Emergency wardens
Emergency Wardens form part of the University’s Emergency Control Organisation, and play an important role in the implementation of the University’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP).
While the University’s facilities are equipped with life-saving devices such as alarms and fire doors, Emergency Wardens add a human element. They are able to empathise with occupants, adapt to developing and changing situations and effectively communicate with others.
Emergency warden responsibilities
Emergency wardens responsibilities can be broken into 3 stages as outlined below.
Pre-emergency
Pre-emergency, Emergency Wardens are responsible for:
- Reporting issues associated with emergency equipment, such as faulty or missing equipment
- Informing occupants of emergency response procedures
- Ensuring access and egress paths to emergency equipment and facilities is clear
- Ensuring warden identification equipment is available and maintained i.e. hard hat and vest
- Attending training and emergency exercises as required
During-emergency
During an emergency, Emergency Wardens are responsible for implementing the University’s emergency response procedures, this includes:
- Ensuring appropriate emergency services are notified
- Searching the floor or area to ensure all persons have evacuated
- Operating emergency communication systems
- Checking fire and/or smoke doors have been properly closed
- Opening and/or closing doors in accordance with the emergency response procedures
- Ensuring the orderly flow of people into protected areas
- Assisting persons with disabilities
- Report on the status of activities to the Chief Warden
Post-emergency
Post-emergency, wardens are required to attend a debrief and report on activities and actions taken before and during the emergency.
Determining the number of wardens required
Managers and supervisors are required to ensure they have sufficient Emergency Wardens for areas they occupy. This is usually done in conjunction with Campus Safety and Security, and the Work Health and Safety Unit.
When determining the number of Emergency Wardens needed, assess the:
- work being undertaken;
- environment in which the work is undertaken;
- hours during which the work is undertaken - warden coverage should be arranged for all hours during which an area is staffed;
- number of people in a work area; and
- size and layout of the building.
Generally, there will be:
- One Emergency Warden per building, or
- One or more Emergency Wardens per level or area.
Where a building or floor is shared, areas must cooperate and coordinate with each other to determine the requirements and appointment of wardens in each area.
Suitability to be a warden
Consider the following selection criteria when identifying persons for appointment as Emergency Wardens:
- willingness to assist people in the event of an emergency
- enthusiasm and willingness to act in this role
- ability to act calmly and take charge in an emergency
- ability to relate well to others
- ability to make a good assessment of a situation
- located in one place, readily contactable and in a position to be called away at short notice
- full-time staff member or a part-time staff member who can share the role
- in good physical health, sufficient to be able to discharge their responsibilities
- has completed the required training, or is capable of undertaking the required training.
Appointment of wardens
The appointment of a warden commences with the completion of the Emergency Warden training, accessible through MyCareer Online.