Fire Warden Programs: A Must-Have for Commercial Office Buildings.
Building owners and property managers carry a legal responsibility to ensure that they have implemented a fire code compliance program at their building. That responsibility begins with a well-structured Fire Warden Program, often through the building’s approved Fire Safety Plan—and it’s more than just best practice; it’s the law.
Why Fire Wardens Matter
While fire alarms are essential for alerting occupants to potential dangers, their effectiveness is significantly enhanced when supplemented by direct, personal communication. In any emergency, seconds count.
A Fire Warden Program equips designated individuals—typically tenant staff—with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and calmly. Their role is critical: recognizing the emergency, helping occupants evacuate efficiently, accounting for individuals with mobility issues, ensuring their area of responsibility is evacuated and assisting emergency responders when they arrive.
But the true success of a fire warden program hinges on something far too many buildings overlook: training.
The Requirement in Ontario
While all building Owners are required to actively comply with the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code, Section 2.8, requires some commercial building owners to develop and implement a Fire Safety Plan that includes the training of “supervisory staff.” In a commercial building, this training should include:
Building management, operations and security staff
Tenant designated fire wardens, and at times - Tenant Contacts
Training must be delivered to all supervisory staff, and must be site-specific—reflecting the unique layout, systems, procedures and risks present in the building.
Need Help Implementing or Updating Your Fire Warden or Fire Safety Program?
National Life Safety Group is proud to have developed Ontario’s only accredited training program for building Owners and managers in Ontario. This exiting program delivered by recognized NFPA Fire & Life Safety Educators, and is endorsed by the Insitution of Fire Engineers Canada. Specifically designed for commercial high-rises, office towers, and mixed-use properties across Ontario.
Visit www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca to learn more.
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