Fire safety is a critical aspect of workplace health and safety. In the event of a fire, having well-trained fire marshals can save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize damage to your business. But how do you know if your business needs fire marshals? Here’s what you need to know about the requirements and responsibilities surrounding fire marshals in the workplace.
What Are Fire Marshals?
Fire marshals, also known as fire wardens, are individuals trained to oversee fire safety in the workplace. They are responsible for ensuring that fire procedures are followed, managing fire evacuations, and taking action to minimize fire hazards. Fire marshals play a vital role in keeping employees safe by being the first responders in an emergency.
Legal Requirements for Fire Marshals
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers are required to carry out a fire risk assessment of their workplace and take appropriate measures to prevent fires and protect employees. While fire marshals aren’t always legally required in all businesses, having fire marshals can be part of a good fire safety strategy and might be necessary based on the size, layout, and activities of your business.
Here are some factors to consider when determining if your business needs fire marshals:
1. Size and Layout of the Workplace
In a small office with only a few employees, a fire warden (or fire marshal) may not be necessary. However, in larger workplaces with many people, multiple floors, or complex layouts (e.g., factories, warehouses, or buildings with multiple entry points), fire marshals are often essential to coordinate a safe and efficient evacuation.
2. Fire Hazards Present
If your workplace involves activities that pose specific fire risks (e.g., welding, working with flammable substances, or heavy machinery), fire marshals can help ensure that fire prevention measures are in place and properly maintained. Businesses with high-risk environments, such as kitchens, laboratories, or manufacturing units, should strongly consider appointing fire marshals to oversee safety protocols.
3. Number of Employees
The larger the workforce, the more likely it is that fire marshals will be needed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that for every 50 employees, at least one fire marshal should be appointed. If your business is busy, especially with shift workers, it may be necessary to have fire marshals on all shifts to ensure coverage and response in case of an emergency.
4. Legal Compliance and Insurance
Some industry sectors or regulatory bodies may have specific requirements for fire marshals. For example, fire safety regulations for schools, care homes, or factories are stricter due to the higher risks associated with those environments. Additionally, insurers might require you to have fire marshals as part of your fire safety protocol in order to meet policy terms.
5. Evacuation Procedures
If your business has employees with mobility impairments, large groups of people, or specific needs (e.g., a school, hospital, or elderly care facility), fire marshals play an even more critical role in assisting with evacuation. Fire marshals help ensure that vulnerable individuals are escorted to safety, and all employees know the quickest, safest exit routes.
6. Training and Responsibilities
It’s important that fire marshals receive the proper training. They should understand how to use fire extinguishers, the layout of the building, the location of fire exits, and how to evacuate employees safely. Training should be updated regularly to ensure fire marshals are familiar with any changes to the workplace or fire safety regulations. They should also be able to carry out fire drills, helping everyone in the workplace stay prepared in the event of a fire. If you have legal responsibilities as an employer for fire safety, find out more here.
Benefits of Having Fire Marshals
While fire marshals may not always be legally required, having them can bring a range of benefits to your business, including:
- Improved Safety: Fire marshals can respond quickly and effectively during a fire emergency, ensuring the safety of all employees.
- Compliance with Regulations: Appointing and training fire marshals demonstrates your commitment to complying with fire safety laws and regulations.
- Faster Evacuation: In large or complex buildings, fire marshals can direct employees to the safest exit routes, reducing confusion and delays.
- Enhanced Fire Prevention: Fire marshals can help identify and mitigate fire risks before they become emergencies.
How to Appoint Fire Marshals
If your business would benefit from fire marshals, follow these steps:
- Appoint Staff Members: Choose employees who are reliable, responsible, and capable of managing emergency situations. Consider their positions in the workplace and their knowledge of the area.
- Provide Fire Safety Training: Ensure that fire marshals receive proper training from quality controlled fire safety organizations. This training should cover fire procedures, the use of fire extinguishers, and how to assist in evacuations. WorkSafe Training provides Fire instructor training, so you can teach fire marshal in-house to colleagues.
- Conduct Regular Drills: Regular fire drills will help ensure that your fire marshals and employees are prepared in case of a real fire. Practice evacuations, and update your procedures as needed.
- Review and Update: Ensure that your fire marshal team remains up-to-date with any changes in your workplace or fire safety regulations.
Summary
Whether or not your business requires fire marshals depends on factors such as the size of your workforce, the nature of your workplace, and the potential fire risks present. While fire marshals may not always be mandatory, they are an invaluable asset in ensuring the safety of your employees and complying with fire safety regulations. By appointing fire marshals and providing proper training, you can create a safer workplace and be better prepared for an emergency situation.
WorkSafe Fire Safety Training Options
At WorkSafe Training Systems Ltd, we offer flexible options to support your workplace fire safety needs. For businesses looking to train their fire marshals quickly and conveniently, our Fire Marshal E-Learning Course is an ideal solution—allowing staff to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere. For those who want to take their training further, our comprehensive Fire Safety Instructor Course enables you to deliver fire marshal training in-house, helping to build internal capability and save on long-term training costs. We have classroom or online options to suit.
To understand your legal duties and ensure your fire risk assessments are compliant, visit the HSE Fire Safety in the Workplace guide for essential information and resources.