Fire Warden or Fire Marshal
Fire Marshal or Fire Warden? Understanding the Distinction Between Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals: Roles and Responsibilities Explained
Introduction
Fire safety training is essential not only to protect your people and premises, but it is also a legal requirement in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
It is important that all people are provided with fire safety training so they understand the requirements of your premises and what to do in the event of a fire. This is often carried out during an induction and should be regularly refreshed. Fire awareness training for your whole organisation is important to ensure everyone is aware of preventative measures and what to do in the event of an emergency. With our expertise you can provide dedicated fire awareness training in an informative and educational manner.
You will then have nominated staff who have defined responsibilities relating to fire safety, these should be specifically trained on their duties and role. These people are fire wardens or fire marshals, but what’s the difference?
Fire Wardens or Fire Marshals?
The needs of your premises will determine if you have fire wardens, fire marshals, or both. Both terms can mean different things depending on the organisation or company, and ultimately they are about assigning responsibility for fire safety and are interchangeable.
Fire wardens and/or fire marshals have responsibilities for fire safety at your premises. This would include ensuring that the working environment is safe and identifying and reporting hazards they become aware of.
They should be trained on their role in the event of a fire, understanding how to follow the requirements of your fire plan, evacuation procedures and the use of fire extinguishers.
Further duties may include investigating fires and fire safety concerns, being involved in developing and implement fire plans and working with the fire brigade in the case of an emergency.
Comparison
The roles of both fire wardens and fire marshals are very similar, and in smaller organisations they may be encompassed within one role. Ultimately, the titles of the people responsible for knowing what to do in the event of a fire are unimportant. Focus should be on ensuring that you have a team of people who are responsible for understanding how to prevent fires, follow emergency evacuation procedures and fire plans, and can support your whole team in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
Your nominated fire wardens and/or fire marshals play a crucial role in maintaining fire safety and protecting your people and business. You should ensure that you have people appointed in fire safety roles and they receive adequate training to feel confident should the worst happen.
Our training supports your team to build the appropriate skills needed to be a fire warden or fire marshal and ensures they understand their fire safety responsibilities.
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