Critical Factors That Affect the Effectiveness of Fire Warden Training

30 November 2020
 Categories: Environmental, Blog


The devastating effects of fire cannot be underestimated. As such, measures must be put in place to prevent fire incidences or control the same. However, it is challenging to manage fire incidences effectively since people behave differently in such an environment. Some people freeze because they are not sure what to do, while others become hysterical. It makes fire wardens some of the most important people in the workplace. The volunteers are trained to stay cool, calm and collected during the chaos caused by a fire incident. With the right training, fire wardens can promote safety by conducting drills and other preventive measures. That said, effective fire warden training relies on several factors.

Building Specificity

Buildings vary significantly on many fronts, such as construction materials used and architecture. For instance, some buildings are primarily constructed with concrete, while others are built using timber. Similarly, some facilities have tight spaces and corridors, while others are spacious. The differences mean that fire warden training should not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Although fire service providers should offer fire wardens with a broader outlook regarding prevention and management of fire, the training should be specific to the building. Specificity ensures that trainees get the right type of training for their work environment.

Number of Trainees

The number of workers volunteering for fire warden training plays an integral role. For example, if a company has 200 workers on its premises, five fire wardens are insufficient. Five people can't control 200 colleagues safely during a fire incident, rendering their training ineffective. Ideally, it is recommended to have two fire wardens for every 20 occupants. Therefore, a company with 200 employees needs 20 volunteers. Having the right number of fire wardens ensures even distribution across a premise for effective and efficient fire management.

Types of Fire Management Equipment

Fire management equipment varies in design and performance. It is attributed to the evolving field of fire safety as equipment manufacturers try to develop user-friendly and fast systems. Notably, fire service providers should know the type of fire equipment that wardens have in the workplace. It helps avoid taking trainees through a course that focuses on equipment they do not have in their facility. For instance, training should prioritize powder and foam systems for workplaces that primarily use fire extinguishers. Similarly, the course should concentrate on sprinkler systems if a client's premise is equipped with fire sprinklers.

Contact a fire warden training provider to learn more.


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