7.11 Fire Warden and their Responsibilities

Fire Wardens are appointed in writing by the Area Safety Manager.

Fire Wardens Are Responsible For Carrying Out The Following Functions

• To carry out systematic monthly Fire Safety checks of their assigned area to ensure that all fire equipment, exit signs etc. are in place and in good working order - Fire Wardens Monthly Check Sheet. Fire Wardens check sheet guide
• To submit "Fire Wardens" Monthly Check-sheets" to the Area Safety Manager for any necessary action and filing for reference and send a copy to the SHE office with actions taken.
• To bring to the attention of the Area Safety Manager in writing, particular causes for concern using a BSU Fire Safety Defect sheet
• During a Fire Evacuation, whether real or a practice, to evacuate to their designated external Assembly Point and receive Personnel and Area condition/situation reports from Fire Marshals. Correlate information and pass on this, either to their Area Safety Manager, or the Fire Officer when the Fire Brigade arrive
• During a real emergency liaise with the Area Safety Manager, if present, and the Senior Fire Officer, immediately on the arrival of the Fire Brigade
• Supply the Senior Fire Officer with a brief situation report as regards to the condition of both the building and evacuation of people. This should contain
  • Situation of personnel from Fire Marshal's reports
  • Inform of the presence of any disabled people still within the building
  • Assess where you think the seat of the fire is likely to be located
  • Suggest the best route to reach personnel and the seat of the fire
  • Highlight any dangerous hazards or chemicals stored in buildings that are likely to hinder or cause danger to Fire Brigade personnel
• Ensure that before any people re-enter the building, personnel wait until the Senior Fire Brigade Officer-in-charge, gives all buildings the "All clear".

Practice Emergency Evacuations Should Be

• Practised twice per year and organised and supervised by the Area Safety Manager. It is recommended that one is always carried out at the beginning of the academic year and the other soon after the start of the new calendar year;
• Timed and recorded to check performance - an evacuation time of more than 2 minutes is not acceptable and should be repeated within two weeks;
• The main access/egress route should be cordoned off during the second practice, so that personnel are familiar with the emergency exit routes.

Identification of Fire Wardens

All fire wardens will be issued with a reflective Fire Warden armband that should be worn so that they can be easily identified, whenever the alarm is raised. In addition they have been issued with a whistle in order to improve communications during fire evacuations. The use of a whistle will assist those unfamiliar the location of the Fire Assembly points i.e. contractors, visitors and new students.

On arrival at the Fire Assembly Point a Fire Warden will sound three sharp blasts on the whistle to gain the attention of those evacuating the building. Those exiting the building should safely make their way to the Fire Warden at the Assembly Point, and await further instructions. At this stage any useful information can be passed onto the Fire Warden.

When it is safe to re enter the building a Fire Warden will sound one single extended blast on the whistle - this is the signal that it is safe to renter the building. You should not re enter the buildings until you have been given the signal to do so. In the event of a real fire, this signal will come from the Senior Fire Officer in attendance.



 

Revised September 2011