Do I need fire wardens or fire marshals, and how many?
By Joe Cooper · · 3 min read
The law does not set a fixed number of fire wardens, also called fire marshals. Your fire risk assessment decides whether you need them and how many, based on your premises and the number of people.
What they do
- Help raise the alarm and get people out.
- Check rooms are empty.
- Take a roll call at the assembly point.
- Help anyone who needs assistance.
How many
Consider the size and layout of the building, how many floors, who is in the building and when. Aim for enough trained people that every area is covered whenever the building is occupied, including holiday and sickness cover.
Training
Wardens need more than basic awareness: how to help people leave, check areas, use extinguishers where appropriate, and what to tell the fire service. Refresh the training regularly and record it.
Small businesses
In a small shop or office the manager and a deputy may be enough. What matters is that someone knows what to do and everyone knows who is in charge.
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General information based on GOV.UK guidance and common practice. It is not legal advice or a fire risk assessment. Your own fire risk assessment sets what applies to your premises. Sources: GOV.UK, Fire safety in the workplace.