FAQ: How many wardens do I need?
We are regularly asked the question, "how many wardens do I need for my workplace".
The Emergency Control Organisation members are the Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden (if necessary), Floor or Area Wardens and if required Communications Officers.
Depending on the size and complexity of your workplace there may be a need to appoint staff to specific emergency response roles (eg a staff member responsible for any persons with a disability)
When considering how many positions are needed consideration shall be given to;
the size of the facility, floor or area,
the number of occupants and potential visitors,
the installed occupant warning equipment (if applicable) and
the fire engineered and life safety features of the facility.
Important characteristics that will impact on the number and positions needed are;
Facility occupancy, including building classification (Building Code of Australia) , how the facility is used and do you have a facility that has multiple tenants or a variety of different occupants.
Facility location, consider the proximity to other buildings and boundaries, proximity to other hazards.
Facility size and shape, consider the number and size of floors/zones/areas, the layout and how do occupants enter and exit the facility.
Facility structure, consider construction materials and specific building features, are there any hazards to occupants and visitors, are there any existing fire safety measures, management and use of the facility, how will staff be trained, scheduled maintenance of the facility and its features, any other firefighting concerns.
Occupant and visitor characteristics, who will use the facility, what will they be doing, will any users have any special needs, what are the operating hours, does the facility have staff shift schedules, do all staff know what to do in the event of an emergency.
For more detail on emergency planning and training please contact us or refer to Australian Standard AS3745-2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities
