Fire warden training is a crucial component of the recommended fire safety strategy in the workplace.
It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that all staff members in a business environment receive at least some form of basic training.
What is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden (also known as a Fire Marshal) is a member of staff who has the responsibility to fulfil a specific role within the workplace, both to help prevent the likelihood of fire starting, and to ensure the safety of others should the worst happen.
Typically, your organisation would have several people trained as fire wardens (or Fire Marshals), with a ratio of 1 Marshal to every 10 staff members.
How Do Fire Wardens Help Prevent the Risk of Fire?
As a fire warden, you are expected to carry out periodic checks, which are crucial in helping to prevent or mitigate the risk of fire.
Daily Fire Safety Checks
A daily check would typically consist of a brief walk around the site checking that;
- No fire safety equipment is missing, and all extinguishers are in their correct position.
- No Fire doors have been propped open (generally with a fire extinguisher).
- The Fire Alarm system is functioning correctly (at the main Panel)
- No rubbish has been allowed to accumulate, and access and egress routes are free from obstructions, along with any other fire safety issues that may arise.
The fire warden would then make notes of any shortcomings, record them in the fire logbook, and report them to the relevant person (typically their line manager).
Weekly Checks
To carry out their weekly checks, the warden would typically use a checklist to guide them and help record their findings. Such lists are vital as they practically ensure that nothing is missed or overlooked.
However, there is always the risk, as with any checklist, that they are filled in without the warden ever leaving the office.
To complete their weekly checks, they would generally need to;
- Inspect the condition of the fire doors (typically a set percentage of the total number in the building), including the condition of the intumescent strips and self-closing mechanisms.
- Verify that the fire alarm system is functioning correctly, which typically involves testing a different call point each week, inspecting for apparent signs of damage, and ensuring that the sounders are operational.
- Check that the emergency lighting is functioning correctly, and that any panic bolts, signage or other safety equipment is in good order.
Other Duties
A fire warden would also need to participate in any fire drills that may take place, which are typically carried out quarterly, and possibly assist the fire alarm engineers in testing smoke detectors.
In some larger properties, there may also be fire hydrants that would need testing, along with any wet or dry risers.
What is a Fire Warden’s Role in the Event of a Fire?
In the event of a fire, a fire warden’s role may include:
- Helping those on the premises to leave.
- Checking the premises to ensure everyone has left.
- Ensure that any fire doors and windows are closed.
- Using firefighting equipment, if safe to do so.
- Shutting down vital or dangerous equipment and that any sources of fuel (such as gas), has been isolated.
- Performing a supervisory/managing role in any fire situation.
- Liaising with the fire and rescue service on arrival.
During the evacuation, they would also help take a register of all staff members and communicate any concerns they may have to the fire brigade, along with any other important information.
>> To book a course or for more information, call Peter on: 07921906519 or email: peter@prt-training.co.uk <<
