Fire Warden Training Course

What Does the Course Cover?

This comprehensive 7-hour fire warden training course covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required for effective fire safety management in any workplace.

Module 1: Fire Science & Prevention

• Chemistry of fire — the fire triangle and fire tetrahedron
• Classifications of fire (Class A, B, C, D, and Electrical)
• Common causes of workplace fires and fire prevention strategies
• Fire hazard identification and risk assessment
• Housekeeping and fire prevention best practices

Module 2: Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

• Types of fire detection systems (smoke, heat, and multi-sensor detectors)
• Fire alarm systems and their operation
• Emergency lighting and signage requirements
• Fire safety equipment inspection and maintenance

Module 3: Evacuation Procedures

• Emergency evacuation planning and procedures
• Role of the fire warden during evacuation
• Assembly point management and head counts
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for persons with disabilities
• Fire drill planning, execution, and evaluation

Module 4: Practical Fire Extinguisher Training

• Types of fire extinguishers (Water, Foam, CO₂, Dry Powder, Wet Chemical)
• Correct selection and use for different fire classes
• Hands-on practice with live fire extinguishers
• Fire blanket use and deployment techniques

How Many Fire Wardens Does a Workplace Need?

Irish legislation does not specify an exact number of fire wardens per workplace. Instead, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to appoint a "sufficient number of competent persons" to implement fire safety measures.

As a general guideline, employers should consider:

• At least one fire warden per floor of the building
• Additional wardens for larger floor areas or complex layouts
• Cover for shift patterns, absences, and holidays
• Higher-risk environments may need more wardens per area
• Premises with vulnerable persons (e.g., healthcare, education) require additional coverage

Your fire safety risk assessment will help determine the appropriate number. Our instructors can advise on fire warden ratios during the training course.

Legal Requirements

Irish employers have clear legal obligations regarding fire safety and emergency planning. This course ensures compliance with key legislation:

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

• Section 8 — General duties of employers to ensure safety, health, and welfare of employees
• Section 11 — Emergency plans and procedures
• Section 18 — Appointment of competent persons for emergency duties
• Section 19 — Hazard identification and risk assessment

Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003

• Section 18 — Duty on persons having control over premises to guard against fire outbreak
• Section 18(2) — Ensure safety of persons on the premises in the event of fire

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007

• Part 2, Chapter 1 — Workplace requirements including emergency routes and exits
• Regulation 13 — Emergency routes and exits
• Regulation 14 — Fire detection and firefighting

The Role of a Fire Warden

A fire warden (or fire marshal) is a designated person responsible for fire safety within a specific area of the workplace. Their role is critical in preventing fires and ensuring safe evacuation when emergencies occur.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting regular fire safety checks of their designated area
• Ensuring fire exits, escape routes, and fire doors are clear and unobstructed
• Checking that fire extinguishers are in place, visible, and within service date
• Guiding personnel to assembly points during fire drills and emergencies
• Conducting head counts at assembly points and reporting to the chief fire warden
• Assisting persons with disabilities in evacuating the building
• Liaising with emergency services on arrival and providing relevant information
• Reporting fire hazards and safety concerns to management
• Participating in fire drill planning and evaluation

Fire wardens are appointed under Section 18 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This course provides all the knowledge and practical training needed to carry out these duties competently.

Fire Drills & Record Keeping

Regular fire drills are essential for testing emergency procedures and ensuring all staff know how to respond. As a fire warden, you will be expected to play a key role in both conducting and evaluating fire drills.

Fire Drill Requirements

• Fire drills should be conducted at least twice per year as recommended by best practice. Ref: CFPA-E GUIDELINE No 11:2015 F.
• Higher-risk premises (e.g., healthcare, education) may require more frequent drills
• Drills should simulate realistic scenarios
• Include provisions for persons with disabilities
• Evaluate evacuation times and identify areas for improvement

Record Keeping

Employers must maintain comprehensive fire safety records including:

• Fire drill dates, times, and outcomes
• Fire warden training certificates and renewal dates
• Fire safety inspection reports
• Fire extinguisher service records
• Fire alarm test and maintenance logs

Fire Extinguisher Types Covered

During the practical component, participants gain hands-on experience with the main types of fire extinguishers used in Irish workplaces:

Water Extinguisher (Red Label)

Suitable for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles, solid combustibles). Works by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. Never use on electrical fires or flammable liquids.

Foam Extinguisher (Cream Label)

Effective on Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and solvents). Creates a blanket effect that smothers the fire and prevents re-ignition.

CO₂ Extinguisher (Black Label)

Suitable for electrical fires and Class B fires. Displaces oxygen to extinguish the fire. Leaves no residue, making it ideal for server rooms, laboratories, and offices with sensitive equipment.

Dry Powder Extinguisher (Blue Label)

Multi-purpose extinguisher effective on Class A, B, and C (flammable gases) fires, as well as electrical fires. Widely used in industrial and commercial settings.

Wet Chemical Extinguisher (Yellow Label)

Specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats). Essential in commercial kitchens. Creates a cooling layer that prevents re-ignition.

Certification & Assessment

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant receives:

• CPD-certified Fire Warden Training Certificate (valid for 3 years)
• CPD points for professional development records
• Digital certificate available for download and sharing

Assessment Method

Assessment is based on:

• Active participation throughout the 7-hour programme
• Practical demonstration of fire extinguisher use
• Written assessment covering fire safety knowledge

Certificates are issued on the day of training and digital copies are emailed within 24 hours.

Refresher Training

Fire warden training certificates are valid for 3 years. Refresher training is recommended to:

• Maintain compliance with employer obligations under the 2005 Act
• Stay current with updates to fire safety legislation and best practices
• Reinforce practical skills in fire extinguisher use and evacuation procedures
• Meet HIQA and regulatory inspection requirements for healthcare and residential care settings

Contact us to arrange refresher training for your team. We can coordinate with your existing training schedule to minimise disruption.