Workplace emergency teams

Fire warden, ECO and first attack training in Canberra

Looking for fire warden training in Canberra? ACTWELL delivers warden and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) training that prepares appointed people to respond to all emergencies covered by your workplace procedures, not only fire. We can also add practical First Attack training when your team needs hands-on instruction in fire extinguishers, fire blankets and hose reels.

Site-specific warden and first attack training for workplaces across Canberra, ACT and surrounding NSW. Delivered by current and former emergency service professionals, with practical training that helps your people respond with confidence.

Fire warden, warden or ECO: which is it?

They describe the same people. Fire warden is the name most workplaces use. AS 3745-2010, the Australian standard for planning emergencies in facilities, calls the trained group your Emergency Control Organisation (ECO), because the role covers evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather and every other emergency in your procedures, not just fire. Whatever your site calls them, the training is the same: preparing appointed people to lead your building through an emergency with confidence.

The right warden structure depends on your site, people, hazards and procedures. Not every workplace needs the same roles, and we will tell you honestly what yours does need.

Private workplace training available on site. Public nationally recognised courses available at our Fyshwick training facility.

Training overview

Warden and first attack training for real-world emergencies

Wardens are part of your Emergency Control Organisation (ECO). They do more than respond to fire alarms. They may need to help manage evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather events, medical incidents, power failures, bomb threats, gas leaks and other situations where people need clear direction.

First attack training is more specific. It prepares selected people to respond to a small fire in its early stages, using equipment such as extinguishers, fire blankets and hose reels only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

ACTWELL brings both together. We train your people in the role they are expected to perform, the risks that exist at your site, and the decisions they may need to make under pressure.

Two Delivery Paths

Private site training or public Fyshwick courses

We bring training to your workplace as site-specific sessions, or you can join a scheduled public course at our Fyshwick facility.

What we train

Choose the training your site needs

Combined ECO and first attack training

Best For

Workplaces that want one practical, site-specific session covering emergency roles, evacuation response and first attack firefighting.

This is the option we recommend for most private workplace groups. Your team learns the roles and responsibilities of the ECO, how to respond to common emergency scenarios, and how to use first attack firefighting equipment safely and appropriately.

Training can be delivered as non-accredited site-specific training by default, or as nationally recognised training where required by your organisation, contract or role.

First attack training

Best For

Teams and individuals who work in kitchens, workshops, maintenance teams, laboratories, facilities teams, industrial workplaces and other areas with higher fire risks or installed firefighting equipment.

This training prepares selected staff to assess whether first attack firefighting is safe, choose the right equipment, use extinguishers and fire blankets correctly, and know when evacuation takes priority. Practical training uses live fire gas props under controlled conditions.

Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) training

Best For

Appointed wardens, floor or area wardens, chief wardens, deputies and staff who form part of your Emergency Control Organisation.

This training focuses on the practical role of the ECO before, during and after an emergency. It helps your team understand their responsibilities, your site procedures, assembly areas, communication pathways and the types of emergencies your workplace may need to manage.

Why site-specific

Why site-specific training matters

Generic training can explain the role. Site-specific training makes the role effective.

At your workplace, we connect the training to:

Offices and commercial buildings
Healthcare and aged care facilities
Schools, childcare centres and early education
Industrial sites and warehouses
Retail, hospitality and public venues
Government buildings and community service sites
Construction and temporary sites

The practical difference

Two ways to train your wardens

Compare

Private Group Training

At your site, tailored to your workplace

Public Accredited Courses

Scheduled seats at ACTWELL Fyshwick

Best For

Workplaces booking for a team

Scheduled seats at ACTWELL Fyshwick

Location

Your site, or by arrangement at ACTWELL

ACTWELL training facility in Fyshwick

Training type

Non-accredited by default, nationally recognised available if required

Nationally recognised

Content

Tailored to your site, risks, procedures and equipment

Standard course content and assessment requirements

Group size

Minimum charge applies for 10 participants, then per person after that

Per person

Flexibility

Choose a suitable date and time

Fixed public course dates

You can book fewer than 10 participants if needed. The minimum private training charge still applies.

Public course options

Public courses are suited to individuals, small teams, or staff who need a nationally recognised qualification without organising a private workplace session.

Chief Warden Course Set

PUAFER005 – Operate as part of an emergency control organisation PUAFER006 – Lead an emergency control organisation PUAFER008 – Confine small emergencies in a facility

$425 per person

per person · GST-free

First Attack Firefighting

PUAFER008 – Confine small emergencies in a facility

$265 per person

per person · GST-free

Nationally recognised First aid and emergency training is GST free

Training and assessment for nationally recognised courses is delivered by ACTWELL on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certification is issued by Allens Training Pty Ltd.

Standards alignment

Aligned with emergency planning standards

ACTWELL delivers warden, ECO and first attack training with reference to AS 3745-2010, Planning for emergencies in facilities. For healthcare environments, AS 4083-2010 will also be relevant.

Training supports your workplace emergency preparedness, but training alone is not the whole compliance picture. Your organisation will also need a current emergency plan, appointed ECO, evacuation diagrams, emergency exercises, suitable equipment and regular review.

If you are not sure what your site needs, we can help you navigate the compliance journey.

Skills retention

Keeping skills current

Emergency roles are practical roles. Skills fade when people do not use them.

Under AS 3745-2010, ECO members must take part in skills retention activities at intervals not greater than 6 months. First attack firefighting training should be refreshed at intervals not greater than 2 years.

ACTWELL can help you keep track of what has been completed, what is coming due, and where refresher training fits into your wider emergency planning cycle.

Who we work with

Who we train

ACTWELL works with workplaces that need practical emergency training, including:

Schools and early learning services
Aged care and healthcare facilities
Offices and corporate sites
Hospitality venues and commercial kitchens
Workshops, warehouses and industrial sites
Retail centres and mixed-use facilities
Construction and trade environments
Government, community and not-for-profit organisations

Our trainers

Delivered by people who understand real emergencies

ACTWELL training is delivered by current and former emergency service professionals. We teach your team how to manage an emergency in real buildings, with real people, under real pressure.

Our training is practical, calm and clear. We focus on confidence, judgement and safe decision-making, not box-ticking.

Common questions

Common Questions

Is fire warden training the same as ECO training?

Yes. Fire warden is the common name, ECO is the formal name under AS 3745-2010. The training covers all emergencies in your workplace procedures, not only fire.

What does a fire warden do?

During an emergency, wardens direct occupants, coordinate the evacuation or other response, operate emergency communication equipment where installed, assist people who need help, and liaise with emergency services when they arrive. Day to day, they stay familiar with the emergency plan and take part in exercises and skills retention.

What is the difference between a fire warden and a Chief Warden?

Floor and area wardens manage their part of the building during a response. The Chief Warden leads the whole ECO: assessing the situation, initiating the response, directing wardens and briefing emergency services. Our Chief Warden course covers the leadership role.

How often should wardens complete training and exercises?

Under AS 3745-2010, ECO members must complete skills retention activities every 6 months, and facilities should run at least one emergency evacuation exercise every 12 months.

Is fire extinguisher training included in warden training?

Not automatically. Extinguisher, fire blanket and hose reel skills are First Attack Firefighting, which we deliver as a standalone course or combined with warden training in our ECO and First Attack combined course.

Get in touch

Ready to train your team?

If you need warden, ECO or first attack training for your workplace, we can help you choose the right course and organise a practical session for your site. For most workplaces, combined ECO, warden and first attack training is the best place to start.