Fire marshals play a crucial role in fire prevention. This blog explores their specific duties and responsibilities.
What is a Fire Marshal?
A fire marshal is responsible for supporting fire safety within an organisation. The role focuses on fire prevention, although fire marshals also help coordinate evacuations, assist in emergency planning and can take on some firefighting duties with the right training and experience.
All fire marshals should have completed training beyond the basic fire awareness training required for all staff, however.
What is the Difference Between a Fire Marshal and a Fire Warden?
In practice, the terms “fire marshal” and “fire warden” are often used interchangeably, with no specific differentiation in the Fire Safety Order 2005, the legislation governing workplace fire safety. The law doesn’t mandate the appointment of either position. It is up to the responsible person (the individual accountable for fire safety) to decide if fire marshals are necessary.
Some perceive a difference, with fire marshals focusing on fire prevention and wardens playing a more active role in evacuations, these distinctions are not legally defined. The key difference between the roles often comes down to an employer’s preference in naming rather than legal requirements.
Both roles are vital for supporting workplace fire safety.
Why is a Fire Marshal Important?
A fire marshal’s importance lies in their multifaceted role in fire safety. By conducting fire risk assessments and identifying hazards, they proactively mitigate potential dangers. In a fire emergency, their ability to take on additional responsibilities, provide first aid and safely fight fires contributes significantly to successful evacuations.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Fire Marshal
- Supporting Fire Risk Assessments: Fire marshals with sufficient training and experience can identify potential fire hazards within the organisation and assess the overall risk.
- Inspecting Fire Safety Measures: Ensuring that fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, are in place and functional.
- Reporting Hazards: Promptly reporting any identified fire hazards and recommending corrective actions to minimise risks.
- Raising Awareness : Assisting employers in promoting fire safety among staff, ensuring they apply the concepts covered in fire awareness training.
- Supporting Compliance: Accepting responsibility for certain fire safety requirements, such as maintaining firefighting equipment.
- Leading Evacuations: Coordinating evacuations and supporting occupants to ensure a safe exit during fire emergencies.
- First Aid Response: Fire marshals trained in first aid can assist individuals injured during a fire emergency until professional medical help arrives.
- Maintaining Records: Keeping accurate records of fire safety inspections, drills and any incidents for regulatory compliance and improvement purposes.
Why is it Important to Train Fire Marshals?
Training fire marshals equip them with the expertise needed for effective fire safety management. Fire marshal training helps them understand their duties and role in fire prevention. It develops awareness of fire hazards, safe firefighting techniques and evacuation procedures.
Moreover, fire marshal training promotes continuous improvement by informing marshals about the latest fire safety practices. The training empowers individuals to take on the responsibilities of this critical role with confidence, prevent fires and safeguard lives and property effectively.
Conclusion
The role of a fire marshal is vital in ensuring the safety of individuals and property. Their multifaceted duties, ranging from fire prevention to emergency response and supporting fire risk assessment, underscore the significance of their role. Investing in comprehensive fire marshal training is necessary to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their duties, promote fire safety and prevent incidents.
