3 Ways to Improve Fire Warden Training in the Workplace

Fire emergencies have an element of surprise, and knee-jerk reactions are expected from workers. Unfortunately, the nervousness and panic can have a detrimental impact on safety. Therefore, it is imperative to eliminate panic at all costs in the workplace in the event of a fire. However, that is only possible in a workplace where staff have received fire warden training. How can safety managers improve fire warden training participation, especially in a growing company? This article provides insight into the issue.

Regularly Updating Fire Warden List -- Participation in fire warden training largely depends on having an updated warden list. Ideally, a fire warden list includes staff who assume positions of authority during an emergency. An updated list ensures that a safety manager knows the exact number of fire wardens in a facility. For example, if the number of employees increases but that of fire wardens remains the same, a safety manager should arrange for immediate training for another group of volunteers.

Maintaining Fire Warden Training Schedule -- Ideally, fire wardens in the workplace should undergo refresher training every two years. The training is supposed to update fire management and evacuation skills and remind volunteers about the basics. Notably, facility safety managers should understand that fire wardens, deputies, and potential trainees have lives and plans outside of the workplace. Therefore, failure to inform them about an upcoming fire warden training can affect participation, especially if trainees have already made plans of their own. As such, safety managers must always maintain an updated fire warden training schedule. This helps existing wardens and new volunteers make personal plans regarding training sessions. Liaise with fire warden trainers to establish the exact training dates to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Provide Identification Tools -- Regardless of their rank in the workplace, a fire warden is an important person. Therefore, they should be identifiable by employees and other occupants in a building. Unfortunately, some companies do not do this, leaving wardens looking like all other staff. It can be demoralizing because fire wardens know that they cannot put their training to good use if they are not identifiable. Consequently, participation in training might drop significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to provide wardens with tools that distinguish them from other staff. For instance, a safety manager can update the chief warden's employee card by adding the title 'Chief Warden.' The tools are highly motivating and help attract other volunteers to participate in future fire warden training sessions.

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