What is the Role of a Fire Warden
Fires can break out in any business, endangering staff and assets. Every workplace must have a fire warden to reduce fire risks and supervise safe evacuations. This blog explores a fire warden’s significant role and responsibilities.
What is a Fire Warden?
Fire wardens support workplace fire safety. Employers decide how many fire wardens are necessary for their premises and designate certain employees to take on the role. Their primary responsibility is supporting safe evacuations in the event of a fire, but most wardens also take on more general fire prevention and safety duties.
Difference Between a Fire Warden and Fire Marshal
The terms fire warden and fire marshal are sometimes used interchangeably, although most people see them as separate roles. Fire wardens are typically associated with fire prevention and supervising evacuations. Fire marshals are sometimes expected to have broader fire safety responsibilities, such as conducting fire risk assessments.
There’s no official difference between the positions, however. It depends on the employer and how they designate roles and divide fire safety duties.
Legal Requirement for Having a Fire Warden?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that employers must designate competent persons to assist in implementing and maintaining adequate fire safety measures. There’s no requirement for these qualified persons to be labeled fire wardens, but many employers use the term to describe employees with additional fire safety duties.
The Role of a Fire Warden
Fire warden responsibilities do vary between workplaces depending on the level of fire risk, but typical duties include:
- Conducting Regular Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire wardens can conduct regular risk assessments to identify and assess potential fire hazards if they are competent.
- Implementing Control Measures:
Wardens should take steps to eliminate or reduce fire risks based on the findings of risk assessments.
- Supporting Fire Safety Training to All Employees:
Wardens often support the employer in providing fire awareness training to all new and existing employees. This should help staff identify and control fire hazards and learn safe evacuation procedures.
- Organizing and Overseeing Fire Drills:
Planning and conducting regular fire drills to ensure all occupants know evacuation procedures is a consistent fire warden duty. As part of this, they should review evacuation plans and make necessary adjustments.
- Guiding Colleagues to Safety During Emergencies:
In a fire emergency, wardens assume a leadership role and guide colleagues to safety along planned evacuation routes. They are also responsible for assisting those with mobility challenges and conducting headcounts after an evacuation.
- Calm and Effective Crisis Management:
Helping to plan escape routes and manage drills allows fire wardens to respond to emergencies calmly and confidently. Their guidance during evacuation efforts helps reduce panic and confusion.
- Maintaining Clear Communication:
Fire wardens can act as a liaison between occupants and emergency services. They help ensure that emergency information is conveyed clearly and concisely to all individuals within the premises.
- Ensuring Fire Safety Equipment is in Proper Working Order:
Inspecting fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and alarms, is a standard fire warden duty. Wardens should also monitor designated escape routes, ensuring they’re unobstructed.
- Documentation and Reporting:
Competent fire wardens can contribute to fire safety records, including incident reports, fire drill records, and any corrective actions taken to address fire hazards or shortcomings in the fire safety plan.
How Can You Become a Fire Warden?
Becoming a fire warden requires specialized training that provides the knowledge and skills to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Fire warden training prepares designated employees with the knowledge and skills required to prevent and respond to fires in the workplace. It develops awareness of fire hazards, safe firefighting techniques, and evacuation procedures. It’s also important to continuously update knowledge and stay informed about the advancements in fire safety techniques, equipment, and regulations.
Conclusion:
Fire wardens are indispensable in safeguarding lives and property in fire emergencies. Their training and proactive involvement in fire safety measures contribute to safety within organizations and public spaces. By appointing fire wardens, complying with legal requirements, and fostering a culture of safety, businesses and institutions can effectively mitigate the risks associated with fires, ensuring the well-being of their occupants.