Emergencies can happen at any time, often when you’re least aware they’ll occur. Fire Warden training gives your staff direction and guidance in how to address diverse emergencies whenever they arise. Emotions draw individuals extensively focused or leave them immediately such as you don’t want to answer an emergency. As a result, individuals risk their own safety.

Do you know what most people do? Nothing! What do they do? They remain passive and not know what to do or respond. Then they look around and see that the majority of other people are not doing anything either. So they keep on shopping, ignoring the alarm, they don’t realize they could be in danger. However, they will respond very quickly to an alarm when instructed by anyone to take control.

The role of the area warden is largely to direct the staff and others during emergencies, show where and how they can safely evacuate, clear the area, and account for personnel.

Who takes Control during an Emergency?

Employees of your Emergency Control Organization (ECO) constitute your team’s Fire Wardens, and the team takes the lead regarding the safety of employees and personnel, as well as visitors. Life safety will take precedence during an emergency over asset protection.

Establishing an ECO for your company is generally considered best practice.

The appropriate number of ECO members will be in accordance with the requirements of the company’s emergency plan, as determined by the Emergency Planning Committee (EPC). The EPC is normally in charge of developing, implementing, and managing the business’s emergency response plan along with the corresponding training and the necessary procedures for the employees and workplace.

The ECO shall include the following positions as deemed necessary by the EPC:

• Chief Warden (required as a minimum)
• Deputy Chief Warden
• Communications Officer and deputy
• Floor/Area Wardens and Deputies
• Wardens and deputies

The positions and numbers of ECO members will be factored into the EPC and be determined by:

• The size of the facility, floor, or area
• The number of occupants and visitors
• The installed occupant warning equipment
• The fire engineered and life safety features of the facility

Companies typically assign one warden to a designated “area”- i.e. office area, warehouse, floor (multi-story building), etc. Sufficiently small to permit him to effectively supervise and control all employees in this area during an emergency incident.

Emergency Plan – Why? What?

Safework Australia states that businesses must prepare an Emergency Plan. Section 43 of the WHS Regulations requires employers or “person conducting business or undertaking” to prepare and maintain an Emergency Plan. This applies to fires, explosions, and hazardous events relating to toxic gases and harmful substances.

A plan prepared for emergency situations is a resource for website staff and other individuals to utilize in crises. The plan will include info on response plans, along with instruction, and likely procedures. This plan also comprises a training program for site staff and other individuals on emergency procedure training.

Conclusion

Some workplaces are required by law to have area wardens. If you work in a building that requires this training, you need to be prepared to act in the event of a fire with the help of area warden training. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can be the difference between life and death.