What Does a Fire Marshal Actually Do?
Fire Marshals play a vital role in keeping your workplace safe. But do you know exactly what their responsibilities are? Don’t worry—we’ve broken it down for you in a straightforward, no-jargon way.
Let’s start with the basics:
You might be surprised to hear that one of the most important jobs a Fire Marshal has is actually preventing fires—not just responding to them.
First things first: What is a Fire Marshal?
In the UK, the terms Fire Warden and Fire Marshal are used interchangeably. It simply refers to someone selected by the business owner or manager to help oversee fire safety. This could include everything from checking equipment and running drills to helping with fire training.
Yes, Fire Marshals are there to help evacuate people and handle small fires if one breaks out—but the real magic happens in the everyday tasks that help stop fires before they start.
15 Day-to-Day Fire Marshal Duties That Help Prevent Fires
Here are some proactive tasks Fire Marshals carry out to keep everyone safe:
Emergency Exits: Making sure they’re always clear and easy to open—from both the inside and outside.
Fire Extinguishers: Checking they’re in the right spot, clearly marked, and regularly serviced.
Fire Doors: Inspecting them weekly to make sure they’re working properly and not being wedged open.
Break Glass Call Points: Ensuring they’re clearly visible and easily accessible in an emergency.
Emergency Lighting: Monthly checks to confirm all emergency lights are working. If not, it’s time to call in a professional.
Fire Alarm Testing: That weekly fire alarm test? Often, it’s the Fire Marshal making sure it works properly.
Fire Safety Signage: Verifying that all signs are in the right place and securely displayed.
General Housekeeping: Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources and making sure exits aren’t blocked.
Smoking Areas: Making sure they’re tidy and that ashtrays are emptied regularly.
Hazardous Materials: Ensuring any flammable or dangerous substances are stored safely.
New Staff Inductions: All new employees should receive basic fire safety training, and everyone should get a refresher at least once a year.
Electrical Safety (PAT Testing): Faulty electricals are a leading cause of workplace fires—so everything should be tested regularly.
Fire Drills: Organising at least one fire drill a year to make sure everyone knows how to evacuate properly.
Paperwork & Logbook: Keeping detailed records of all fire safety checks and procedures (it’s a legal requirement!).
Supporting the Fire Risk Assessment: Fire Marshals help carry out the recommendations outlined in the company’s fire risk assessment.
What If a Fire Actually Happens?
Even with all the prep work, fires can still happen. When they do, Fire Marshals switch to their “reactive” role.
Here are 8 key things they do during an incident:
Sound the Alarm: Raise the alarm and call the fire brigade if your system doesn’t do it automatically.
Close Doors: Shut doors (especially fire doors) to help stop the fire from spreading.
Guide People to Exits: Make sure everyone is heading in the right direction and knows where to go.
Help Vulnerable People: Fire Marshals should assist anyone who needs extra help, like those who are pregnant or have a disability—using a buddy system or a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).
Do a Sweep: Check that everyone’s out—including bathrooms and storage areas.
Use Extinguishers (If Safe): If it’s a small fire and they’ve been trained, Fire Marshals may use an extinguisher to try to control it.
Roll Call: Help take a headcount at the assembly point to make sure everyone’s safely out of the building.