Every workplace in the UK needs at least one trained fire warden. It’s not just good practice — it’s a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. But what exactly does fire warden training involve, and how do you know if your team is properly covered?
At Cumbria Fire & Safety Training, we deliver fire warden courses at our Penrith training centre and on-site at workplaces across Cumbria. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Fire Warden?
A fire warden (sometimes called a fire marshal) is a designated person responsible for fire safety in the workplace. Their duties include:
- Carrying out regular fire safety checks
- Ensuring fire exits and escape routes are clear
- Leading evacuations during a fire alarm
- Doing a sweep of the building to ensure everyone has evacuated
- Reporting to the fire assembly point and liaising with the fire service
Who Needs Fire Warden Training?
The ‘responsible person’ for each premises (usually the employer or building manager) must appoint a sufficient number of fire wardens. The HSE recommends at least one fire warden per floor, and more for larger or higher-risk premises. This applies to:
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Hotels, B&Bs, and holiday lets across the Lake District
- Care homes and residential facilities
- Schools and nurseries
- Shops, restaurants, and hospitality venues
- Warehouses and industrial premises
What Does the Training Cover?
Our CPD-accredited fire warden course typically runs for half a day and covers:
- Fire science — how fires start, spread, and behave
- Fire prevention — identifying hazards and reducing risk
- Fire safety legislation — the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Emergency procedures — alarm response, evacuation, assembly points
- Fire extinguisher training — types, colour coding, and practical use
- The fire warden role — duties, responsibilities, and record-keeping
How Often Should Fire Wardens Be Retrained?
There is no fixed legal requirement, but best practice and most insurers recommend annual refresher training. Fire safety law does require that training is “repeated periodically” and updated when the risk changes — for example, after building works, changes of use, or new equipment.
Fire Warden vs Fire Marshal: What’s the Difference?
In practice, the terms are used interchangeably. ‘Fire marshal’ is sometimes used for a more senior role in larger organisations, but the training content is the same. Our course covers both roles.
Fire Warden Training in Cumbria
We run regular fire warden courses at our Penrith centre and can also deliver on-site training at your premises anywhere in Cumbria — from Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness, Keswick to Kendal.
All delegates receive a CPD-accredited certificate valid for one year. Our trainers are experienced fire safety professionals from Beacon Fire Protection, so you’re learning from people with hands-on industry experience.
Ready to book? Get in touch or browse our fire safety training courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fire wardens does my workplace need?
At least one per floor is recommended. For larger premises, you should have enough to cover all shifts, holidays, and absences.
Is fire warden training a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that employees are given adequate fire safety training, including anyone appointed to assist with evacuation.
Can you deliver fire warden training at our workplace?
Absolutely. We deliver on-site fire warden training across Cumbria. Contact us for a quote.