The Role of a Fire Marshal
Responsibilities & Legal Requirements.
Responsibilities
A fire marshal, also known as a fire warden, is a designated and trained staff member responsible for reducing fire risks and ensuring the safe evacuation of a building in an emergency.
Fire marshals are essential for both fire prevention and emergency evacuations. Despite their importance, many people are unclear about their specific responsibilities and how they differ from those of the Responsible Person.
Are Fire Marshals a Legal Requirement?
Yes, UK law mandates fire marshals for all businesses and premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) & the Fire Safety Act 2022. The responsible person must appoint one or more competent individuals to assist with fire safety measures. The required number depends on a fire risk assessment, considering the building’s size, layout, and potential fire hazards.
The RRFSO/Fire Safety Act 2022 states that preference should be given to internal staff over external contractors for the fire marshal role. Employers must provide adequate fire safety training and allow fire marshals sufficient time to carry out their duties effectively.
Key Responsibilities of a Fire Marshal
Fire marshals play a crucial role in fire prevention, early detection, and—where trained and safe to do so—using fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment.
Their duties may include:
- Keeping fire exits and evacuation routes clear
- Checking fire safety signage visibility and condition
- Conducting weekly fire alarm and fire door inspections
- Performing monthly emergency lighting checks
- Training new employees on fire safety procedures
- Managing fire evacuation drills
- Ensuring electrical equipment is PAT tested
- Updating the fire safety logbook
- Assisting with fire risk assessments
- Leading safe evacuations during an emergency
A well-trained fire marshal is essential to maintaining a safe workplace, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and protecting lives in the event of a fire.
Fire Marshal Training Course
Led by experienced firefighters and qualified trainers, our Fire Marshal course provides practical guidance and hands-on training in fire safety. Available nationwide at your location, this course covers the full responsibilities of a Fire Marshal, essential workplace fire procedures, fire extinguisher training and legal compliance.
Ensuring your team is properly trained is not just important—it’s a legal requirement. Having enough staff prepared for a safe and efficient evacuation is crucial in the event of a fire emergency.
TGS FIRE SAFETY
Contact us
If you require further information on Fire Door Inspections, Fire Door Maintenance, Dry Riser Testing, Fire Extinguisher Supply & Servicing or Fire Marshal Staff Training, we would love to hear from you!
Let Us Extinguish Your Risk!
TGS FIRE SAFETY
Areas we cover
Essex, Central London, East London, Epping, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Ongar, Abridge, Chigwell, Chingford, Abridge, Harlow, Waltham Abbey, Harlow, Brentwood, Bishops Stortford, Hertford, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Enfield, Basildon, Chelmsford, Romford, Ilford, Nazeing, Roydon, Hoddesdon, Stapleford Abbotts, Havering, Barkingside, Leyton, Braintree, Billericay, Ingatestone, Maldon, Stansted, Witham, Sawbridgeworth, Walthamstow, Epping Forest, Great Dunmow, Old Harlow, Matching Green, Matching Tye, Stansted Mountfitchet, Shenfield, Stansted Airport, Blackmore, The Lavers, Bobbingworth, E4, E11, E15, E16, E17, E20, IG1, IG2, IG3, IG4, IG5, IG6, IG7, IG8, IG9, IG10, IG11, CM0, CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, CM9, CM10, CM11, CM12, CM13, CM14, CM15, CM16, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20, CM21, CM22, CM23, CM24 and across the South East.
TGS Fire Safety offers services across Essex, Herts and London such as Fire Door Inspections, Fire Door Maintenance, Dry Riser Testing, Fire Extinguisher Supply & Servicing or Fire Marshal Staff Training.