What Are A Fire Warden's Responsibilities?

WHAT IS A FIRE WARDEN?

A Fire Warden (or Fire Marshal) is a designated person within an organisation who is given specific responsibilities that help in the management of fire safety and the safety of building occupants in the event of an emergency. 

A Fire Warden’s duties and responsibilities vary from business to business, depending on the risks outlined in a Fire Risk Assessment. A Fire Warden’s duties and responsibilities vary from business to business However, a Fire Marshal’s responsibilities can generally be split into two categories:

•   Proactive
•   Reactive

Proactive responsibilities help reduce the risk of a fire in the workplace, whilst a reactive responsibility involves ensuring the safe evacuation of everyone within the building.

PROACTIVE (DAY TO DAY) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A Fire Warden’s day to day responsibilities revolve around minimising the risk of fire. They carry out regular checks to ensure that safety protocols are in place and enforced. 

A Warden’s duties will depend on the individual needs of the business, but will often include:

•   Checking fire doors and emergency exits, ensuring that they open and close fully and that they are not obstructed.
•   Ensuring that all fire-fighting equipment (such as fire extinguishers) is present, serviced and has not been tampered with. 
•   Keeping an eye out for incorrect use of electrical cables and equipment.
•   Ensuring that flammables, combustibles and waste materials are managed correctly.
•   Ensuring that all record keeping is up to date.

These are just a few of a fire warden’s proactive responsibilities. Their particular duties will be discussed during a Fire Risk Assessment, and detailed in your emergency plan.

REACTIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fire Wardens primary duties are to reduce the risk of fireFire Wardens primary duties are to reduce the risk of fire. However, in the event of an emergency, they are expected to react competently, so they will need training. Depending on the agreed emergency procedures for your building, the training might include -

•   Raising the alarm quickly.
•   Correct selection and use of fire extinguishers.
•   Knowledge of escape routes.
•   Conducting a sweep of the building to check that everyone has evacuated.
•   Assisting mobility, hearing or sight impaired people in evacuation.
•   Closing fire doors to contain the fire.
•   Roll call at the company’s assembly point.

Typically in a larger building the Fire Warden will be responsible for a section of it – a floor or department for example. They will usually conduct a roll call for that department at the assembly point (ideally using a portable assembly point sign for evacuees to identify) and then report to the person in charge.  All of these duties should be identified in your emergency plan.