Fire marshals, sometimes called fire stewards at events, are people who help keep others safe if there is a fire. Before you decide how many you need, it helps to be clear about the legal position, because fire safety duties sit with a named person. They do not pass to a security company just because you hire one.
Who is legally responsible?
In England and Wales, general fire safety law for non-domestic premises is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which came into force on 1 October 2006. It places duties on the “responsible person”. GOV.UK describes this as the employer, owner, landlord or occupier of business or other non-domestic premises. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules, so if your site is there, follow the guidance for that nation.
What the responsible person must do
- Carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises, or appoint a competent person to do it, and review it regularly.
- Keep a written record of the assessment.
- Tell staff or their representatives about the risks that have been identified.
- Put in place the general fire precautions that the risk assessment shows are needed.
Fire and rescue services enforce the law and give advice, but they do not carry out your fire risk assessment for you.
Where fire marshals fit in
Whether you need fire marshals or a fire watch, and how many, is a decision for the responsible person based on the fire risk assessment. It is not a fixed number set by a supplier. At events, the roles of fire stewards (also called fire marshals) are usually set out in the fire safety plan. The Health and Safety Executive publishes fire safety guidance for event organisers, and your local council may ask to see your plan.
What fire marshals and fire watch officers typically do
- Walk the premises at set intervals, looking for signs of fire and checking for hazards.
- Check that exits and escape routes are clear and usable.
- Support your evacuation procedure if an alarm is raised or an incident occurs.
- Provide extra cover while building works, including hot works, are under way.
- Keep a written log of every round and any problems found.
The exact duties should come from your fire risk assessment and your evacuation plan, and be agreed in writing before the shift.
Fire marshal or security officer?
These are different jobs, and one person should not be left to do both without a clear plan. If someone is asked to cover fire watch rounds and also guard an entrance, agree in writing which duty comes first and who takes over if they are called away. Otherwise fire duties can be squeezed out by other tasks.
Questions to ask before you book
- Who is the responsible person, and does the fire risk assessment say fire marshals or a fire watch are needed?
- What training do the people provided have, and can the supplier show it?
- Will they be briefed on your evacuation plan, the assembly points and who to call?
- Will a written log be kept and handed over?
- Who covers if someone cannot attend?
How GM Secure can help
GM Secure supplies SIA-licensed officers for fire watch rounds, fire marshals at events and venues, escape route checks, evacuation support, cover during building works and written logs. See our fire marshal and fire watch page, or ask for a quote. Responsibility for fire safety stays with the responsible person. We supply people to carry out the duties set out in your plan.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check your own duties with your local fire and rescue service or a competent fire risk assessor. Sources: GOV.UK, a guide for persons with duties under fire safety legislation and London Fire Brigade, fire safety law explained.