The role of a fire warden is not just important; it’s crucial. They are the ones who ensure the safety of a building and its occupants in case of a fire, making their role indispensable.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is clear: all businesses must have a fire risk assessment and appoint enough competent persons, including fire wardens, to assist in implementing preventive and protective measures. This is not just a suggestion; it’s a legal requirement.
So, what exactly does a fire warden do?
First and foremost, a fire warden is responsible for ensuring that everyone in the building is safe in the event of a fire. This means being able to recognise potential fire hazards and taking action to prevent them.
Fire wardens are also responsible for ensuring that fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and emergency lighting, are in place and working properly. In addition to their preventative duties, fire wardens are trained to act in the event of a fire. This includes raising the alarm, evacuating the building, and using firefighting equipment if necessary.
Fire wardens are also responsible for ensuring that everyone in the building has been accounted for and assisting emergency services if required. It’s important to note that fire wardens are not expected to put themselves in danger. Rather, their role is to ensure that everyone else is safe. This means that fire wardens should only attempt to tackle a fire if they have received appropriate training, and it is safe to do so.
In larger buildings, there may be a team of fire wardens who work together to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. These teams may have a designated leader who coordinates their efforts.
At Benfield Fire Safety, we offer comprehensive Fire Warden Training for businesses and organisations. Our training simulations are carried out using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital LED fire extinguishers and smoke goggles, to create a realistic training environment with no risk. Additionally, we provide outdoor fire extinguisher training with an instructor-controlled gas rig. Our ex-fire officer trainers provide strict guidance to individuals as they learn to tackle a fire using different fire extinguisher types and a fire blanket.
In summary:
The role of a fire warden in the UK is to prevent fires from occurring and to ensure the safe evacuation of the building in the event of a fire. Fire wardens are essential to any fire safety plan and can help save lives in an emergency.
Contact Benfield Fire Safety by emailing Customerservice@benfieldfs.co.uk or calling 0300 303 3277 to book Fire Warden Training. You can also visit our Fire Warden Training page for more details, including course content.
