What Is A Fire Marshal and Their Duties?
When it comes to the job of a fire marshal, it is important that you explicitly know the duties. This is an important part of your fire safety procedure, ensuring that it is being carried out effectively.
What is a Fire Marshal, and Their Role?
For more information on what is a fire marshal UK, this post explains in detail the job roles of a fire marshal concerning making sure fires are prevented and that an evacuation plan is in place in the event of a fire and that everyone is evacuated quickly and that fires are extinguished or contained as much as possible.
Fire Marshal Responsibilities & Duties
The role of a fire marshal can be divided into two distinct categories; Proactive and Reactive.
Proactive Fire Marshal Duties:
- Check emergency exits are free from an obstruction inside and out at all times.
- Check fire extinguishers are in the right position and not damaged
- Checking fire doors are in good working order weekly
- Checking there is appropriate signage for emergency exits and fire extinguishers
- Break glass call points are visible and have signs along with being properly fixed to the walls
- Check emergency lighting every month, and if anything is wrong, an electrician or fire safety company should be called to rectify this
- Weekly fire alarm tests are part of the job role of a fire marshal
- Checking combustible materials are stored away from heat sources
- Smoking areas regularly cleaned and ashtrays emptied
- Hazardous materials stored correctly
- New staff training in fire safety awareness
- Refresher courses for all employees
- Annual fire drills fall under the remit of a UK fire marshal
- Correct documentation of all fire safety activities
- Assigning a ‘buddy’ or ‘PEEP’ system (‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan’) for more vulnerable colleagues.
- Fire marshal can help to deliver recommendations in your fire risk assessment.
Reactive Fire Marshal Duties:
- Raise the alarm in the event of a fire and contact the fire brigade if required
- Close all doors and fire doors to prevent the fire from spreading
- Directing people to the emergency exits
- Assisting disabled or pregnant staff members exit the building or locating their ‘buddy.’
- Conduct a floor sweep to ensure everyone has left the building
- Tackle small blazes with fire extinguishers
- Conducting roll call at the designated assembly point
How Many Fire Marshals Do You Need?
When asking the question of how many fire marshals I need for my business? The answer relates to the severity of the risk of a fire and how many employees you have, the size of your premises, and the hours of operation.
How many fire marshals you need is dependent on a variety of different factors unique to your business. For low-risk areas on one level, e.g. one office on one building floor, 2 fire marshals per 50 people could be sufficient. However, a kitchen and a dining area in a busy restaurant with 30 employees in the kitchen working three shifts, and a dining area with 8 employees working two shifts and seating for up to 40 customers would require 14 fire marshals spread out over the different shift patterns and located in the kitchen and restaurant areas.
What is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden is a designated person tasked with ensuring that no individuals remain inside a building during emergencies such as fires. They’re involved in the evacuation process in the event of a fire, helping to maintain order, check designated areas, and assist vulnerable individuals. The role of a fire warden is to enforce safety protocols and ensure that all personnel are accounted for during drills or actual emergencies.
Some of the key duties associated with a fire warden include supporting the implementation of emergency arrangements to facilitate safe evacuation during a fire. They also monitor the adequacy of current fire risk control measures and raise awareness with staff about things like fire hazards in the workplace.
What is the Training for a Fire Marshal & How Long Does it Last?
Training for a fire marshal in the UK typically covers various aspects of fire safety, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. The training is comprehensive, usually lasting one to two days, and is offered by various providers such as St John Ambulance. It includes practical and theoretical elements, teaching potential fire marshals how to recognise fire hazards, manage evacuations effectively, and use firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers. Regular refresher courses are also recommended to keep their knowledge up to date and in line with any new regulations.
The Importance of Fire Marshals & Wardens in the Workplace
Fire marshals and wardens are indispensable in maintaining a safe workplace environment. They ensure that fire safety procedures are implemented and followed, significantly reducing the risk of fire-related incidents. In an emergency, their trained response can be the difference between an orderly evacuation and chaos.
Beyond this, their presence boosts the overall safety awareness among employees, fostering a culture of preparedness and prevention that can save lives and resources in the long run. Their role complies with UK fire regulations in schools, workplaces and public buildings while also instilling a sense of security among the workforce.
Are Fire Marshals Required By Law?
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for all businesses and premises to have a fire marshal. This mandate is derived from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which necessitates the appointment of one or more ‘competent persons’ to help in managing fire safety duties.
Fire marshals play a major role in this context, tasked with overseeing the implementation of fire safety measures and ensuring compliance with all legal provisions concerning fire safety and evacuation processes. Their responsibilities are integral to maintaining workplace safety and minimising the risks associated with fires.
What is the Difference Between a Fire Marshal & Fire Warden?
Although the terms ‘fire marshal’ and ‘fire warden’ are frequently used interchangeably, their roles can vary subtly depending on the specific fire safety policy of an organisation. A fire marshal is primarily responsible for the preventive aspect of fire safety, focusing on risk assessment, safety checks, and educational training for staff. They oversee the overall fire safety management, including the maintenance of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and other fire prevention systems.
On the other hand, a fire warden is usually more actively involved during an emergency. Their duties include leading the evacuation of employees and visitors, checking all designated areas to ensure everyone has safely exited, and preventing re-entry until it is safe. Fire wardens may also assist in the fire marshal’s preventive duties but are more focused on actions during an actual fire incident.
What is a Fire Marshal Not Responsible For During a Fire?
Understanding the limitations of a fire marshal’s responsibilities during a fire is a good way to contextualise their role in fire safety. Their primary duty during an emergency is to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of all persons from the premises. Fire marshals are not expected to engage directly in firefighting efforts or put themselves at risk to make an area safe. They’re also not responsible for securing assets or property within the building, such as locking fireproof safes or rescuing valuable items.
Instead, their focus should remain strictly on human safety, helping to facilitate evacuation and accounting for all personnel to ensure that no one is left behind. By concentrating on these duties, fire marshals are important individuals in safeguarding lives during fire emergencies.
