Fire Wa rde n T ra in ing Cour se c ode : P U AWE R0 0 5 B

Fire Warden Training

Australia Award

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Introduction
The main objectives in emergency evacuation planning are to ensure that:
 everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency; and
 preparations for potential and unexpected incidents at the workplace have taken place.
The types of emergencies to plan for include fire, injuries, rescues, incidents with hazardous
substances, bomb threats, armed confrontations and natural disasters.
This course program covers the competency required to implement the emergency response
specified in the workplace emergency procedures or specified by a person at a higher level
in the emergency control organisation..

This course program

This unit has been developed to cover the broad range of emergencies and workplaces as
considered in Australian Standard 3745-2010. It applies to employees in the workplace
within all industries and in all contexts. Emphasis is placed on individual employees who are
delegated responsibility as part of an emergency control organisation to participate in the
preparation of workplace emergency procedures; alert and report potential workplace
emergencies; evaluate the need to evacuate a work area; prepare for an evacuation; and
assist people who may require assistance in accordance with workplace emergency
procedures.
The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of this course program may be
applied by employees across all industries will give us better understanding.

The Legal context

The legislation does not specify the need for fire wardens to be appointed but there are other
aspects of the legislation which places the emphasis for the need for appointment. A closer
look at the legal structure as stated below.

The Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the Act) provides for the promotion, co-
ordination, administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health in the
workplace.
The Act places certain duties on employers, employees, self-employed people,
manufacturers, designers, importers and suppliers.

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It also places emphasis on the prevention of accidents and injury. For example; PNG Mining
Safety Regulation section 45 and section 46.
In addition to the broad duties established by the Act, the legislation is supported by a further
tier of statute, commonly referred to as regulations, together with a lower tier of non-statutory
codes of practice.
Regulations
Regulations have the effect of spelling out the specific requirements of the legislation
Regulations may prescribe minimum standards and have a general application or they may
define specific requirements related to a particular hazard or type of work. They may also
allow the licensing or granting of approvals and certificates etc.

Codes of practice
A code of practice is defined in the Act as a document prepared for the purpose of providing:
 practical advice on preventive strategies; and
 a practical means of achieving any code, standard, rule, provision or specification
relating to occupational safety and health in Western Australia.
A code of practice may contain explanatory information.
The preventive strategies outlined in a code of practice do not represent the only acceptable
means of achieving the standard to which the code refers. A code of practice does not have
the same legal force as a regulation and is not sufficient reason, of itself, for prosecution
under the Act.
Guidance notes
The next tier in this process comes in the form of guidance notes prepared by the
Commission for Occupational Safety and Health.
A guidance note is an explanatory document providing detailed information on the
requirements of legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice or matters relating to
occupational safety and health as approved by the Commission.

Note: Information contained in this training program is drawn from the related codes of
practise and guidance notes but is mapped to the approved unit of competency which is part
of the Australian training packages.

Workplaces with tenants, subcontractors or visitors on site, such as shopping

centres, multi-storey buildings and construction sites
Responsibility for emergency evacuation preparations at a workplace with tenants,
subcontractors and/or visitors will depend on the tenancy and other legal arrangements,
such as whether the owner has contracted a building manager or site manager and who is
determined to be the responsible person at the workplace.
The checklist below outlines general issues to consider at workplaces with tenants,
subcontractors and/or visitors.

The evacuation procedures are jointly established and take into account all
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tenants, sub-contractors, workers and visitors in each section on the site.

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2 Communication and alerting systems have been established

The procedures address all types of situations and hazards which may arise and
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the complexities.

The procedures cover all people who may be on the site, including visitors,
4 customers, tradespeople and those who cannot speak English, and activities
that might affect the evacuation such as repair work.

Procedures are developed for people who will require special assistance to
5 evacuate, including people with a disability, particularly those with a sight or
hearing disability.

6 Main and alternative assembly areas are established

7 Wardens are appointed for each section

8 Information is provided to all occupants on emergency evacuation.

9 All tenants are informed of who will be in control in an emergency

10 Up-to-date floor plans have been distributed to all tenanted areas.

11 Training and drills are coordinated so that all tenants take part

A method has been established for ensuring inductions on evacuation

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procedures are always provided to new staff, building users and visitors.

13 . Alarms are regularly maintained and tested.

14 Emergency lighting is regularly checked.

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1. RESPOND TO EMERGENCY REPORTS, SIGNALS AND WARNINGS

1.1 Emergency reports, signals and warnings
Alert all nearby staff by voice or turn on nearest alarm switch. This will automatically notify
the occupants, and possibly the Fire Department and additional help. Call out ―Fire, fire, fire‖
―all evacuate immediately‖.
Safety provisions to meet society's changing fire detection, signaling, and emergency
communications demands for addition means of alert system. The core focus on fire alarm
systems is insufficient due to the many other like emergency events that may occur or
should the alarm system fail. The requirements for mass notification systems is necessary
for convenience in used for weather emergencies; terrorist events; biological, chemical, and
nuclear emergencies and other threats.

Emergency reports, signals and warnings may include:

 audible/visual alarms
 audible or vibrating pagers
 public address announcements
 e-mail
 screen alerts
 stench alarms
 verbal alert

1.2 Emergency situations

Emergencies can happen at any time in any type of workplace, such as a fire in a delivery
van, an armed hold-up, a chemical spill in a workshop or a bomb threat at a shopping centre.
The approach is to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury or harm that may occur during an
evacuation by undertaking a three-step process of:
 identifying potentially hazardous situations;
 assessing the risks; and
 implementing control measures.
The emergency evacuation procedures should be developed after this risk management
process has been conducted.

Note: A FIRE THAT NEVER HAPPENS CAUSES NO LOSS OR DAMAGE!!!!

Development of procedures

The amount of detail in the evacuation procedures will depend on the complexity of the
workplace. Where applicable, the evacuation procedures should address:
 the activation of alarms and alerting staff and other people on site;
 the best way to evacuate the building or site;
 the range of situations that may arise, such as fire, incidents with hazardous substances,
explosions, medical emergencies, armed hold-ups, bomb threats and earthquakes;
 all the people who may be at the workplace, including visitors and tradespeople, and
activities which may affect the evacuation, such as alcohol consumption in a bar or
repair work;
 employees or other people who will require special assistance to evacuate;

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 the speed of the evacuation — some emergencies will take only a very short period to
become a significant emergency and evacuating all people from the building or site
as quickly as possible must be a priority;
 all the areas under the control of the employer/manager;
 clear definition of roles and responsibilities — this includes establishing clear reporting
lines with distribution of information on who is in control of a particular area;
 the selection of key people to manage the evacuation procedures, such as appointment
of floor wardens;
 the training of all staff and specialist training for those with key roles;
 regular drill practice;
 rescues, with consideration given to:
o how the immediate rescue of a person will be managed; and
o what logistical support and devices (such as fall-arrest systems) will be provided;
 access for emergency services (such as ambulances) and their ability to get close to the
building or site;
 the location of main and alternative assembly areas;
 the selection of people responsible for head counts and ‗return to work‘ procedures;
 the placement of instructions and maps around the building or site;
 the distribution of emergency phone numbers;
 the use and maintenance of fire extinguishers, including:
- the best way to control or extinguish a fire;
- the training of employees who may be required to use fire extinguishers; and
 regular maintenance of portable fire extinguishers according to Australian Standard, AS
1851; and
 regular review of procedures and training.

1.3 Arrangements for people who may require assistance.

Arrangements must be in place to cater for people who may need assistance. These may
include;
 babies and children
 people with a mobility, intellectual, visual, auditory or sensory impairment, either
temporary or permanent, who require assistance during an emergency response
 people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
 people who are injured
 people who are not able to comprehend the instructions given
 pregnant women
 the elderly

1.4 Muster Points: Keep Your Team Safe During an Emergency

Emergency muster points are critical for emergency planning. Getting your people out of the
building safely in the event of a fire or other emergency can be a logistical nightmare, so it is
important that every employee knows where their particular muster point is.
What you should consider when setting muster points for your work environment.

Note: Your muster point locations must be chosen carefully to ensure they are free of
significant hazards and don't expose evacuating workers and personal to further risk

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Muster Point Basics

A muster point needs to be well-known and clearly marked with a sign that either states
"Muster Point" or has a symbolic depiction of one.

Larger buildings may have multiple muster points. Typically, they should be divided by floor,
department, or organization to prevent stampeding and congestion during an evacuation.
Why You Need Muster Points
Muster points exist so that everyone knows where to assemble during an emergency. That
way, they can be quickly accounted for. Instead of having people run off in all directions, a
strategic meeting place allows the safety officer to quickly do a roll-call or take attendance by
using a list of all the people in the building, which is included in the emergency plan.
After quickly rolling through the list, the safety officer can notify emergency crews about
missing persons. Some offices and workplaces use a buddy system to account for missing
people, since it can be easy to miss someone in a large workplace. That way, if someone is
sick or out on a service call, their buddy will be able to alert the safety officer and prevent a
false alarm.
How to Choose a Muster Point
Here are some of the basic things you need to consider when choosing the location of your
muster point.

 Accessibility - First, it should be an easily accessible location close to the building

that is not impeded by other hazards. Having a muster point on the other side of a
busy highway, for example, can cause increased hazards for people during an
evacuation or an emergency.

 Size - The muster point must also be large enough to accommodate the number of
people assigned to it, so as not to overcrowd or constrict movement should a blowout
or secondary emergency occur. A large, open parking lot could serve as a capacious
muster point.

 Safety - The muster point should also be far enough away from any other immediate
dangers, so that no one is put into additional danger during an emergency. This could
include areas near streams, trees, fences, or other obstacles.

Given that the terrain and neighbourhoods we work in change constantly, it's important to
review muster points to make sure no new hazards have developed since they were first
chosen.

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Muster points are relatively simple concepts. Once you've found the right muster point, you
need to ensure everyone knows where it is.

1.5 Suitable identification for fire warden

Fire warden shall be easy to be identified with the distinctive clothing he/she is wearing. PPE
shall include high visibility vest and hard hat.

2. Initiate and control initial emergency response

2.1 Initial emergency response is initiated

On discovering a fire, it is the duty of every person to sound the nearest fire alarm
immediately. The plan should include the method of raising the alarm in the case of fire.

The plan should instruct all personnel upon hearing the fire alarm to act in accordance with
the agreed emergency plan and if a fire warden‘s scheme is in force, they, on hearing the
alarm, should proceed to pre-determined positions to assist members of the public and staff
to leave the building by the nearest safe route.

Lifts and escalators should not be used due to possible electrical failure unless they are part
of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.

Personnel should not re-enter the building with the possible exception of the Fire Team

The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to
employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives.

Calling the fire brigade

The Fire Service should also be informed immediately, either by switchboard operator or
person discovering fire, dependant on conditions:

 Work Time – Switchboard operator to be familiar with the emergency evacuation

plan, also should ensure necessary extensions switched through when switchboard
is unattended.
 Other Times – Remainder of Staff (Cleaners, caretakers etc)

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Life Safety

When an emergency occurs, the first priority is always life safety. When it is safe to do so
evacuation must be allowed to take place and the fire warden‘s responsibility is to ensure a
smooth and efficient flow. All occupants in the building must be evacuated as quickly and as
orderly as possible to a predesigned mustering point.

The second priority is the stabilization of the incident. There are many actions that can be
taken to stabilize an incident and minimize potential damage. First aid and CPR by trained
employees can save lives. Use of fire extinguishers by trained employees can extinguish a
small fire. Containment of a small chemical spill and supervision of building utilities and
systems can minimize damage to a building and help prevent environmental damage.

Protective Actions for Life Safety

When there is a hazard within a building such as a fire or chemical spill, occupants within the
building should be evacuated or relocated to safety. Other incidents such as a bomb threat
or receipt of a suspicious package may also require evacuation. If a transportation accident
on a nearby highway results in the release of a chemical cloud, the fire department may
warn to ―shelter-in-place.‖ To protect employees from an act of violence, ―lockdown‖ should
be broadcast and everyone should hide or barricade themselves from the perpetrator.

Protective actions for life safety include:

 Evacuation
 Sheltering
 Shelter-In-Place
 Lockdown

Trapped person

If staff and/or occupants are trapped by smoke, close doors, stay low, block openings to
room and open a window to attract attention of rescuer.

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2.2 Evacuated areas are checked according to workplace emergency procedures.

Fire warden as part of his responsibility is to check all evacuated areas to ensure no
personal remains behind. Check all areas for occupants in, bathrooms, closets, bedrooms,
special purpose rooms, staff rooms, etc

Confine
The warden will also ensure that exhaust fans turned off, all windows, doors and other
openings are closed. Closing a door can be a very simple and effective method of containing
the fire and buying time for evacuation

Extinguish Fire
Attempt to extinguish the fire only after all occupants are in a point of safety (unless
extinguishment of the fire is needed to evacuate, i.e., fire is between you and the door). Any
attempts to extinguish the fire should be considered a ―Last-Resort‖. Evacuation should
always be your first priority. Attempt to extinguish the fire only if staffs are trained, and it is
appropriate to the circumstance

2.3 Results of the evacuation of an area

Upon arrival of the emergency services team, the warden shall give report to the controller
the nature of the emergency, report person‘s trapped, personal injury, and condition report.
Control of the emergency now passed on to the emergency services controller.

2.4 Accountability
As soon as all occupants are gathered in a safe place (either within the building, in an area
of refuge, or outside), the warden shall shall take a roll call, using a checklist for all
occupants and staff and visitor log book for visitors. If anyone is missing, immediately report
this to the first arriving fire personnel

3. Anticipate the further development of emergencies

3.1 Emergency responses based on the emergency management plan

Emergency response and evacuation is carried out as per emergency management plan
based on current situation. Having accounted for all personal, emergency teams and special
forces shall be allowed to inspect and clear building for occupants to return. All equipment
used during the emergency must be replace to maintain preparedness again.

3.2 Development of emergency situations is continually assessed

Further assessment of condition and any damages to facility shall be done by Special
Forces, emergency response team and cleared for occupancy. Building management in
consultation with emergency team advice occupants to return to work.

4. Assist with post initial response

4.1 Alternative action is completed before any post initial response activities
Certain things may have changed during the emergency and all those changes need to be
restored. Assistance shall be provided for:

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 authorised restoration of normal activity.

 Restricting of entry to certain danger areas are achieved through barricade or access
closure.
 Checking the welfare of evacuees is necessary if there had been some impact on
personal.
 Replenishing emergency equipment
 Security maintenance

4.2 Post initial response is consistent with the workplace emergency plan.

Debriefing is necessary to comment for things that went well and to discuss how
improvements can be done to better maintain preparedness.
Post-emergency evaluation should therefore aim to identify what worked effectively and why,
what can be learned and improved, and how likely it is that a similar emergency can be
prevented in the future.

Importantly, post-emergency evaluation should also gather information and lessons learned
from partners and record these for future use. Perspectives from partners and stakeholders,
including affected communities, should be captured. Including affected communities in the
evaluation process and sharing the results with them can help the healing process and
support communities to rebuild themselves from the aftermath of the emergency.

Post-emergency evaluation is likely to take time if carried out properly, and can provide
valuable insights into how to respond effectively to similar crisis in the future. It should be
conducted by experienced research and/or M&E personnel, and results should be shared
with all national and international stakeholders to build global capacity to respond effectively
to emergencies.

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Appendix 1.
Fire warden key responsibilities
 to assist in implementing and improving effective
emergency procedures in workplace;
 to help prevent emergencies by monitoring the
adequacy of the fire risk control measures;
 to raise awareness with other staff about the fire
hazards that exist in your workplace;
 to instruct workers in how to respond in an emergency;
 to lead the fire drills and real evacuation procedures –
they must be familiar with all escape routes and exits
from their designated area;
 to ensure all workers are accounted for during an
evacuation; and
 to assist all people in the workplace should an
emergency occur, including assisting people with
special needs, e.g. helping someone in a wheelchair
to evacuate.

Appendix 2
Fire warden responsibility during evacuation
 direct everyone to leave the building using all the
appropriate routes and exits (and not inappropriate
exits such as lifts);
 check all accessible spaces in their area, including the
bathroom, to make sure everyone has evacuated –
this should be done on the way out of the building so
that the fire warden isn‘t putting themselves at risk by
re-entering the evacuated area;
 close the doors to help to isolate the fire; and
 Guide everyone to the assembly area and assist in
checking that everyone has arrived safely.

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