FIR/Specific/TBT-FIR-024
Fire Warden Duties and Appointment
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Toolbox Talk
Fire Warden Duties and Appointment
Fire wardens are appointed on construction sites to assist with evacuation, check their designated area is clear, and report to the fire assembly point. Without effective fire wardens, people may be left behind in areas that are difficult to search during an emergency. This talk explains the fire warden role, how they are appointed, and the duties they must carry out during a fire alarm or emergency.
Key Hazards
Workers left behind in the building because no warden checked their area
Delayed evacuation because wardens were not trained or did not know their role
Assembly point headcount inaccurate because wardens did not report in after sweeping
Wardens putting themselves at risk by re-entering the building to search for others
Control Measures
- Appoint a sufficient number of fire wardens to cover every occupied area of the site.
- Ensure all fire wardens receive training in their duties, the alarm system, and the evacuation plan.
- Issue fire wardens with high-visibility tabards or arm bands so they are easily identifiable.
- Assign each warden a specific zone to sweep and check during every evacuation.
- Wardens must check their zone is clear, close doors behind them, and report to the assembly point.
- Do not re-enter the building after completing your sweep — report missing persons to the fire marshal.
- Practice the fire warden role during every fire drill to build familiarity and confidence.
- Update fire warden appointments when personnel change to ensure coverage is always maintained.
- Display the fire warden list and zone map on the site notice board for all personnel to see.
Remember
- Appoint enough fire wardens to cover every occupied area of the construction site at all times
- Train all wardens in their duties, the alarm system, and the site-specific evacuation plan
- Each warden must have a specific zone to sweep and check during every alarm and drill
- Wardens check their zone is clear, close doors, and report to the assembly point promptly
- Do not re-enter the building after sweeping — report any missing persons to the fire marshal
- Update fire warden appointments whenever site personnel change to maintain full coverage
Applicable Legislation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
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