Fire marshals and fire wardens are the people the law calls «competent persons» for evacuation. This free practice quiz goes over the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in thirteen questions, with the article behind every answer.
What the law asks of fire marshals
In England and Wales, fire safety in workplaces and other non-domestic premises is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It puts the duties on the «responsible person»: in a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under their control; elsewhere, the person in control of the premises or the owner. The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment, review it regularly and, since 1 October 2023, record it whatever the number of employees.
The Order does not use the words «fire marshal» or «fire warden». It requires the responsible person to set up procedures for serious and imminent danger, including safety drills, and to nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to carry out the evacuation (article 15), and, where necessary, competent persons for fire-fighting measures (article 13). A person is competent when they have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to do it properly. Those are the fire marshals.
What the quiz covers
- the responsible person and the nominated competent persons;
- the fire risk assessment: when it is reviewed and what must be recorded;
- escape routes and exits (article 14): kept clear at all times, doors opening in the direction of escape, no sliding or revolving doors on emergency exits, doors that anyone can open easily and immediately, signs and emergency lighting;
- portable fire-fighting equipment that is easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs;
- the right to stop work and go straight to a place of safety in serious and imminent danger;
- training when people start and when risks change, during working hours (article 21), and at least one fire drill a year, as GOV.UK advises;
- what every employee must report (article 23).
For extinguisher colours, the fire triangle and classes of fire, play the general fire safety quiz as well.
Practice questions, not a certificate
These questions were written by Quizhat from the Order and GOV.UK guidance. They are not the questions of any fire marshal course, and Quizhat is not affiliated with the Home Office, any fire and rescue authority, HSE or any training provider. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety law. A quiz does not make anyone competent: use it to check knowledge before or after the course, and back it up with practical training on your own premises and your own evacuation plan.