Compliance And Safety Training

Fire Warden Basics




Key Insights

  1. Legal Obligations:
  2. Every workplace must have a designated person responsible for fire safety.
  3. Fire wardens assist but ultimate responsibility remains with the "responsible person" (e.g., employer, owner, or manager).

  4. Fire Warden Responsibilities:

  5. Proactive Duties: Daily tasks to minimize fire risks (e.g., clearing fire exits, checking fire equipment).
  6. Reactive Duties: Actions during a fire or drill (e.g., raising the alarm, directing evacuations, assisting individuals).

  7. Types of Fires:

  8. Class A: Solid materials (wood, paper).
  9. Class B: Flammable liquids (petrol, oil).
  10. Class C: Flammable gases (methane, propane).
  11. Class D: Combustible metals (magnesium, titanium).
  12. Class F: Cooking oils and fats (deep fryers).

  13. Fire Extinguishers:

  14. Match the extinguisher to the fire class (e.g., water for Class A, foam for Class B).
  15. Misuse can worsen fires (e.g., water on electrical fires).

  16. Best Practices for Fire Wardens:

  17. Know the building layout and occupancy.
  18. Ensure coverage for holidays or absences.
  19. Perform regular fire safety checks and drills.

Remember

  • Fires need fuel, heat, and oxygen to survive; fire safety measures aim to disrupt this triangle.
  • Only fight a fire if trained and it is safe to do so.
  • A good rule of thumb is one fire warden per floor, but adjust based on building size and staff needs.

Quick Quiz Answers

  1. Who is ultimately responsible?
    The "responsible person" (e.g., employer, building owner).

  2. Difference between proactive and reactive duties?

  3. Proactive: Daily prevention tasks.
  4. Reactive: Emergency response actions.

  5. Three things a fire needs to survive?
    Fuel, heat, oxygen.

  6. Why know extinguisher contents?
    To ensure the extinguisher matches the fire type and doesn’t worsen the situation.


Final Thought

While fire wardens are critical to fire safety, a collective effort from everyone is necessary to minimize risks and maintain a safe environment. Always prioritize safety over heroics.?


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