Wondering exactly what fire wardens’ responsibilities are? We’ve got all the information you need to know.
A fire warden (sometimes known as a fire marshal) is a business employee selected to undergo fire warden training and play a key role in the business’ fire preparation plans. Although the business is responsible for implementing certain safety measures such as fire alarms, signs, and equipment such as fire extinguishers and blankets, the role of the fire warden is to ensure these procedures are all carried out correctly. In addition, if a fire emergency does break out, the fire warden is responsible for the safety of employees and carrying out a safe evacuation.
It’s important to have a fire warden(s) as it will ensure your business is prepared in the case of a fire, helping the Responsible Person (RP) meet their legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), as strengthened by the Building Safety Act 2022. The FSO requires the RP to appoint one or more competent persons—the fire wardens—to assist with preventative and protective measures.
A fire warden’s key responsibilities can be divided into two types of responsibilities: proactive and reactive. This dual role ensures both the continual prevention of fire hazards and a coordinated, safe response should an incident occur.
Proactive responsibilities refer to the planning and tasks carried out to reduce the risk of fire in the workplace and are therefore preventative measures. These are usually carried out day-to-day and consist of regular checks to ensure all safety protocols and procedures are in place and being adhered to. This constant vigilance is crucial for maintaining a high level of fire safety and ensures your business is compliant with the latest UK fire safety law.
Responsibilities will vary depending on the business, but will almost always include:
Furthermore, fire wardens are vital in promoting a culture of safety. They act as the primary liaison between the Responsible Person and the wider staff, distributing fire safety information and conducting regular, informal housekeeping checks. This is particularly important for sites with high-risk operations, such as those in the factory or waste management sectors, where the risk profile changes daily due to processes and materials. By ensuring staff understand the fire escape plans and the location of emergency lighting, the warden turns written procedure into muscle memory for the whole team. This continuous effort significantly contributes to a safer working environment and reduces the likelihood of an emergency developing.
Reactive responsibilities are those that are carried out in the event of a fire. They are therefore reactive responses to the situation and this is where fire warden training is essential. The warden’s ability to remain calm and follow protocol is key to saving lives, as effective training has been shown to reduce evacuation times significantly, according to studies on emergency response protocols.
Depending on the business and building, reactive responsibilities of the fire warden can include:
If a fire emergency occurs within the workplace, it is essential that there are people on hand who are professionally trained and can keep calm and lead everyone to safety. For businesses operating across multiple units or floors, like in the property management or leisure sectors, a higher ratio of trained fire wardens is often necessary to ensure adequate coverage and rapid response times across all occupied areas. The warden’s role extends beyond the immediate emergency to a post-incident function, where they assist the Responsible Person and the emergency services with follow-up information and reports, contributing to a full investigation of the event.
BusinessWatch conduct a Fire Warden Training Programme that is recognised by the Institute of Fire Engineers. It covers both proactive and reactive responsibilities under the latest fire legislation, as well as other fire-prevention measures such as the correct use of fire extinguishers and how to organise a quick yet safe evacuation. We strongly advocate for all businesses to follow the guidance from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) regarding the recommended fire warden-to-staff ratios, ensuring there is always adequate coverage during all operating hours.
For more information on our Fire Warden Training Programme or to register your interest, please read more here.
