Fire Wardens: Their Roles and Responsibilities to Keep Your Building Safe

Do you have designated Fire Wardens in your building?

If you don’t, you could be missing a vital link in the Fire and Life Safety of your occupants and property.

In compliance with Section 2.8 Emergency Planning, of the Ontario Fire Code, a Fire Safety Plan must be prepared and implemented in every building. This section also states that supervisory staff must be appointed to carry out fire safety duties (2.8.2.1).

Fire Wardens act as the liaisons between what’s in the Fire Safety Plan and your occupants. They make sure people understand the emergency plan for fire safety in your building.

Having designated Fire Wardens validates the effectiveness of your Fire Safety Plan and verifies that it accommodates all the occupants in your building.

Why does a Fire Warden need training?

Fire safety training is a critical component of your Fire Safety Plan.

To ensure these individuals have the knowledge they need to carry out their duties in an emergency fire situation, they first need to be trained by a professional.

Section 2.8.2.1 of the Ontario Fire Code requires that training is provided to supervisory staff and instruction given to other occupants on their responsibilities in an emergency.

During their training, Fire Wardens learn the basics of fire safety and how to help building occupants evacuate in a safe, orderly, and timely manner during an emergency.

Their roles are not just in an emergency though, prevention is a major role of a Fire Warden. They learn how to spot fire hazards and promote fire safety to their staff.

The training for Fire Wardens is comprehensive covering fire safety specifically tailored to your building and specialized knowledge in their designated zone. They’ll become familiar with the fire safety equipment, the possible hazards, and the occupants themselves.

What is the role of a Fire Warden in your Fire Safety Plan?

A Fire Safety Plan is a detailed document that covers all aspects of fire safety for your building.

It outlines:

● Safe and orderly ways for occupants to evacuate.

● The proper maintenance and housekeeping required to prevent fires.

● Methods of control to minimize damage if a fire does occur.

● Evacuation drawings.

● List of Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA).

● List of Fire Wardens and designated zones.

(For more details on what should be included in your Fire Safety Plan, review Section 2.8.2.1, Division B of the Ontario Fire Code)

Keep in mind that your Fire Safety Plan is a living document and needs to be reviewed annually.

To comply with the Ontario Fire Code, one Fire Warden is required in your building. For buildings with several commercial tenants, it is generally a best practice to have fire wardens for each tenant. If you have the capacity, or your building is a higher risk (e.g., long-term care homes or laboratories), more Fire Wardens might be needed.

Each Fire Warden is assigned a geographic zone and is expected to become familiar with the zone and its occupants.

Fire Wardens must regularly review and be familiar with policies and procedures for emergencies within your Fire Safety Plan.

In non-emergency situations, Fire Wardens routinely keep an eye out for any possible fire hazards within their zone. They also promote fire safety and ensure all persons in their zone understand emergency procedures.

In the event of a fire emergency, the Fire Warden:

● Controls the movement of people within their designated zone.

● Coordinates helpers for Persons Requiring Assistance.

● Communicates with first responders.

● Oversees safe evacuation procedures.

It is crucial to remember that Fire Wardens are not required to fight fire or expected to place themselves at risk.

When should you conduct Fire Warden training?

At Ignis Building Solutions, we recommend conducting Fire Warden training annually to stay compliant and ensure all Fire Wardens are up to date on their roles and responsibilities.

A great way to practice the Fire Wardens’ skills is by conducting fire drills. Fire drills with an evacuation test the Fire Warden’s response to emergency procedures and provide an opportunity to ask questions and get clear on the expectations in an emergency.

According to Section 2.8.3.2 of the Ontario Fire Code, fire drills are to be conducted at a minimum frequency based on your building type.

At the very least, fire drills should be conducted every 12 months.

High-rise buildings – every 3 months.
Schools – 3 times per term
Daycares – monthly
Care and treatment occupancies, detention occupancies, and supported living residences – every month.

The fire drills need to be scheduled so that all supervisory staff and Fire Wardens can participate.

The best practice standard is to conduct a full evacuation fire drill every 12 months. Staff and tenants must be notified of the date at least 24 hrs in advance and advised to not phone the fire department during the drill.

What is covered during Fire Warden training?

When we present Fire Warden training, our goal is to ensure your Fire Wardens are familiar with the building’s Fire Safety Plan and the fire protection systems in place.

Fire Warden training covers:

● Legislative requirements referring to Fire Warden and the Fire Safety Plan

● A building overview, including the building profile, fire protection systems in your building (alarms systems, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, portable fire extinguishers), fire alarm sequence of operation, and emergency evacuation floor plans

● Fire Warden’s key responsibilities

● Fire Warden emergency procedures (what to do upon hearing of smoke or fire and upon hearing fire alarm)

● Evacuation procedures for your building

● Basic fire science and types of fires

● Human behaviour in fires

● Common fire hazards and how to control fire hazards

● Use of a fire extinguisher

● Emergency Procedures

● Persons Requiring Assistance procedures

● How to conduct a fire drill and what takes place during it

Fire warden training is not only a requirement in the Ontario Fire Code but is critical to ensure the safety of the people and property in your building.

Whether you have an industrial, commercial, or multi-residential property, your Fire Wardens play a vital role in keeping your building and occupants safe.

By providing the proper training, they have the knowledge they need to perform their duties during a fire emergency.