# What Does a Fire Marshal Do? Duties & Responsibilities Explained

> A fire marshal ensures workplace fire safety by conducting risk assessments, maintaining equipment, leading evacuations, and training staff. Learn the full role and UK legal requirements.

Source: https://getmytestscore.co.uk/what-does-a-fire-marshal-do

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# What Does a Fire Marshal Do?

A fire marshal is a trained member of staff responsible for **preventing fires, maintaining fire safety systems, and leading evacuations** in the workplace. They play a critical role in keeping people safe under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

## Core Duties of a Fire Marshal

Fire marshal responsibilities typically fall into three categories: prevention, preparation, and emergency response.

### Prevention

-   Carrying out regular fire risk assessments and workplace inspections
-   Identifying fire hazards such as blocked exits, faulty wiring, and improper storage of flammable materials
-   Ensuring housekeeping standards minimise fire risk
-   Reporting deficiencies to management and recommending improvements

### Preparation

-   Checking fire detection and alarm systems are working
-   Inspecting fire extinguishers, fire doors, emergency lighting, and signage
-   Ensuring escape routes are clear and accessible
-   Helping develop and update the fire evacuation plan
-   Assisting with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled colleagues
-   Organising and leading fire drills

### Emergency Response

-   Raising the alarm and calling the fire service
-   Guiding people to the nearest safe exit
-   Sweeping their designated area to confirm everyone has evacuated
-   Accounting for all personnel at the assembly point
-   Liaising with the fire service on arrival
-   Preventing re-entry until the all-clear is given

**Important:** Fire marshals should never put themselves at risk to fight a fire. Their primary role during an emergency is to facilitate safe evacuation, not to tackle the blaze.

## Fire Marshal vs Fire Warden — What's the Difference?

In most UK workplaces, the terms "fire marshal" and "fire warden" are used interchangeably. There is no legal distinction between the two roles. However, in practice:

| Fire Marshal | Fire Warden |
| --- | --- |
| Broader strategic role | Primarily evacuation-focused |
| Conducts fire risk assessments | Assists during evacuations |
| Trains and briefs staff | Sweeps designated zones |
| Liaises with fire service | Reports to fire marshal |

## How Many Fire Marshals Does a Workplace Need?

There is no fixed legal number. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the "responsible person" to appoint a sufficient number of competent people to assist with fire safety. General guidance suggests:

-   **Low-risk premises** (offices, shops) — at least one fire marshal per floor
-   **Medium-risk premises** — one fire marshal per 50 employees
-   **High-risk premises** (warehouses, factories) — one fire marshal per 20 employees

You should also account for shift patterns, holidays, and absences to ensure there is always a trained fire marshal on site.

## What Training Do Fire Marshals Need?

Fire marshals should receive training that covers:

-   Fire science — how fires start, spread, and behave
-   Fire prevention — identifying and eliminating hazards
-   Fire risk assessment — the five-step process
-   Fire safety legislation — the Fire Safety Order 2005
-   Fire extinguisher types and their correct use
-   Evacuation procedures and assembly point management
-   Record keeping and fire safety management

Training should be refreshed annually or when there are significant changes to the workplace.

### Take Our Fire Marshal Level 3 Course

Our free online Fire Marshal Level 3 course covers fire science, risk assessment, prevention, evacuation planning, and fire safety management — all aligned to UK legislation including the Fire Safety Order 2005.

[Start Fire Marshal Course](/course?id=fire-marshal-l3)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is fire marshal training a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that employees are provided with adequate fire safety training. Anyone designated as a fire marshal needs specific training to carry out their duties competently.

### How long does fire marshal training take?

Typical fire marshal training courses take between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the level and depth of content. Our online Fire Marshal Level 3 course takes approximately 5 hours.

### Do fire marshals get paid extra?

There is no legal requirement for additional pay. However, some employers offer a small supplement or recognise the role in performance reviews. It is an excellent addition to your CV and demonstrates leadership and responsibility.

### Related Guides

[**Fire Marshal vs Fire Warden**What's the difference?](/fire-marshal-vs-fire-warden) [**Fire Risk Assessment**What it covers & why](/what-is-a-fire-risk-assessment) [**What Is COSHH?**Hazardous substances explained](/what-is-coshh) [**H&S Glossary**Key terms A–Z](/health-and-safety-glossary)

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