Q: What are the requirements for the number of area wardens in an organisation? We currently employ approximately 80 staff over two levels. We have separated each level into five smaller areas and within each area there is an area warden and a deputy warden – it seems a little over the top.

A: There is no specific requirement for how many fire wardens you must nominate in your workplace. In accordance with your general obligation to do all that is reasonably practicable to eliminate or reduce the risk of a fire or explosion, you need to assess the size of the levels/areas and the amount of risk on each level/area.

It is, however, quite common for medium to large businesses to have a chief warden and deputy warden for the whole workplace and, depending on the size of the floors and the extent of the risks, a floor warden for each floor and area wardens for different areas on each floor.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Fire safety for current advice.