Fire Training

In order to become a fire marshal for your workplace, you will need to undergo fire marshal training. Your employer is obliged to provide you with this training, and to cover the costs associated with the training.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does not confirm the frequency of fire marshal training. In our opinion, refresher training should take place every 1-2 years, to ensure that you are competent, should a fire situation occur on your premises.

There is no legislative difference between fire marshals and fire wardens.

Fire Marshal’s responsibilities can be split into 2 sections, daily tasks and evacuation tasks.

Daily tasks

The daily tasks that a Fire Marshal should conduct will vary, depending on the organisation. In the main, the following daily tasks should be completed:

• Ensure that all evacuation routes remain unobstructed
• Conduct routine walkarounds in order to remove any materials that pose a fire risk
• Making sure fire safety signs are properly placed
• Arranging and conducting fire evacuation drills
• Ensure that all fire-fighting equipment is stored properly and that it is regularly serviced
• Maintaining records of any fire safety activities carried out
• Ensure that electrical connections and emergency lighting is tested (if not done by the Facilities Manager)

Of course there will be other tasks completed which are not on this list, but this will give you an understanding of the types of tasks required of Fire Marshals.

Fire Emergency Tasks

• Raising the fire alarm (if not already done by someone who spotted the fire).
• Ensuring that all doors and fire doors are closed
• Ensuring that anyone who is subject to a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) are evacuated from the building.
• Conducting the roll call for those at the fire assembly point
• Liaising with the emergency services when they respond to the scene.
• Using fire-extinguishers (if trained and safe to do)
• Ensuring that your areas of responsibility (if multiple Fire Marshals) are clear during the evacuation process.

Fires within the work premises are one of the most destructive accidents that can occur. Not only is there the potential for loss of life and other associated severe injuries, but fires can also destroy the work premises, including the structure and everything that is contained within it. Fires in work premises have been known to push organisations to the brink. Therefore, it is important to learn about the risk of fire to the organisation, along with understanding what to do in the event of a fire, and what controls can be implemented by the organisation to prevent a fire from occurring in the first instance.

Simple answer – yes! Under the Fire Safety Order 2005, it is a legislative requirement that every member of your workforce attends and receives fire safety training.