What is the Purpose of a Fire Marshal?
You may have heard the terms ‘fire marshal’ and ‘fire warden’ being used interchangeably. For the most part, there is not much difference between these roles and for the purpose of this article, we will be using the term ‘fire marshal’.
Fire marshals, whilst not usually being the responsible person, still have duties to uphold to help keep their workplace safe. Anyone can be appointed as a fire marshal, provided they have received sufficient training.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, some duties of a fire marshal include:
- Raising the alarm on the discovery of a fire. This can also include making sure that others around them understand the significance of any alarm system, and ensuring they react appropriately. For example, encouraging others to evacuate quickly and safely, not going back for personal belongings.
- Reporting any fire hazards. Fire marshals should be trained to recognise fire hazards.
- They make sure that an evacuation takes place in a safe manner.
- Conducting a sweep of their area in order to perform a last check, making sure that no one is left in a particular part of the building. In a small office, this could mean a fire marshal checking that there is no one left in a bathroom before exiting the building.
- Taking appropriate measures to fight fires if safe to do so. Fire marshals should be trained not only in how to use a fire extinguisher, but also in identifying which fire extinguisher is best to use for different types of small fires.
- Taking a roll call once safely outside the building, checking that no one is left inside. They will then liaise with the fire service when they arrive on the scene to hand over any relevant information, such as providing them with the roll call list, and other important documents such as a floorplan of the building.
- Taking reasonable measures to prevent fires from spreading further, such as ensuring fire doors are shut after they are certain that everyone who was behind the door has now evacuated.
- Conducting regular checks to make sure that nothing is obstructing fire doors, and also regular testing of the fire alarm system.
The number of fire marshals you need will depend on various factors including the level of risk and the size of your business and should be determined by your fire risk assessment. Compass can provide fire marshal training and other fire safety courses for your business, click the links to find out more.
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