Fire warden training is a crucial component of the recommended workplace fire safety strategy.
It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all staff in a business environment to receive basic fire safety training.
What is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden, also known as a fire marshal, is a staff member responsible for specific duties related to workplace fire safety. Their primary role is to help prevent fires and ensure the safety of others in the event of a fire.
Typically, an organisation should have multiple trained fire wardens, following a recommended ratio of one warden for every ten 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 to preventing or reducing the risk of fire.
This includes:
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 note 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, as with any checklist, there is always the risk 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 service, along with any other important information.