Need fire warden training that includes hands-on fire extinguisher use? This combined course covers both in a single session at your workplace: warden and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) training plus practical First Attack Firefighting.
ACTWELL delivers this course for private groups only. Public sessions for individuals are available on our accredited warden courses page.
The course prepares appointed workplace personnel to respond to emergencies including evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather events and other serious incidents identified in your facility’s emergency plan. Wardens respond to all emergencies covered by your workplace procedures, not only fire.
ECO members are not external responders. They are people from within the workplace, appointed by the Emergency Planning Committee (EPC), and trained to direct and control the implementation of the facility’s emergency response procedures. During an emergency, ECO members are responsible for directing occupants, operating emergency communication systems where installed, coordinating evacuations or other responses, and liaising with emergency services.
Life safety always takes priority over asset protection.
Under AS 3745-2010, ECO members must be trained before performing the role and must participate in regular skills retention activities to maintain competence.
ACTWELL delivers private, site-specific training so your ECO is prepared for the layout, systems and risks unique to your facility. Our trainers and consultants are current and former emergency service professionals. The same people who work real incidents are the ones training your team.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for organisations required to establish and maintain an Emergency Control Organisation, including:
- Office, retail, hospitality and industrial workplaces
- Healthcare, aged care and disability support facilities
- Schools and early education centres
- Government buildings and community service sites
- Any workplace required to comply with emergency planning obligations under WHS legislation
What you will learn
ECO and warden responsibilities:
- Understand roles and responsibilities within the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) structure
- Respond appropriately to alarms and reports of emergencies
- Coordinate evacuations, lockdowns and shelter-in-place responses as required
- Communicate clearly and effectively during emergency situations
- Assist occupants and visitors with disabilities or additional needs, including where Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are in place
- Use installed emergency response and communication equipment where provided
- Liaise with emergency services on arrival and provide accurate, timely situational information
- Carry out post-evacuation and post-incident actions
First attack firefighting:
- Understand the role of first attack firefighting within the ECO and emergency response procedures
- Prepare for site-specific fire risks
- Identify and report fires promptly
- Evacuate from endangered areas and recognise when evacuation is required
- Recognise different classes of fire and select the correct firefighting equipment
- Operate fire extinguishers, fire blankets and hose reels safely (where installed)
- Determine when it is unsafe or inappropriate to fight a fire
- Follow procedures after firefighting equipment has been used
Hands-on extinguisher training is conducted using live fire gas props, allowing participants to practise in a controlled, realistic environment.
How competence is demonstrated
This is non-accredited training aligned with AS 3745-2010 and AS 4083-2010. Competence is demonstrated through active participation in all practical and theory components during the session. There is no formal written assessment.
Skills retention and renewal
ECO members must complete skills retention activities every 6 months to maintain competence. Your facility should also conduct at least one emergency evacuation exercise every 12 months.
ACTWELL can deliver both: ongoing skills retention sessions for your ECO and facilitated evacuation exercises for your full site. Contact us to set up a recurring schedule.
Delivery format
Training is delivered on-site at your workplace so scenarios, equipment familiarisation and evacuation routes are specific to your facility.
This course is aligned with AS 3745-2010 (Planning for emergencies in facilities) and AS 4083-2010 (Planning for emergencies, Health care facilities). Training is delivered by ACTWELL First Aid & Training.
Is fire extinguisher training included in this course?
Yes. This combined course includes practical First Attack Firefighting: fire extinguishers, fire blankets and hose reels, trained with live fire gas props. If your team only needs the warden component, our ECO warden training runs without the firefighting module.
Is this the same as fire warden training?
Fire warden is the everyday name for the role. Formally, wardens form part of your Emergency Control Organisation and respond to all emergencies in your workplace procedures, not only fire. This course trains the full ECO role plus first attack firefighting.
How often does warden training need to be refreshed?
Under AS 3745-2010, ECO members must complete skills retention activities every 6 months, and your facility should run at least one emergency evacuation exercise every 12 months. ACTWELL can schedule both on a recurring cycle.
