Fire Warden Training
University of Guelph

Training Outline
 Codes why do we have them?
 Video—No Time to Spare
 Why we need wardens
 Wardens on our campus
 Specific duties
 Pictures from inspections
 Video-Burn Demo
 Extinguishers

Codes-Why have them?
 1963-first version of National Fire Code of
Canada
 Ontario adopted their provincial code
starting in 1981
 Usually updated every 5 or so years
 Why we have a fire code…
 …To save lives

Winecoff Hotel-1946—
119 lives lost

Cocoanut Grove-1942—
492 lives lost

Station Nightclub-2003—
100 lives lost

Station Nightclub-2003—
100 lives lost

Codes
 Every Line in a code is written because
something bad has happened.

Video
 No Time to Spare
 Demonstrates the need for wardens to help
evacuation go as quickly and safely as
possible.
 Average response time—4 to 5 minutes (may be
longer, depending hose/hydrant location)

Why do we need fire wardens?
 Required by the OFC through the fire
safety plan
 Monitor work area for fire hazards, and
deficiencies
 Help people during an evacuation
 Help to keep the University fire safe
 Be a contact for the building incase there
is an issue with the fire & life safety
equipment

More on the fire wardens…
 Each area needs to have at least one fire
warden. (more within reason to cover area)
 The more wardens you have the less work
it will be for everyone
 In some cases the H&S committee is
already doing the fire warden duties
 Not a huge time commitment, but there is
a commitment to make your own space
fire safe.

Warden system across campus
 The system exists across campus in
varying stages of development.
 In some cases the jobs are being completed,
we just need to formalize it
 Some people believe they are wardens, but
there is no formal list
 The need to identify a “chief warden” to be a
primary contact for the building

Specific duties of a fire warden
 During a Fire Alarm:
 Announce that everyone must evacuate
 Direct occupants to closest exit
 Close all doors on the way out
 Help anyone with mobility/visual impairment to a
safe location
 Report findings to responding officials
 NEVER put yourself at risk
 You can enter the building once the bells stop ringing…
You do not have to wait for an all clear anymore

Specific duties of a fire warden
 During the month:
 Check the fire extinguishers in your area
 Be aware of the fire safety equipment in your area,
and be aware when something changes
 Exit light burnt out
 Extinguisher missing
 Blocked exit ways/hallways
 Excessive storage
 Blocked pull stations/hose cabinets

Importance of closing doors

Do not wedge doors open

Pictures from inspections

Pictures from inspections

Pictures from inspections

Pictures from inspections

Pictures from inspections

Pictures from inspections
There was a sign posted above
this giving directions to the
electrical panel, so that you
could reset the breaker when it
tripped….

Extinguishers
 How to check an extinguisher (monthly):
 Make sure it is there
 Look at gauge
 Look for damage
 Ensure access is unobstructed
 Sign tag

Extinguishers

Extinguishers
 How to use an extinguisher:
 P—pull the pin
 A—aim the nozzle
 S—Squeeze the handle
 S—Sweet back and forth