A lot of Perth workplaces use these terms Fire Warden & Chief Warden like they mean the same thing, but they actually don’t! They’re two different roles, with two different units behind them, and mixing them up can leave a workplace without the leadership it actually needs when an alarm goes off. Here’s the simple version: what each role does, and how often the training needs refreshing under AS 3745-2010.
Fire Warden (PUAFER005): the one on the ground
A fire warden is part of the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) – basically, the trained crew who manage a workplace when something goes wrong. Their training (PUAFER005) covers the practical, on the ground stuff:
- Helping plan for emergencies ahead of time and knowing the assembly area
- Responding properly when the alarm goes off
- Using the communication systems during an incident
- Helping occupants get out, including anyone who needs a hand
- Wearing ECO ID so people know who to follow
A fire warden’s job is to follow the plan and get their area moving.Â
Chief Fire Warden (PUAFER006): the one running the show
Chief wardens do an extra unit on top of PUAFER005, called PUAFER006 which is the leadership layer. A chief warden (or deputy) is trained to:
- Run the whole emergency response, not just their own patch
- Read the fire panel, building management system and security system
- Brief the fire brigade when they turn up
- Make the big calls whether to evacuate or not and when it’s safe to go back in
- Lead the debrief once it’s over
Every workplace needs both – wardens to cover the floor, and at least one trained chief warden to actually run things.
So what’s the real difference?
Simple version: a warden works inside the plan and the chief warden leads it. Most workplaces need a handful of trained wardens, but usually just one or two people at chief warden level.
Does this cover fire extinguishers too?
No – the Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden course is about ECO roles and leadership, not physically fighting a fire. If your team needs extinguisher and first attack training as well, we run a combined four unit course that adds PUAFER008 and CPPFES2005 into the same session.
How often do you need to refresh this?
This trips a lot of workplaces up, because it’s actually two separate rules under AS 3745-2010, not one:
- Skills retention training for wardens and chief wardens: every 6 months, max
- A full evacuation exercise testing the whole ECO: at least once a year
Most workplaces just do the annual renewal which covers the evacuation exercise, but it’s not enough for the 6 month skills retention side. Worth checking what your Emergency Planning Committee actually has scheduled, rather than assuming one session a year has you covered.
Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden Training at RTS
We run the combined Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden course (PUAFER005 & PUAFER006) every week at our Osborne Park centre on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It’s 3 hours online, then 2.5 hours face to face, with your certificate the same day.Â
Quick Questions
What’s the actual difference between PUAFER005 and PUAFER006?
PUAFER005 trains you as a fire warden working within the emergency plan and directing people. PUAFER006 is the extra unit for chief wardens, covering command and coordination of the whole response.
Do I need to do PUAFER005 before PUAFER006?
They’re normally done together in one course, since chief warden skills build on the basic ECO knowledge from PUAFER005. RTS Training’s Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden course covers both in a single session.
How long does the Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden course take at RTS?
About 3 hours online, then 2.5 hours face to face at our Osborne Park centre.
How often do you need to redo fire warden or chief warden training?
Under AS 3745-2010, skills retention training should happen every 6 months at most, on top of a full evacuation exercise for the whole ECO at least once a year.
Does the Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden course include using a fire extinguisher?
No, that course is leadership and ECO roles only. For extinguisher and first attack training as well, RTS Training has a combined four unit course covering PUAFER005, PUAFER006, PUAFER008 and CPPFES2005.
Ready to book Fire Warden and Chief Fire Warden training in Perth? RTS Training runs it weekly at Osborne Park – click this link to see all our available courses.
