Fire warden training
How many fire wardens does my business need?
There is no fixed legal ratio. Here is how to decide the right number, train them and cover absences.
Pro-Active Fire Safety · · 3 min read
The short answer: the law does not set a fixed number of fire wardens. The right number is decided by your fire risk assessment, based on the size and layout of the building, how many people are in it, whether anyone needs help to leave, and shift patterns. A common rule of thumb is around one warden per 20 people, but treat that as a starting point only.
What to consider
Layout
More floors and separate areas need more coverage.
Occupancy
Busier sites need more wardens.
People who need assistance
Visitors, residents or staff with mobility needs.
Absence
Holidays, sickness and part-time hours mean you need spare trained people.
Shift patterns
Every shift needs cover, including out-of-hours working.
What fire wardens do
They raise the alarm and help people leave, check that areas are clear, meet the fire service, and report problems with equipment or escape routes. They do not fight fires unless it is safe and they are trained to.
Training
Wardens should be trained, with refresher training regularly (commonly annually). Practical extinguisher training is a useful addition, and training should reflect your actual building and procedures.
Common questions
Is fire warden training mandatory? The responsible person must make sure staff have adequate instruction and training. Training wardens is the usual way to meet that.
How long is a course? Typically a few hours, delivered on site.
Can you tailor it to our building? Yes.
Book fire warden training
Tell us about your building and team and we will advise.
