Fire Warden’s are an essential role for every workplace; they help ensure everyone’s safety during an emergency.
Along with springing into action during a fire or other emergency, Fire Wardens are also important in improving, managing and maintaining emergency procedures.
In the event of an emergency, especially when the fire alarm has been sounded, a fire warden will have been trained to assist the safe evacuation of all employees and patrons in the workplace as soon as possible, but that’s not all they do.
What is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden is a responsible person who ensures the safe evacuation of building occupants in emergency situations.
They play a crucial role in implementing emergency procedures, risk control measures, and evacuation plans to minimise potential risks.
In Australia, workplaces need to have a fire warden trained in fire warden responsibilities and duties, including responding to fire alarms, conducting evacuation drills, and identifying vulnerable people who may require assistance.
A fire warden should be physically capable of responding to emergency situations and have a clear understanding of the workplace layout, including evacuation routes and the location of safety equipment.
They should also be at least 18 years old, having a good understanding of English, and being able to communicate effectively with others. Additionally, fire wardens should be familiar with the workplace’s emergency procedures and risk control measures.
What are a fire warden's main responsibilities?
The main responsibilities of a fire warden are:
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Implement and improve emergency procedures in the workplace.
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Help prevent emergencies by making sure the fire risk control measures meet the specified standards.
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Teach and inform staff of the fire hazards that can occur in the workplace.
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Educate employers on how to respond to emergencies.
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Run fire drills and evacuation simulations; with the warden’s guide, employees should be able to identify all emergency exit routes from their area.
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Make sure that all people in the workplace are accounted for in an evacuation.
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Assist all employers and patrons during an emergency, including those who have special needs (i.e. people in wheelchairs or who are physically challenged).
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Regularly check fire exits to ensure they remain clear
During an evacuation, fire warden’s responsibilities grow to include:
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Instruct everyone to exit the premises through the nearest routes and exits, informing and advising not to use the lifts.
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Clear the area, making sure that everyone has exited the building safely. That includes checking all spaces, such as bathrooms, and other areas. It’s important that they do this on the way to the exits, as the safety of the warden is at risk when they have to re-enter the building.
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Close all doors on the way out to help isolate the fire.
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Guide people to the assembly area, whilst making sure they are safe.
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Report all significant details to the fire department through either radio or a fire phone.
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Communicate with the fire department every three minutes for as long as there are new updates on the state of the emergency.
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Inform them of the cleared areas and any issues that may occur during the fire.
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Send a runner to report any information regarding the crisis in case there is no radio or phone accessibility.
Fire Warden's are an integral role in the safety of a building and its occupants.
They are responsible for implementing evacuation procedures, conducting regular drills, and identifying potential risks to develop effective risk control measures.
To help understand these responsibilities, Fire Warden’s should complete a fire warden course. These courses will help people understand the rule of a fire warden and teach them the necessary skills to be an effective fire warden.
