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A good fire warden will have excellent organisational skills, a level of confidence and a calm head. The role requires you to keep others calm and guide them to a safe location in the event of a fire. If you are prone to panicking in stressful situations, then the role probably isn’t for you. To make sure that the correct procedures are being carried out, in companies of all sizes, it’s important to make sure those in charge have had some fire warden training.

Once a fire alarm goes off, the role of the fire warden is to check their designated area to ensure that it is clear and report to the senior fire warden or incident officer at their designated assembly point. Fire wardens are not expected to fight fires; however they are required to make sure everyone is escorted to the emergency exits as quickly and as safely as possible. Like a traffic warden, the fire warden also needs to direct and control the crowds.

Fire wardens are also asked to report to their safety coordinator, any defects in fire equipment, such as a fire door not closing or a fire extinguisher that doesn’t work properly. It’s important that all members of staff in the workplace are aware who their fire wardens are and where they are usually located, should they need to raise an alarm.

Having a thorough understanding of the causes and preventions of fire, and what to do in the event of a fire will help fire wardens to restore calm in the event of panic and coordinate the safe exit of all members of staff. Fire Warden training will ensure the allocated wardens are fully equipped with all the knowledge they need to carry out these tasks to the best of their ability.

While there are many different companies offering different courses, most will focus on a similar list of safety procedures. These can generally be separated into three categories; the science and theory of fire, fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire.
Trainees will be taught the basic fire regulations / legislations in place so they are aware of what is expected from their company. It’s also important to understand the science and chemistry of fire (think the triangle of fire) why it spreads and what the common causes of fire are. Once trainees understand how fires start, they’ll be taught about prevention and how to stop them from breaking out in the first place. This may include analysing different safety features within their building, hazard spotting and reduction.

Sadly not all fires can be prevented however, therefore as part of the fire warden training, attendees will be taught how to deal with a fire once it’s begun, including when to call the fire service, evacuation procedures and keeping records. Many training courses will include practical training as well as the theory, which will include using a fire extinguisher to dilute the flames. This training will be conducted using a controlled fire and with the professionals on site. We all have fire extinguishers in the work place, a prerequisite of health and safety, however given that most of us have never used one before, it is important to learn how to do so effectively.

Fire warden training courses tend to last for a day to ensure enough time to provide all adequate information. Upon completion, those who take part in the fire safety training will receive an IFE approved certificate of attendance (Institute of Fire Engineers). The IFE is at the heart of the fire community, and a recognised qualification from the institute will ensure you are well prepared in the heat of the moment.

Having attended fire warden training, staff will be able to appreciate fire safety issues at work and make a positive contribution to fire safety.