FIR/Specific/TBT-FIR-014

Fire Warden Duties and Responsibilities

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Fire wardens are responsible for assisting with safe evacuation and fire safety management on site.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a responsible person to manage fire safety.
Fire wardens are appointed by the site manager and must receive specific training for the role.
Duties include checking escape routes, fire points, and assembly areas are clear and accessible.
During a fire alarm, wardens sweep their designated area to ensure all personnel have evacuated.
Fire wardens report to the fire assembly point and confirm their area is clear to the site manager.
Wardens should be familiar with all fire extinguisher locations and types in their area.
They also monitor for fire hazards during routine work such as blocked exits and stored flammables.
A fire warden should never put themselves at risk attempting to fight a fire beyond their training.
Sufficient wardens must be appointed to cover all areas, shifts, and foreseeable absences.

Save lives	Fire wardens ensure all areas are checked during evacuation — people left behind in fires suffer fatal outcomes.
Legal duty	The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires competent persons to assist with fire safety measures including evacuation.
Early warning	Wardens identify and report fire hazards during normal working before they develop into incidents.

Don't

Accept the fire warden role only after receiving proper training
Know your designated area, escape routes, and the location of all fire points
Check escape routes and fire exits are clear and unlocked at the start of each shift
Sweep your area methodically during an alarm to confirm all persons have left
Report to the assembly point and confirm your area status to the site manager
Monitor your area for fire hazards such as blocked exits and stored flammables
Know the location and correct use of each fire extinguisher type in your zone
Assist anyone with mobility difficulties to evacuate safely during an alarm
Attend regular fire warden refresher training and participate in fire drills
Record any fire safety issues found during your routine checks

DON'T attempt to fight a fire that is beyond the initial stage or your training
DON'T re-enter a building during an evacuation without authorisation from the fire service
DON'T allow escape routes or fire exits to become blocked or locked shut
DON'T ignore fire alarm activations assuming they are false — always respond fully
DON'T leave your designated area uncovered without informing the site manager
DON'T forget to account for visitors and temporary workers in your area
DON'T delay raising the alarm if you discover a fire — every second counts
DON'T use lifts during a fire evacuation — use stairways and designated routes
DON'T store flammable materials in escape routes or near fire exits
DON'T assume someone else will check your area — that is your responsibility

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Fire Evacuation Procedures

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