Everything You Need to Know About Fire Warden Training

As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every company with business premises must appoint a ‘responsible person’ to oversee all aspects of fire safety. That responsible person then needs to appoint a number of fire wardens (or fire marshals – in most companies they will be the same thing), who will be tasked with carrying out certain essential fire safety procedures and administration.

Fire wardens are generally responsible for things like:

• Regular checks of fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms and fire extinguishers
• Checking the condition of fire safety doors and signage, and emergency exits and lighting 
• Staff inductions
• Organising fire drills
• Organising PAT testing of electrical items
• Maintaining records
• And much more

You will need anywhere between one fire warden for every 50 employees in low-risk premises, and one warden for every 15 employees in a high-risk environment. Your level of risk will depend on a number of things, including the size of the premises, the nature of your business and whether you have staff members particularly at risk (such as those with mobility issues). Your fire risk assessment should determine how many fire wardens you need.

You’ll also need to make sure all shifts are properly covered if you’re open for longer hours than the standard 9 to 5.

What is fire warden training?

Being a fire warden is a highly responsible position in any business or organisation. Within the workplace, they are tasked with minimising the risk of a fire and training staff so that they know what to do in the event of a fire on the premises. If a fire does break out, they will be required to help ensure that everyone gets out of the premises safely and operate fire extinguishers if it is safe to do so. Fire warden training gives them the knowledge and confidence to carry out these important tasks to the standard required to help protect people’s lives.

Do fire wardens need formal training?

Given the high level of responsibility that fire wardens hold, it follows that they need formal training to ensure that they completely understand their roles and the procedures involved in fire safety. The rules surrounding fire safety in commercial premises are very strict, so it is essential that your team has the right kind of training to be able to follow them properly.

Is fire warden training a legal requirement?

Fire warden training is a legal requirement – the Fire Safety Order states that a company must ensure that all wardens have the training they need to do their job properly. To be a certified fire warden, you’ll need to complete a course with a recognised training provider such as Scutum London. When you attend one of these courses, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance recognised by the Health & Safety Executive.

How long does fire warden training last?

A fire warden training course can last anywhere from a one-hour demonstration of how to use a fire extinguisher to a more detailed three-hour course, attendance at which will gain the participant the fire warden certificate.  

How long does a fire warden certificate last in the UK?

The certificate awarded on an official fire warden training course lasts for three years and can be transferred should you change jobs. Regular refresher courses are strongly advised so that wardens can make sure they are fully up to date with any changes in fire safety legislation.

What is taught during fire warden training?

Attendees at a fire warden training course will be taught a number of things, including:

• Fire safety legislation
• Typical causes of workplace fires
• Identifying fire risks
• The chemistry involved in a fire (e.g. the fire triangle)
• Fire drills
• Evacuation procedures
• How to operate a fire extinguisher
• Performing a roll call at an assembly point
• And much more

Where can I get fire warden training?

To get the right kind of training that will ensure your fire wardens are effectively equipped to deal with their responsibilities, you need to make sure your chosen provider is using experienced and fully qualified professionals to teach them.

At Scutum London, we’ve been providing workplace fire safety training for businesses in London, Surrey and the surrounding areas of South East England for many years. With courses available on or off site and for both small and large groups, we have the expertise and knowledge to design a solution that fits around your convenience, your business needs and the particular fire risks at your premises.

Get in touch today to find out more or to book fire warden training for your team.