Are you a fire warden or fire marshal? Well actually, there is no difference. They are just two names with the same meaning and is often down to personal preference.

In the UK, the responsibilities of a fire warden and a fire marshal are identical. Fire wardens and marshals are civilians and not part of the fire brigade. In the US, a fire marshal is a member of the fire brigade with a very different job role.

The main purpose of a fire marshal is to assist during a fire evacuation at a workplace. Proper training and tools make their job easier.

The Responsibilities Of Fire Marshals

A fire warden training DVD can help the fire marshal train others in the workplace. Such duties involve teaching staff about evacuation procedures and how to use fire safety equipment. Also, a fire marshal helps their company follow fire safety regulations.

The most important responsibility of a fire marshal is to hold fire drills and evacuations. Being visible, heard, and offering direction ensures the safety of staff, visitors, and clients in the building during times of emergency.

The fire marshal as an individual can be responsible for the building’s safety. Within a large business, this can involve examining potential dangers, alerting the building owner, and correcting any dangers they may find. For example, in a large department store, it is likely that there would be a fire marshal for every floor.

However, within a small business, a fire marshal is simply a member of staff who is responsible for ensuring the safety of employees in the event of a fire.

They may also create a safety and evacuation plan. The plan needs alternative routes to exit the building for all floors. The fire marshal will make certain that all fire extinguishers, torches, and lighted exit signs are in place.

Conducting inspections and fire drills guarantees old and new employees are aware of the procedures. It also helps the marshal to introduce themselves, making it easier to find them in a real emergency.

Tools To Help Fire Marshals

For visibility and hearing during a fire drill or real evacuation, there are several items that are useful to a fire marshal.

A Hi-Vis fire marshal waistcoat is bright yellow and orange to help them to stand out from the crowd. Anyone concerned over where to be or what to do next will be able to find the marshal far more easily with this vest.

A telescopic fire sign can also help others locate the marshal or follow them accordingly to get out of the building to a safety point.

Using a high power megaphone amplifies the fire marshal’s voice in and outside of the building. Fires can bring on panic and the noise from arriving fire engines and onlookers can make it more difficult to hear.

By using a megaphone the marshal can call out, gather the people they are responsible for and check to see if anyone is missing. Another way to assure attention is with an aerosol gas fire horn.

A real fire can knock out the power. Glow sticks, neon wristbands, and flashlights help a marshal navigate and bring others to safety. Consider the workplace lighting you will need.

Fire Marshal Courses

A training course is required for a person to become a fire marshal/fire warden. The course helps teach their legal responsibilities.

Legalities and potential fire situations are two things they can learn about from major fire incidents. After the course, they should be able to recognise common fire hazards, proper fire extinguishers and safety equipment. The course teaches fire science, workplace risk assessment and fire prevention.

The fire warden training DVD is available to use for training others. It is also possible to use it to review procedures learned on the course.

While there is no fire warden fire marshal difference in definition, it is important to understand what the position requires.