Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must provide employees with adequate fire safety training, both when they start and regularly afterwards. Providing proper training is a key part of meeting your fire safety duties.

All staff should receive basic fire safety awareness so they know what to do in an emergency. In addition, nominated people should be trained as fire wardens or marshals to take on specific responsibilities such as helping with evacuation and checking the building.

In practice the two terms are used to mean much the same role. Both involve helping to prevent fires, assisting with a safe evacuation, checking the premises are clear and supporting the responsible person. Whatever your business calls the role, our training covers the same core duties.

There is no fixed legal number. It depends on the size and layout of your premises, how many people are present, your shift patterns and the level of risk. As a guide you need enough wardens to cover every area and every shift, and your fire risk assessment will help determine the right number.

Fire safety awareness is usually refreshed each year and given to all new starters as part of their induction. Fire warden training is typically refreshed every one to three years, or sooner if your premises, procedures or personnel change. Regular refreshers keep everyone confident and up to date.

It depends on the course. Basic fire awareness can take as little as an hour or two, while fire warden training usually takes longer, often a half or full day. We will recommend the right course length for your team and premises.