If you’ve been asked to become a fire warden at work, you may be wondering whether you need to complete specific training before taking on the role.
The short answer is yes. Fire wardens need appropriate training to help them understand their responsibilities and carry out their role safely and effectively.
The level of training depends on the workplace, the risks identified in the fire risk assessment and the responsibilities of the fire warden.
So, what does fire warden training involve, and why is it important?
Do Fire Wardens Legally Need Training?
In England, the person responsible for fire safety in a workplace must provide employees with adequate fire safety information, instruction and training.
Fire wardens, sometimes referred to as fire marshals, have additional responsibilities compared with other employees. Therefore, they require more comprehensive training to understand the duties they may carry out during a fire or evacuation.
Government guidance for offices and shops states that staff who undertake the role of fire marshal, often called a fire warden, require more comprehensive training. The training should reflect the fire safety strategy of the premises and the duties the individual will perform.
There isn’t one specific fire warden qualification that every workplace must provide by law. Instead, training needs to be suitable and sufficient for the risks and responsibilities involved.
What Does a Fire Warden Do?
The exact role of a fire warden varies between workplaces.
Depending on the organisation’s fire safety arrangements, a fire warden may help with tasks such as:
- Helping people leave the building during an evacuation
- Directing people towards appropriate escape routes
- Checking designated areas where this can be done safely
- Reporting to the person coordinating the evacuation
- Helping identify hazards that could affect fire safety
- Supporting the implementation of the workplace’s fire safety procedures
- Liaising with the fire and rescue service when they arrive, where appropriate
Employers should clearly define a fire warden’s responsibilities so they match the workplace.
A fire warden should never put themselves at unnecessary risk. Their role is to support a safe evacuation and follow the procedures established for the premises. Employers should never expect them to take unnecessary risks or act as firefighters.
What Does Fire Warden Training Cover?
The exact content of a fire warden training course varies depending on the provider and the needs of the business.
However, suitable training may cover areas such as:
- The role and responsibilities of a fire warden
- Common causes and prevention of workplace fires
- How fires can start and spread
- Workplace fire safety procedures
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Escape routes and emergency exits
- The importance of keeping escape routes clear
- How to raise the alarm
- How to respond when the fire alarm sounds
- Supporting people who may need additional assistance during an evacuation
- The safe use of firefighting equipment, where relevant
- How to report fire safety concerns
In addition, the training should reflect the actual workplace. A fire warden working in an office, for example, may have different responsibilities and risks from someone working in a warehouse, care home or manufacturing environment.
Ultimately, the aim is to make sure fire wardens understand the arrangements in place and can carry out their responsibilities safely.
Do Fire Wardens Need Refresher Training?
Businesses should repeat fire safety training periodically. The appropriate frequency depends on the circumstances and risks of the workplace.
There isn’t one specific legal frequency that applies to every workplace. Instead, businesses should consider the appropriate frequency as part of the fire risk assessment and reflect the risks and circumstances of the premises.
In addition, businesses may need to provide extra training when changes create new or increased risks. This could include changes to an employee’s role or responsibilities, work equipment, technology or working practices.
Businesses should also make sure fire wardens remain familiar with the procedures that apply to their workplace and understand any changes to their responsibilities.
The important thing is that fire wardens have the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their role effectively when required.
What Happens If a Fire Warden Isn’t Trained?
An untrained fire warden may not have the knowledge needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively during an emergency.
They may be unsure about the evacuation procedures, unclear about their role or unaware of the specific risks within the workplace.
Therefore, businesses should ensure anyone with fire warden responsibilities receives suitable training and understands exactly what is expected of them.
The person responsible for fire safety must provide adequate fire safety training. It should also reflect the risks identified through the fire risk assessment.
How Can Businesses Make Sure Their Fire Wardens Are Prepared?
Businesses should start by reviewing their fire risk assessment and considering the specific needs of their premises.
As a result, this can help determine:
- Which employees should take on the role
- What responsibilities they will have
- What training is appropriate
- Whether additional or refresher training is needed
- How fire wardens will be covered during holidays, sickness and different shifts
Furthermore, the training should be relevant to the workplace and the duties each fire warden is expected to carry out.
Finally, it is important that fire wardens understand the limits of their role. Their priority should be supporting a safe evacuation and following the workplace’s emergency procedures. They should never put themselves or others at unnecessary risk.
Looking for Fire Warden Training for Your Business?
If your business has employees who support fire safety and evacuation procedures, appropriate training can help them understand what is expected of them and how to respond in an emergency.
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we provide fire safety training to help businesses give their employees the knowledge they need to support a safer workplace.
If you’re looking for fire warden or fire marshal training for your team, get in touch with 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy to discuss your requirements.
