In the event of a fire, some people may freeze, unsure of what to do, while others may go into shock or become hysterical. This is where a fire warden becomes one of the most important people in the building.
In short, a fire warden is trained to be the calm during the chaos – they are cool, calm and collected.
Even more than that, an effective fire warden is responsible for preventing an emergency in the first place by promoting fire safety, running fire drills and undertaking other preventative actions.
Here are seven reasons why the role of the fire warden and undertaking fire warden training is so important.
Prevention
Prevention is better than a cure! The fire warden or wardens in your office aren’t just responsible in the event of a fire emergency; they are also involved in preventing an emergency in the first place.
1. Promoting Fire Safety in the Workplace
One way that fire wardens’ help to prevent fires is through the promotion of fire safety. A fire warden works to ensure other staff and occupants of their floor or building are aware of fire hazards that can occur in the workplace, from electrical fires to fires caused by clutter.
This may involve erecting signs in areas with combustible material or electrical hazards, providing all staff with a fire safety induction and ensuring all occupants are aware of basic fire safety information.
2. Understanding the Building and Fire Equipment
In the case of an emergency, a fire warden must be aware of the layout of their floor or building, the location of any emergency exits and the location of any fire fighting or communications equipment.
Not only that, but a fire warden is responsible for ensuring that any fire equipment in the building is up to date.
3. Running Fire Drills and Evacuation Simulations
One way to minimise the normal chaos the ensues during an emergency is to ensure staff, children and any other building occupants are as prepared as possible.
Simulation fire drills and evacuations are a great way for the fire warden to use their training, while also preparing other staff for the procedures and expectations during a real-life emergency.
4. Understanding Fire Risk Control Measures
Fire wardens are also responsible for understanding and implementing programs that control the preparation, prevention and recognition of fire hazards in the workplace.
This may be as simple as ensuring fire equipment and emergency exits remain easy to access and unblocked and that flammable materials are stored correctly, or monitoring any potential hazards, assessing the risk and reviewing the success of any controls.
During an Emergency
From the time smoke is spotted or a fire alarm is raised, fire warden training becomes a crucial skill to have in the workplace. Other than raising the alarm, a fire warden is responsible for a number of actions and emergency procedures to ensure everyone is safe.
5. Acting as a Leader in the Chaos
One of the biggest roles a fire warden has is to calmly, safely and quickly lead all building occupants to designated assembly points in the event of a fire. This is often one of the hardest roles, as people tend to go into shock or put themselves in danger by returning to the building to retrieve their belongings.
A fire warden must be a leader, prepared to direct everyone to leave the building using the most appropriate routes. They must also methodically check all accessible spaces to ensure everyone has safely evacuated.
In the event of an evacuation, a fire warden is also responsible for assisting anyone who is mobility-impaired, to ensure they safely evacuate the building.
Once the building has been checked and all staff have been guided to the assembly area, the fire warden must conduct a head count to check that all staff, guests and building occupants are present.
6. Operating Fire Equipment
A fire warden is also one of the first lines of attack against a fire. Fire warden training equips fire wardens to operate fire-fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire hose reels.
7. Communicating with Emergency Services
Briefing the fire department or any relevant emergency services when they arrive can be crucial to the actions these emergency service officers choose to undertake.
Fire wardens must be able to succinctly inform fire fighters where the fire began, what type of fire it may be and whether there may be anyone trapped in the building.
Why Choose Fire Safe ANZ for Fire Warden Training
Fire warden training is a priceless skill to have in any workplace, so it makes sense to undertake fire warden training a brand that is known for providing professional fire protection services to clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Fire Safe ANZ fire warden training has been designed to properly equip staff to deal with any workplace emergency.
Contact Fire Safe ANZ today to prepare your workplace with fire warden training.