Fire Warden (Marshal) Training Online Course

Course Overview

Fire Warden (Marshal) Training provides learners with the essential knowledge needed to support fire prevention, workplace safety and emergency evacuation procedures.

Fire Wardens, also known as Fire Marshals, help organisations maintain safe premises, identify potential fire risks and respond effectively when an emergency occurs.

This online course explores the causes of workplace fires, fire safety legislation, risk assessments, emergency procedures and the responsibilities of designated Fire Wardens. It also introduces different types of fire extinguishers, fire safety equipment and the importance of supporting individuals who may need assistance during an evacuation.

Suitable for employees across healthcare, social care, commercial and industrial environments, the training helps learners develop the awareness required to contribute to effective workplace fire safety arrangements.

What Is Fire Warden (Marshal) Training?

Fire Warden Training introduces the duties and responsibilities of employees appointed to help manage fire safety within an organisation.

A Fire Warden’s role extends beyond responding to a fire alarm. Their responsibilities may include identifying fire hazards, checking escape routes, supporting fire prevention measures, assisting with evacuation procedures and communicating important information to emergency services.

The course explains the principles of fire safety management, including the role of the responsible person, relevant legislation, fire risk assessments and workplace emergency arrangements.

Learners will also explore Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), different categories of fire extinguishers and the actions that should be taken when a fire is discovered.

The training is designed to strengthen theoretical knowledge and should be supported by workplace-specific instruction, evacuation drills and practical training where required.

Who Should Enrol?

This course is suitable for:

• Appointed Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals

• Health and Safety Officers and Representatives

• Supervisors and Team Leaders

• Facilities and Premises Managers

• Employers and Responsible Persons

• Care Home Managers and Care Staff

• Healthcare Professionals and Support Workers

• Employees with Fire Safety or Evacuation Responsibilities

Key Benefits of Fire Warden Training

• Understand Fire Warden responsibilities: Learn the duties associated with preventing fires and supporting emergency procedures.

• Improve hazard identification: Recognise common fire risks and appropriate preventative measures.

• Support effective evacuations: Understand evacuation arrangements, escape routes and the needs of vulnerable occupants.

• Develop fire equipment awareness: Learn about different fire extinguishers and their intended applications.

• Strengthen emergency preparedness: Understand how to respond to fire alarms and communicate during an incident.

• Support workplace compliance: Develop awareness of relevant fire safety legislation and organisational responsibilities.

Course Modules

1. The Role of a Fire Warden – Course Introduction

2. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) 2005

3. Risks & Responsible Person

4. Training and Instruction

5. Premises for Responsibility

6. Death and Injury

7. Common Causes of Fire

8. Fire Equipment and Safety Features

9. Discovering a Fire

10. Fire Service Arrival

11. Fire Blankets & Water Hose Reels

12. Fire Extinguishers

13. Water Extinguishers

14. CO2 Extinguishers

15. Dry Powder Extinguishers

16. Spray Foam Extinguishers

17. Behaviours During a Fire

18. The Role of the Fire Warden

19. Legal Requirements

20. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans

21. Creating a PEEP

22. Staff and PEEPs

23. Fire Warden Daily Roles

24. Fire Warden Role in Fire Alarm Sounding

25. Fire Risk Assessments

Learning Outcomes

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

Why Is Fire Warden Training Important?

An effective fire safety strategy depends on more than alarms, extinguishers and emergency exits. Employees must also understand their responsibilities and know how to act when a fire-related emergency occurs.

Designated Fire Wardens provide an important link between an organisation’s fire safety procedures and their implementation in everyday workplace activities.

They may assist with routine safety checks, recognise potential hazards, encourage safe working practices and help occupants follow established evacuation procedures.

In care homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings, fire safety responsibilities can be particularly demanding. Residents, patients and individuals with reduced mobility or additional support needs may require carefully planned evacuation arrangements.

Appropriate training helps Fire Wardens understand these challenges, recognise their responsibilities and contribute to a coordinated emergency response.

Is Fire Warden Training a Legal Requirement?

Fire safety legislation requires employers and those responsible for premises to implement appropriate measures to protect people from fire risks.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 establishes important duties concerning fire risk assessments, emergency procedures, employee training and the appointment of competent persons to assist with preventative and protective measures.

Although the legislation does not prescribe a specific course titled Fire Warden Training, employees appointed to fire safety duties must have sufficient knowledge, training and competence to undertake their responsibilities.

Organisations should determine the appropriate level of instruction based on their premises, occupancy, identified risks and evacuation arrangements.

Online Fire Warden Training can form part of this preparation but does not replace practical instruction, site-specific familiarisation or emergency evacuation exercises.

Different fire safety legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Fire Warden (Marshal) Training FAQs

What is the difference between a Fire Warden and a Fire Marshal?

The terms Fire Warden and Fire Marshal are commonly used interchangeably. Both generally describe employees appointed to support workplace fire prevention, emergency procedures and safe evacuations. Their specific responsibilities depend on organisational arrangements.

Who should complete Fire Warden Training?

Employees designated to undertake fire safety or evacuation duties should receive suitable training. This may include managers, supervisors, facilities personnel, health and safety representatives and nominated staff members.

Is Fire Warden Training mandatory?

There is no universal requirement to complete a particular course bearing this title. However, employers and responsible persons must ensure that those appointed to assist with fire safety measures are competent and appropriately trained for their responsibilities.

How long does the online course take?

The course is self-paced, allowing learners to work through the material according to their availability and previous knowledge. Completion times may vary between individuals.

What does a Fire Warden do when the fire alarm sounds?

A Fire Warden follows the organisation’s emergency plan. Depending on their assigned duties and provided it is safe, this may involve guiding occupants towards exits, checking designated areas, reporting evacuation difficulties and communicating with the person coordinating the evacuation.

What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?

A PEEP is an individualised arrangement designed to support someone who may experience difficulty evacuating a building independently. It considers their specific needs and the assistance or equipment required to facilitate an appropriate evacuation.

How often should Fire Warden Training be refreshed?

There is no single statutory refresher interval that applies to every workplace. Training should be reviewed according to the findings of the fire risk assessment, organisational requirements and changes in responsibilities, premises or emergency arrangements.

Can Fire Wardens use fire extinguishers?

Fire Wardens may receive training in the safe use of fire extinguishers where this forms part of their assigned responsibilities. Attempting to tackle a fire should only be considered when appropriate training, conditions and organisational procedures permit it, without putting personal safety at risk.

Does the course include a certificate?

Yes. Learners who successfully complete the course and its online assessment receive a digital CPD-accredited certificate to demonstrate completion of the training.

Is online training sufficient to become a Fire Warden?

Online learning can provide essential theoretical knowledge, but appointed Fire Wardens may also require practical instruction, familiarity with the premises and participation in evacuation exercises. The training requirements should reflect the responsibilities of the role and the risks present within the workplace.