Who Is A Fire Warden?
A fire warden is someone who is trained, certified and employed to manage fire safety in the organization. They can also be called fire-watch, fire marshal, etc.
Due to the damaging effect of fire, fire wardens role is very important in any establishment; as they will help to either prevent fire or manage fire incidents.
Now, let’s get into the duties of a fire warden:
Duties Of A Fire Warden
- Assist in the inspection, servicing and maintenance of a range of fire appliances and installed fire protection equipment.
- Conduct weekly user tests on fire alarm systems.
- Issue hot work permits to contractors
- Advice all persons within an assigned area to evacuate via the nearest safe exit during a fire emergency.
- Assist in the evacuation of persons with disabilities.
- Lead the fire drills and real evacuation procedures
- Report all fire hazards.
- Assist in implementing and improving effective emergency procedures in your workplace.
- Help prevent emergencies by monitoring the adequacy of the fire risk control measures.
- Raise awareness with other staff about the fire hazards that exist in the workplace.
- Instruct workers in how to respond in an emergency.
- Ensure that all workers are accounted for during an evacuation.
- Direct everyone to leave the building using all the appropriate routes and exits (and not inappropriate exits such as lifts).
- Check all accessible spaces in their area to make sure everyone has evacuated.
- Close doors to help to isolate the fire.
- Guide everyone to the assembly area and assist in checking that everyone has arrived safely.
- Monitor escape routes to see they are kept free of obstructions.
- Check that fire doors are not tied, propped or wedged open where they should not be.
- To check that final exit doors open, and are not obstructed.
- To check that extinguishers are where they should be and no obvious misuse or defect has occurred.
In conclusion, before you can function as a fire warden, you have to be trained and certified. Enroll for fire warden training to get certified for practice.