Fire Marshal - Requirement

darksnake09

Hello,

I was wondering if someone can advise me on the following.

Can I refuse to be a Fire Marshal at work as an employee? I am an administrator for the company I work for. I don't see how they can force someone to be a Marshal if they refuse it, it isn't a legal requirement I am sure and not stated in my contract, however my contract does say any other duties in line with my role but I cannot see having any connection with my role.

Thanks in advance.

Tucosalamanca

What does your contract say? Any mention of training requirements and extra responsibilities?

They might not be able to force you but you declining won't look good to your employers.

If you want to be the person who doesn't help with your employer's needs, don't be surprised when there are negative consequences later on....

LinLui

Fire Marshals are often administration based staff as they are more likley to be in the building. Why would you want to refuse - it isn't really a huge undertaking? 

darksnake09

LinLui said:

Fire Marshals are often administration based staff as they are more likley to be in the building. Why would you want to refuse - it isn't really a huge undertaking? 

Makes sense I guess. However, part of my reason is that the company I work for love putting new duties upon staff almost forcefully, and no appreication is shown. When push comes to shove they start pointing fingers hence why I am reluctant in case if something is in breach after being a fire marshal I will be blamed for it due to me being a fire marshal.

Flugelhorn

suspect they want someone who is likely to be in the building at the time of the incident and not out elsewhere etc etc 

we had a problem as ran satellite evening / weekend GP service in otherwise empty hospital . 2 staff present (driver and doctor) , but different people on each shift - full blown fire alarm one evening - fire engines arrived - demands of "who is the fire marshal? come on there has to be one here ? who is it?"  - would effectively have meant that all of us had to nominally do the role - we kept our heads down and all was well

Actually it isn't a big deal - my kids did it in Uni halls of residence 

marlot

I'd think carefully about whether the company is serious about resolving any issues you identify.

I stood down as fire marshal when my employer insisted on storing things under the stairs, and propping fire doors open.  

It was fun having half a day learning the role and letting off some fire extinguishers though.

Marcon

darksnake09 said:

LinLui said:

Fire Marshals are often administration based staff as they are more likley to be in the building. Why would you want to refuse - it isn't really a huge undertaking? 

Makes sense I guess. However, part of my reason is that the company I work for love putting new duties upon staff almost forcefully, and no appreication is shown. When push comes to shove they start pointing fingers hence why I am reluctant in case if something is in breach after being a fire marshal I will be blamed for it due to me being a fire marshal.

Maybe say you are of course(!) happy to do it provided you have the necessary training, and that you will have the necessary authority to ensure all proper fire precautions are respected and implemented. That then gives you a good reason to step down if you find the role is titular with no ability to actually carry out the role, let alone any extra payment.

Think of it as a good cv builder....

Hoenir

 darksnake09 said:

Can I refuse to be a Fire Marshal at work as an employee? 

Of course you can. Likewise your employer will no doubt take note. As it's not exactly an onerous task. Though an extremely important one. For which responsibility has to be taken seriously. 

YBR

darksnake09 said:

I am an administrator for the company I work for. I don't see how they can force someone to be a Marshal if they refuse it, it isn't a legal requirement I am sure and not stated in my contract,

It is a legal requirement for the company to have sufficient Fire Wardens/Fire Marshals, just as they need enough First Aiders. Is there a Fire Marshal procedure, with a list of checks to be done - our FW check exits, extinguishers, signs and so on monthly. These will give you an idea what it involves for you.

My company give an incentive to ensure they have enough FW & FA, either a payment or an additional day leave (they don't offer that for Mental Health First Aiders as that's not a legal requirement). Nevertheless, several stood down post pandemic as it requires you to be present and many would like to work partially from home now. You might ask what they're offering you to extend your responsibilities.

DullGreyGuy

In most companies I've worked in there is a waiting list for those that want to by Fire Marshals... in many of the companies you get a day off a year and get to do some training playing with fire extinguishers etc and in some a small extra pay allowance.

In one place we changed to have "floor marshals" which were to cover both fire and terrorist incidents. That was when it became hard to find volunteers... when the bomb alarm goes off, unlike fire, people are supposed to take all their bags etc with them. The floor marshal then has to sweep the floor looking out for "suspicious packages" and had a series of arrow cards to lay a route to such a package if they find one on their way out.