What Does a Fire Warden Do? A Plain Guide for Irish Employers
When the fire alarm goes off, someone needs to take charge. In most workplaces that's the fire warden. Here's what the role involves and why it matters.
Before an emergency
- Keep escape routes and fire exits clear
- Check fire doors close properly and aren't wedged open
- Report damaged extinguishers, alarms or signs
- Help new staff learn the evacuation procedure
During an emergency
- Raise the alarm and call the emergency services if needed
- Sweep their area to make sure everyone has left
- Help anyone who needs assistance to evacuate
- Close doors behind them to slow the fire's spread
- Report to the assembly point and help with the roll call
What fire wardens don't do
They're not firefighters. They should only use an extinguisher on a small fire, if they're trained and it's safe. Getting people out always comes first.
How many do you need?
It depends on the size of your building, your shift patterns and how many people are on site. You need cover on every shift and every floor, including holidays and sick days.
Power2Me's fire warden training is tailored to your own building, routes and assembly points.