Who should attend?

This course is suitable for anyone appointed—or preparing to be appointed—as a fire marshal or fire warden within their organisation.

Typical attendees include:

• Fire marshals and fire wardens
• Managers and supervisors
• Health and safety representatives
• Facilities and maintenance personnel
• Construction and site workers
• Office, warehouse and industrial employees
• Hospitality and retail staff
• Anyone with workplace evacuation responsibilities

No previous fire-safety qualification is normally required.

Course objectives

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

• Understand the role of a fire marshal or fire warden
• Recognise common workplace fire hazards
• Explain how fires can start and spread
• Understand the importance of fire-prevention measures
• Identify different fire classifications
• Recognise common types of fire extinguisher
• Understand when firefighting equipment should and should not be used
• Support workplace emergency and evacuation procedures
• Assist occupants in leaving the premises safely
• Check designated areas, where it is safe to do so
• Help account for people at the assembly point
• Understand the importance of fire drills and accurate records

What does the course cover?

Course content may include:

• UK workplace fire-safety responsibilities
• The fire triangle and common causes of fire
• How fire and smoke spread
• Workplace fire hazards and prevention
• The role of the responsible person
• Fire marshal and fire warden responsibilities
• Fire-detection and warning systems
• Emergency routes, exits and signage
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Assisting people who may require additional support
• Assembly points and roll calls
• Different classes of fire
• Types and uses of fire extinguishers
• The limitations and dangers of tackling a fire
• Fire-safety inspections and routine checks
• Organising and supporting fire drills
• Reporting hazards and maintaining records

Only include practical extinguisher use if learners genuinely complete that activity during your course.

What does a fire marshal or fire warden do?

A fire marshal or fire warden is an appointed person who helps support fire-safety arrangements within a workplace.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring general fire precautions
• Identifying and reporting potential hazards
• Checking that escape routes and fire exits remain unobstructed
• Helping colleagues understand evacuation procedures
• Assisting during fire drills
• Directing people towards the appropriate exits
• Checking allocated areas when it is safe to do so
• Reporting to the person coordinating the evacuation
• Helping account for people at the assembly point

The precise duties will depend on the organisation’s fire-risk assessment, emergency plan and working environment.

Fire Marshal or Fire Warden: is there a difference?

The titles fire marshal and fire warden are often used interchangeably. Some organisations distinguish between them by assigning a marshal an additional coordinating or supervisory role.

Employers should clearly define each appointed person’s responsibilities within their fire-safety and emergency arrangements.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications or previous fire-safety training are normally required.

Learners should be able to understand course materials, participate in discussions and follow safety instructions. Anyone completing practical activities must be physically capable of participating safely and should inform SB Skills of any relevant requirements before attending.

Assessment and certification

Learners’ understanding will be assessed through practical activities or a multiple-choice test.

Successful learners will receive an SB Skills certificate. The certificate’s validity and recommended refresher period should be confirmed before booking.

Employers should also provide refresher training whenever there are significant changes to:

• The workplace or its layout
• Fire risks or working activities
• Emergency procedures
• Fire-safety equipment
• The employee’s responsibilities
  

  Frequently asked questions

  Is a fire marshal the same as a fire warden?

  The titles are commonly used for similar roles. Individual organisations may assign different responsibilities to each position, so duties should be clearly set out in the workplace emergency plan.

  Does the course include using a fire extinguisher?

  This depends on the course option selected. Contact SB Skills to confirm whether your course includes a practical extinguisher demonstration or exercise.

  Can a fire marshal put out a fire?

  A fire marshal’s priority is supporting a safe evacuation. Nobody should attempt to tackle a fire unless they have received appropriate training, the correct equipment is available, it is safe to do so and there is always a clear escape route.

  How many fire wardens does a workplace need?

  There is no single number suitable for every organisation. The requirement should be determined by the workplace fire-risk assessment, taking account of the premises, staffing, shift patterns, occupants and level of risk.

  How often should training be refreshed?

  The appropriate frequency depends on the workplace risk assessment, emergency arrangements and course certification. Refresher training should also be provided when responsibilities, risks or procedures change.