If you are reading this, chances are you have either been tapped on the shoulder at work to “become the fire warden” and join the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) team or you are simply curious about what the role involves.
Maybe you have heard about fire warden training, and you are wondering if it’s something you need to do, how often it needs to be refreshed, or even what colour hat a fire warden wears.
Good news — you are in the right place. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about fire wardens, training requirements in Queensland, and why this role is so important in every workplace.
So, What is an ECO in Fire Safety?
An Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is simply your workplace’s emergency response team. It is made up of people like the Chief Warden, Deputy Wardens, Floor or Area Wardens, First Aid Responders, and Communications Officers. These are everyday staff who step into leadership roles if something goes wrong.
The ECO’s job is not about fighting fires or playing hero. Their role is to stay calm, get people moving, and make sure everyone gets out safely in an emergency. They are the ones who sound the alarm, coordinate evacuations, and talk with emergency services when they arrive.
In short, if your workplace has an ECO, it means there is a clear plan and trained people ready to take charge at a time when seconds matter. Without one? Things can quickly become chaotic.
What is a Fire Warden?
At its core, a fire warden the person in your workplace who has been nominated (or sometimes volunteered) to take charge if an emergency happens. That could be a fire, a chemical spill, a gas leak, or even something like a bomb threat.
The fire warden’s job is not to be a firefighter. They are not expected to run into flames or put themselves at risk. Instead, they are the calm and organised person who helps everyone else get out safely and quickly.
Think of it like this: in an emergency, most people panic or freeze. The fire warden is trained to know exactly what to do, guide others, and keep things under control.
What does a Fire Warden do?
Fire wardens have both everyday responsibilities and emergency responsibilities.
On a normal day, they might:
- Keep an eye on exits and evacuation routes to make sure they are clear
- Help with fire drills and make sure everyone participates
- Check to make sure fire safety equipment (like extinguishers and alarms) are accessible
But when an actual emergency happens, their role is much more active:
- Direct people towards safe exits
- Check every room, bathroom, or office to make sure no one is left behind
- Close doors behind them to slow down the spread of smoke and fire
- Report to the chief fire warden at the assembly point with a headcount
Basically, they are the steady, confident presence that helps keep people calm and moving in the right direction.
Who is the Chief Fire Warden?
Every workplace that takes safety seriously has not just regular fire wardens, but also a chief fire warden. This is the person in charge of the entire evacuation process.
The chief fire warden coordinates the team of wardens, makes decisions, and communicates with emergency services. If you picture the fire wardens as the players on the field, the chief fire warden is the captain calling the shots.
How do you identify a Fire Warden?
These questions ATI hears a lot: “How do I know who the fire warden is in my workplace? What does a fire warden wear? What colour hat does the chief fire warden wear?”
The easiest way to spot them is by what they wear during an emergency.
- Fire wardens usually wear a yellow hat or helmet, and often a vest.
- Chief fire wardens wear white.
This isn’t just for show. This colour system makes it quick and easy to spot them when you need guidance. It helps people immediately know who to follow.
How to become a Fire Warden?
If you have been nominated at work or you’d like to step up into the role, here is how it works:
- Be nominated by your workplace (or volunteer yourself).
- Complete a nationally recognised Fire Warden Training course in Queensland. At Australian Training Institute, this is a 4 hour course and can be done at our Albion or Ipswich campuses or onsite at your chosen location (minimum numbers required).
- Stay current by refreshing your training as recommended (every 2 years).
And that’s it — you don’t need to be super fit, have a military background, or know everything about fire science. You just need to be willing to learn and take responsibility in emergencies.
What is Fire Warden training?
Fire warden training is the course you complete to learn everything you need for the role. It is practical, hands-on, and designed for everyday workplaces — offices, warehouses, schools, retail stores, you name it.
What does Fire Warden training involve?
- Learning emergency procedures and Australian safety legislation
- Identifying fire hazards and minimising risks
- Using equipment like fire extinguishers (only if safe to do so)
- Practising evacuation procedures
- Role-playing different emergency scenarios so you know exactly how to respond
The training is designed to give you confidence. Instead of freezing or panicking if an alarm goes off, you’ll know the steps to take and how to keep people safe.
How long is Fire Warden training valid for?
This is where people sometimes get confused, so let’s clear it up:
- A fire warden certificate is typically valid for 2 years.
- QLD Fire Wardens are recommended to refresh their skills and knowledge every 2 years to comply with the Australian Standards AS 3745. This ensures you do not lose the skills and confidence you have built, and remain up to date with any legislation changes.
So technically, if you have done the training within the last two years, you are still valid.
What is the role of a Fire warden in a workplace?
In the workplace, the fire warden’s role is all about protecting people. Buildings can be replaced, but lives cannot.
Their role is to:
- Help prepare staff for emergencies (through drills and training)
- Take charge during evacuations
- Report to emergency services if required
- Keep calm under pressure and encourage others to do the same
Why is Fire Warden training important?
Some people think, “Do we really need this training? We’ve never had a fire at work.”
But the reality is, emergencies don’t happen often — and that is exactly why you need training.
When something unexpected does happen, you don’t want the first time you are thinking about evacuation to be during a real emergency.
Fire warden training is important because it:
- Helps staff to feel prepared in an emergency
- Reduces risk of injuries and saves lives
- Helps your business stay compliant with Australian WHS laws
Fire alarm sounds — what should a Fire Warden do?
When the alarm goes off, here’s the checklist for wardens:
- Put on your identification (helmet/vest).
- Direct people calmly to the nearest safe exit.
- Check all areas to make sure no one is left behind.
- Close doors behind you.
- Report to the chief fire warden at the assembly point.
Ready to become a fire warden?
Being a fire warden is a big responsibility, but it’s also one of the most valuable roles in any workplace. You are the person who keeps calm when others panic and ensures that everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.
At the Australian Training Institute, we offer nationally recognised Fire Warden Training that’s practical, engaging, and designed to give you the confidence to step up in an emergency.
Whether you are becoming a fire warden for the first time or refreshing your skills, our courses will make sure you are prepared.
Do not wait for an emergency to find out you are not ready. Make sure you or your team knows exactly what to do and can keep your workplace compliant and protected.
Book into Fire Safety Courses today: Fire Safety Courses | Australian Training Institute | RTO 30200
