When it comes to emergencies, it is imperative that any kind of facility has appointed individuals who will take charge and ensure the safety of occupants. To fulfill this demand, the Australian Standard (AS) 3745:2010 details the requirement for facilities to have appointed Wardens, each type of warden with their own respective duties, to increase the likelihood of safety for all occupants. In this article we will run through the different kinds of Wardens, how they can be identified in an emergency, and the responsibilities which they are generally required to carry out.

Whether you are setting up your Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) for the first time or reviewing your current warden structure, this guide covers every type of emergency warden, their helmet or vest colour for identification, and the key responsibilities each warden carries out under AS 3745.

There are 4 types of wardens, these include:

• Chief Warden
• Deputy Chief Warden
• Floor/Area Warden
• Warden

Regardless of title all Wardens have a responsibility to:

• Improve and implement emergency response and control procedures
• Prevent emergencies wherever possible by regularly assessing the current condition of the workplace and its hazards
• Make other staff aware of the hazards in their building
• Control measures and manage procedures for any hazards in the building
• Lead emergency and evacuation training, including fire drills
• Know the location of all exits and evacuation routes within the facility
• Help in the event of an emergency

Chief Warden

During an emergency, it is the primary role of the Chief Warden to act as the lead point of contact for all Wardens. Their responsibility is to manage all operations so that occupants exit an emergency safely. A Chief Warden must:

• Act as the final decision maker for emergency proceedings.
• Ensure that all emergency procedures are being followed.
• Notify Emergency Services immediately once an emergency has been identified.
• Initiate communication with the Floor and Deputy Wardens and instruct them on the course of actions to begin taking, including clearing floors and evacuating personnel.
• Liaise with Emergency Services personnel, remain in control of a facility and hand off control to Emergency Services personnel upon arrival at the facility.

The Chief Warden can be easily identified in an emergency from the white cap, helmet or vest that they are required to wear when an emergency breaks out.

During an emergency

The Chief Warden assumes command of the situation from the Emergency Control Point (ECP). They coordinate all warden activities, communicate directly with emergency services, and have the authority to order a full or partial evacuation. If the Chief Warden is unavailable, the Deputy Chief Warden steps into this role.

Training requirement

Chief Wardens require a higher level of training than other warden types, typically covering leadership in emergencies, liaison with emergency services, and management of the ECO structure. See our full guide on what training a fire warden needs for details on the requirements, or explore our Emergency Warden Training courses to book a session.

Deputy Chief Warden

The Deputy Warden is an important role, acting as insurance, that there is always a point of contact whether or not the Chief Warden is present.

The Deputy Chief Warden are required to assist the Chief Warden with higher level responsibilities as required. In the event the Chief Warden is not present in an emergency, the Deputy Warden(s) will take their place.

Deputy Wardens can be identified by the white Chief Warden cap, helmet or vest that they wear, similar to the Chief Warden.

During an emergency

The Deputy Chief Warden supports the Chief Warden at the Emergency Control Point, relays instructions to Floor and Area Wardens, and manages communications. If the Chief Warden is not present, the Deputy assumes all Chief Warden responsibilities including liaising with emergency services and making the decision to evacuate.

Floor/Area Warden

Floor Wardens are responsible for the safety of an area or floor in their facility. Ensuring the safety of an entire floor is an extremely important task, with a few key responsibilities:

• Ordering the evacuation of occupants on the floor, if the emergency warrants it.
• Communicate with and follow orders from the Chief Warden.
• Direct wardens to check the floor for any hazards once it has been cleared of occupants.
• Advise the Chief Warden the circumstances of their floor and the emergency procedure actions taken.

Floor/Area Wardens can be identified by the bright yellow Floor Warden helmet, cap or vest that they are required to wear once an emergency is known about.

During an emergency

The Floor Warden takes charge of their designated floor immediately upon hearing the alarm. They guide occupants to the nearest safe exit, assist anyone who needs help (including people with disabilities or mobility issues), and ensure no one remains on the floor. Once the floor is clear, they report to the Chief Warden at the assembly point.

Warden

Wardens are responsible for assisting with the safe evacuation of occupants within their immediate area. They work under the direction of the Floor/Area Warden or Chief Warden and are typically the first people occupants will encounter during an emergency. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist with the safe evacuation of occupants from their immediate area when directed by the Floor/Area Warden or Chief Warden.
• Check enclosed spaces such as toilets, storerooms and meeting rooms to ensure no one is left behind.
• Ensure fire doors and smoke doors are properly closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Direct occupants to the correct evacuation route and assembly point.

Wardens can be identified by the red Warden helmet, cap or vest that they are required to wear once an emergency is known about.

During an emergency

Wardens act under the direction of the Floor/Area Warden or Chief Warden. Their primary role is hands-on – physically guiding people to safety, assisting those who need help, and ensuring their immediate area is clear. Once their area has been checked and cleared, they report to the Floor/Area Warden at the assembly point.

What is a fire warden?

The term ‘fire warden’ is commonly used in Australian workplaces as a general term for any emergency warden. Under AS 3745, ‘fire warden’ is not a specific role. It is an informal name that typically refers to a Warden or Floor/Area Warden. If someone in your workplace is referred to as a ‘fire warden’, they are most likely filling the Warden role as defined by the standard.

Activity Types of Wardens:

During emergencies, Fire Wardens (or simply Wardens during a non-fire emergency) are most responsible for occupants directly. Their responsibilities include:

• Checking to ensure that fire doors and smoke doors are properly closed, so that fires do not spread throughout a building.
• Search the floor to ensure all persons are accounted for before and during evacuation.
• Ensure orderly movement of occupants during evacuation of a site.
• Assist mobility impaired persons during evacuations.
• Act as leaders of smaller groups during building evacuations, so that occupants remain orderly amidst any panic.
• Operate first attack fire-fighting equipment including: portable fire extinguishers, hose reels & fire blankets.

Wardens are mostly easily identified by the red Warden cap, helmet or vest that they are required to wear once an emergency has become known to them.

As we have discovered, there is a clear and defined Warden structure that is ensured by AS3745:2010 in the event of an emergency. This structure allows for the safe evacuation of occupants and reduces panic that may result in an emergency.

Just as important are the identifier hats & caps that these Wardens are required to wear once an emergency has become known, ensuring all occupants know who is the authority to adhere to in an emergency.

You can browse our collection of licensed Warden hats & caps here to ensure that you have the required equipment in your facility to remain compliant with AS3745:2010.

Contact us to get compliant

Related Resources

Need warden training for your facility? Explore our Emergency Warden Training courses – available online and in-person across Australia.

Learn more about the full Emergency Control Organisation structure and how wardens fit into your facility’s emergency plan in our AS 3745 Guide.

Download the Chief Warden Handbook for a printable reference guide to warden roles and responsibilities.

Understand what training your wardens need and how often it should be refreshed in our Fire Warden Training Requirements guide.

Planning an evacuation drill? See our tips for conducting effective fire evacuation drills and exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour helmet does a Chief Warden wear?

A Chief Warden wears a white helmet, cap or vest during an emergency. The Deputy Chief Warden also wears white, as they may need to step into the Chief Warden role at any time.

What is a fire warden?

A fire warden is an informal Australian term for an emergency warden – a person appointed under AS 3745:2010 to help manage emergencies in a facility. The term usually refers to an Ordinary Warden or Area Warden rather than a specific defined role under the standard.

What does a fire warden do?

Fire wardens are responsible for guiding occupants to safety during emergencies, checking their designated area is clear, ensuring fire doors are closed, and reporting to the Chief Warden. Outside of emergencies, they also help prevent incidents by identifying workplace hazards.

How many wardens does a facility need?

AS 3745 does not specify a fixed number. The required number of wardens depends on the size, layout and occupancy of the facility. Your Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) determines the appropriate warden structure as part of your emergency plan.

What colour hat does an Area Warden wear?

An Area Warden typically wears an orange helmet, cap or vest. Some organisations use red for Area Wardens. The specific colour may vary, but orange is the most common convention in Australian facilities.

Do fire wardens need formal training?

Yes. Under AS 3745:2010, all wardens must receive training appropriate to their role. Chief Wardens and Deputy Chief Wardens require more comprehensive training than Floor or Area Wardens. Training should be refreshed regularly to ensure wardens are confident and prepared. See our guide on warden training requirements for full details.