Health, Safety and Environment
Fire Wardens for BT Buildings
The CWU is supporting BT’s launch of a national
recruitment drive for Fire Wardens. BT are looking for people to volunteer as nominated
Fire Wardens and Deputies to ensure that BT has the correct level of designated trained
people to carry out this important task.
Under fire certification and fire risk assessment requirements, BT has a legal duty to ensure this provision is in place. The initiative will involve a building walk and contact with occupants and line managers to seek volunteers where required. The role will be to assist in the safe evacuation of allocated floor areas, including understanding of the building escape routes and general fire safety. Fire Wardens will form part of the team that ensures the safety and self well-being of colleagues by professionally managing a fire situation.
The initiative is being undertaken with the full support of the LOB Safety Champions and BT Property will arrange and centrally manage funding for Fire Warden training for new recruits with an Accenture delivered 3 hour course on site which will cover:
- Fire Warden duties,
- General fire safety and housekeeping,
- Action to be taken on discovery of a fire or on hearing the fire alarm,
- Raising the alarm, including location and use of alarm call points,
- Location & operation of portable fire fighting equipment including: Water/Foam - CO2 - Fire Blankets,
- Knowledge of all escape routes including those for the fire wardens' own buildings,
- Provisions to be made for less able bodied people and visitors, and the line manager's role in arranging for a risk assessment for those on their team who may need assistance to escape,
- The importance of fire doors, the need to close doors at the time of fire and on hearing the fire alarm.
By volunteering, not only will it be for the benefit of those who work around you; you will be confidently equipped to handle similar situations outside the workplace. The training also covers home fire safety.
If you wish to volunteer, contact your local Facilities Manager who will arrange recruitment and organise a suitable training event for your building.