How to Be a Fire Warden: A Comprehensive Guide to Fire Safety
In an era full of work and responsibilities, we know that the role of a fire warden is to assist and maintain the safety arrangements in the workplace. Safety and precaution are the two key terms that align with the core responsibilities of an experienced fire warden. This extensive guide, inspired by SLC’s expert insights, will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.
Who is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden, also known as a fire Marshall is prepared for any kind of fire based accidents or emergencies. It is the fire wardens who enforce safe practices and principles during the event of fire.
Years of training and guidance naturally put them in a state of awareness while learning and understanding the causes and consequences of fire accidents. Proper fire warden training is done every year as the job qualification for a fire warden is given based on experience, skills and confidence to undertake physical risks.
Fire wardens ensure the effective evacuation of employees and visitors while implementing the fire safety procedures to be followed. Raising the awareness of the possible fire hazards at the workplace is the primary responsibility of a fire warden.
All about training for fire warden
SLC’s safety training program involves understanding the fundamentals of fire fighting and fire safety. Most of the courses are designed to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of safety protocols.
The program will help you learn about fire control and risk assessments. After the training period, fire wardens are well versed with the usage of fire equipment and the precautionary measures to be taken during hazardous situations. In the fire warden training program you learn about
The fundamentals of fire
- The fundamentals of heat transport and fire spread
- Common causes and effects of workplace fires
- Legislation and standards for fire risk assessment
- Measures to reduce the risk of a fire
- Fire detection, warning, and suppression equipment
- Procedures for emergency evacuation.
Roles and responsibilities of a fire warden
A fire warden’s education revolves around learning to identify, take risks, and take care of the consequences of fire accidents. They are responsible under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to take up fire assessments and strategically manage events of fire. The main responsibilities of a fire warden includes
Awareness and education: Fire wardens will assist and give instructions on safety protocols. Information on safety and fire drills are conducted.
Regular inspections: Primary responsibilities include application of safety protocols, identifying cause of fire, guidance on escape routes and checking up with the safety equipment.
Maintaining records: Keep account of the equipment, fire drills, and the number of training sessions.
Evacuation assistance: Fire wardens take the necessary steps to ensure safe evacuation of the citizens at a designated place.
As a fire warden, the training and learning is done on a continuous basis. SLC ensures that the trainees are well updated with the latest technologies and equipment developed for safety.
Top 5 skills of a fire warden
The requirements of a fire warden does not happen overnight. It is developed through continuous training and guidance provided throughout the years. Some key skills of a fire warden includes:
Problem solvers: Most of the people who work at the fire and safety departments are strategic problem solvers. Fire wardens are very aware of what kind of plan, equipment and instructions are to be given during the event of fire. This is a skill developed after years of training and experience.
Management: Assessment of fire hazards and taking the lead towards safe evacuation is the prime responsibility of a fire warden. Fire wardens are mostly leaders during times of hazardous situations.
Calmness: Fire warden’s are generally calm and composed because the first rule is to prioritize awareness over anxiety during such situations. Fire warden’s are trained to have confidence at the time of crises.
Detail oriented: Extensive knowledge on fire, safety protocols and precautionary measures keeps them grounded to every little requirement for safe evacuation
Proactiveness: Fire wardens take up the responsibility on themselves towards the safety of people in the building.
