What is a Fire Warden
In accordance with the Australian Standard 3745-2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, a Fire Warden, also referred to as a Floor or Area Warden, is an appointed individual responsible for supervising fire safety and evacuation procedures during an emergency within a facility. Their role is critical in ensuring the safety of all occupants, as they possess the necessary training to identify potential fire hazards, activate alarms, and efficiently evacuate individuals.
To qualify for this position, one must undergo comprehensive training that encompasses various aspects of fire safety, including identifying risks, comprehending evacuation protocols, and operating firefighting equipment. Additionally, practical exercises are conducted to simulate real-life scenarios and prepare wardens for any potential emergencies.
They must collaborate closely with their colleagues after receiving proper training. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all building occupants are well-informed about evacuation protocols, assembly points, and emergency contacts. In case of any unexpected incidents, their role is pivotal in creating a secure environment for everyone within the facility.
Failure to comply with Australian Standards can lead to legal consequences that differ in each state and territory. Therefore, it is essential for businesses and organizations to appoint trained wardens who can ensure the safety of their employees in case of an emergency.
The responsibilities of a fire warden
The duties of a fire warden are contained within the Australian Standards, separated into three main categories. Fire wardens are required to perform duties in times of Pre-Emergency, Emergency and Post-Emergency. In more detail requirements for fire wardens include:
Pre Emergency:
- Confirming sufficient wardens for their area of responsibility
- Coordinating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans with mobility impaired persons
- Report on deficiencies with emergency equipment and ensure warden ID equipment is available
- Communicate emergency response procedures authorised by the emergency plan to occupants within their area
- Coordinate relevant safety practices (i.e. clearing paths of egress)
- Attend required training, tests and exercises
During an emergency:
- Notify emergency services
- Implement emergency response procedures
- Investigate area of responsibility for anomalies and personnel who have not evacuated
- Commence evacuation if warranted
- Communicate with senior members of the Emergency Control Organisation (such as the Chief Warden, Deputy Chief or Communications Officers), follow and confirm their completed instructions
- Manage own safety and deputise other competent persons if required
- check fire and smoke doors are properly latched
- Ensure an orderly flow of occupants
- Assist persons with mobility issues
Post Emergency: Report actions taken during the debrief process
Competencies of an Emergency Warden
To fulfill this role effectively, they need to have specific competencies that enable them to carry out their duties efficiently. Firstly, wardens should be knowledgeable about the building’s safety procedures and protocols, including evacuation routes and assembly points.
Wardens must be available, able to be trained and capable to perform their duties, including to lead and take command.
They must have effective decision making skills, remain calm under pressure, be an effective communicator and be familiar with the facility.
How many fire wardens should I have in my building
According to Australian Standards AS3745-2010, the number of fire wardens required in a building depends on its size and occupancy.
This ensures that there are enough trained personnel to manage an emergency without causing panic or confusion among occupants.
In accordance with the Australian Standards, the number of wardens are determined on a variety of factors including:
- Building classification and use
- Location, including proximity to other hazards
- Building structure, size and shape
- Safety measures and fire risk
- The training and competency of occupants (including frequency of fire drills and fire warden courses)
- Maintenance regime of life safety systems or items that affect life safety systems.
- Any hazards or firefighting concerns.
What guidance is provided in Australia for Fire Wardens
The Australian Standard AS 3745 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, serves as a comprehensive guide for emergency management planning in different facilities across Australia. Its primary objective is to equip all occupants with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond efficiently in the event of an incident, including but not limited to fire, flood, and other natural calamities.
AS 3745 guidelines outline the essential planning and response procedures, such as hazard identification, control measures implementation, response plan development, regular exercises, and record maintenance. Effective communication during an event is also emphasized to provide occupants with timely information and coordinate external agency responses. By following these guidelines, wardens can assist in preparing facility managers for managing such events.
The Australian Standard AS 4083:2012 is an alternate guide for healthcare facilities that outlines guidelines for planning and management of these facilities during emergency situations. Its primary objective is to safeguard the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors by mitigating potential hazards.
What is Fire Warden training
Warden Training is a program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in case of fire emergencies. This training is often mandatory in many establishments, such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and public places. Training requirements for fire wardens are detailed within the Australian Standards, which require all organisations to have an adequate number of trained wardens who are capable of managing fire-related incidents.
At what frequency should warden training courses be conducted
To ensure Wardens are capable and self-assured in carrying out their duties in a workplace emergency, consistent training is essential. The frequency of refreshing warden training is a common query. AS 3745 mandates that skills retention activities must be conducted every six months. Any Warden requiring instruction on the use of first-attack firefighting (FAF) equipment (including portable fire extinguishers) must receive re-training within two years.
Beyond this, the frequency of additional training hinges on various factors, including the size and intricacy of the workplace, the degree of risk involved, and any modifications made to emergency response procedures.
It is essential for new employees to receive adequate safety training as soon as they join an organization. This will enhance their necessary skills and understanding of their duties in the event of an emergency. The training should adhere to the Standards 3745:2010 (emergency planning in facilities), and we suggest that your wardens receive online training and refresher courses to avoid any gaps in the required 6-month intervals.
Additionally, regularly scheduled sessions can help keep everyone informed about any necessary information, such as changes to the facility’s emergency risk control measures, roles and responsibilities, or statutory and regulatory updates.
The requirements for fire safety and fire warden training
The warden training courses under AS 3745 cover a broad spectrum of subjects, a few of which are mentioned here:
Duties -During times of emergency, wardens are responsible for performing a range of tasks that involve alerting people, directing them towards safety, and overseeing safe evacuations. They must assess all possible risks and use their judgement to reduce any possible damage or losses. Moreover, they need to communicate essential information with other emergency responders and senior authorities in an efficient manner.
Emergency procedures – Ensuring that the staff under their authority are knowledgeable about risk factors, protocols, and emergency exits is a vital responsibility of a warden. This can be achieved by conducting regular practice drills and instructional sessions.
Emergency responses – Appointed wardens must have the skill to identify potential dangers and develop successful plans to mitigate them. They should also maintain open communication with everyone involved. In addition, they need to have a thorough knowledge of the building’s structure, as well as available resources like fire extinguishers, sprinklers, fire blankets, and evacuation routes in case of an emergency.
Reporting – Reporting plays a crucial role in AS 3745 since it ensures that any potential hazards are detected and resolved promptly. To achieve this, it is essential to establish clear communication channels among all staff members, making sure that everyone knows who is responsible for reporting incidents and the appropriate reporting procedures.
Communication – During emergencies, effective communication is critical. AS 3745 offers a structure to guarantee that messaging is clear and brief. This includes keeping accurate contact details and providing precise and concise messages.
Pre / emergency / post activities – The AS 3745 standard provides guidance on managing procedures that cover activities prior to, during, and after emergencies. Wardens are responsible for ensuring preparedness beforehand. In the event of an actual emergency, wardens are accountable for implementing their pre-established procedures to protect all individuals on the premises. Afterward, wardens must take any necessary post-event actions, such as conducting debriefs, conducting damage assessments, or reviewing response protocols to identify ways to improve safety measures.
Planning and assisting persons with mobility issues – This subject matter primarily concerns identifying people who require assistance during emergency situations or evacuations due to their limited mobility. Furthermore, it entails devising an appropriate plan of action to cater to their requirements.
Human behaviour – AS 3745 emphasizes the importance of understanding human behaviour during emergency situations and how it impacts response. Different types of behaviour, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and fight or flight reactions, may arise during an incident. By comprehending these behaviours, wardens can react accordingly.
Building safety systems – AS 3745 outlines the instructions for developing warden familiarity with building life safety systems (BLSS), which typically include emergency lighting, communication systems, evacuation procedures, and early warning systems.
Upon completion of the training, which will incorporate emergency scenario exercises and evaluation, participants should receive a certificate of competence if they pass.
Should they participate in face-to-face or online fire warden training?
Table-top, hands-on or online training are all supported by the Standards.
How to Improve participation in fire warden training
Participation in warden training can be challenging to achieve, especially if employees view it as an inconvenience or are reluctant to take time away from their regular duties. To improve participation, employers should consider the following crucial aspects essential for ensuring that wardens remain up-to-date with their training, including their participation in emergency drills.
Firstly, employers should communicate the importance of warden training to all employees and emphasize its relevance to their work environment. They could also highlight the potential consequences of inadequate fire safety measures and how they could lead to injury, loss of property, or even death. Secondly, making the training interactive, risk-free and engaging can help foster interest and increase engagement levels among participants. Employers could leverage modern technologies like e-learning tools that simulate realistic emergency scenarios to make learning more effective and memorable. Finally, offering incentives such as certificates or recognition for exemplary performance during drills can motivate employees to participate actively in warden training programs.
Online training should be a consideration as it:
- fills competency gaps for wardens who are onboarded at times well before the next exercise/training is scheduled.
- provides a risk-free environment for the warden to learn and make mistakes (active learning) if necessary; and
- Can be customised to the individual role of the warden and taken at the convenient time for the employee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Australian Standards provide a framework for ensuring that workplaces are equipped with trained personnel who can effectively respond to fire emergencies, improve the safety of occupants and overall emergency preparedness. The standards require employers to identify potential hazards and implement measures that reduce the risk of fire outbreaks. Additionally, the standards mandate employers to train their employees on how to respond in case of a fire emergency.
It is important for employers to comply with these standards as failure to do so could result in legal repercussions in case of any accidents or injuries resulting from fires. Additionally, complying with these standards ensures that workplaces are safe and secure for both employees and visitors. Employers should regularly review their fire safety plans and ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest industry developments and health and safety benchmarks to keep occupants safe. Overall, complying with Australian Standards can be beneficial in improving workplace safety, reducing risks associated with fires, and saving lives during emergencies.