Fire wardens, otherwise known as fire marshals, are responsible for ensuring that staff and visitors within a company evacuate the building safely in the event of a fire.  All companies should carry out a fire risk assessment in order to ascertain how many fire wardens they require to implement emergency evacuation measures.  As well as assisting in evacuating a building, fire wardens are also responsible for identifying fire hazards before a fire actually starts.

Why should a company appoint a fire warden?

It is important for all organisations to appoint a fire warden who will be responsible for protecting the premises and staff from the risk of fire.  There’s usually no need to employ a new member of staff to carry out this role, as this can be done by an existing member of staff.  As well as carrying out regular fire risk assessments, Fire Wardens should report back to other members of staff to run through a clear escape plan should the fire alarms sound. 

What does a fire warden training course involve?

There are a number of different fire warden training courses which employees can attend.  Some training providers can offer training at the client’s premises, whilst others will run courses at an alternative venue.   As well as learning theory and knowledge regarding how a fire starts and how it easily it can spread, delegates will also need to learn practical skills such as how to put out small fires and the correct way to use a fire extinguisher.  Many training courses can be completed in just a few hours.

Fire risks

Of course, part of the role involved with being a fire warden includes being able to identify and control fire risks.  Fire warden trainers will teach delegates how to control measures to minimise the risk of fire, which is a key part in keeping an organisation and a building safe.  If a fire does break out, then the fire warden will need to learn how to best to prevent the fire from spreading, and of course how to organise the evacuation of the building.

Keeping calm

It is inevitable that during a genuine evacuation of a building, some people may panic or become stressed.  It is up to the fire warden to ensure that all occupants of the building follow procedures in order to exit the premises quickly and safely.  The fire warden training course should run through some strategies with delegates on how to successfully manage a safe evacuation by giving clear and confident instructions to evacuees to encourage them to stay calm and safe.

If you are looking to appoint fire wardens for your organisation and you are interested in learning about fire warden training, feel free to take a look at the WJ Fire Protection Services website for further information.  

As well as learning theory and knowledge regarding how a fire starts and how it easily it can spread, delegates will also need to learn practical skills such as how to put out small fires