire warden, individuals usually need to complete a specialised fire safety training course. Here’s what the training includes:

Course Content

• Learn about fire safety laws and regulations.
• Understand what causes fires and how to prevent them.
• Know how to assess fire risks.
• Learn about different types of fires and how to extinguish them.
• Understand how to use fire-fighting equipment, including fire extinguishers.
• Learn emergency evacuation procedures.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of a fire warden.

Training Format

• Duration: Typically 3-4 hours.
• For effective training, a face-to-face Fire Warden/Marshal course should be completed. This can be complemented with Fire Warden e-learning courses.

Certification

• After completing the course, participants receive a fire warden certificate.
• Certificates are valid for 1-3 years. It is recommended to have a yearly refresher.
• Some courses are accredited by organisations like CPD, RoSPA, or IOSH.

Additional Components

• Some courses include practical hands-on training with fire extinguishers.
• Tailored training options to meet specific workplace requirements.

It’s important to note that while online courses provide theoretical knowledge, practical experience and site-specific training are also important for effective fire warden performance.