The Important Role of the Deputy Chief Warden

In the realm of emergency management, the Deputy Chief Warden plays an important yet often overlooked role, serving as a key pillar in ensuring safe and effective response during crises. This position not only requires a strong understanding of emergency protocols but also demands exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. As the right hand of the Chief Warden, the Deputy Chief Warden is tasked with a diverse array of responsibilities that range from coordinating evacuations to assisting individuals with special needs.

To understand the role of the Deputy Chief Warden we first must look into the role of Chief Warden.

What is the ROLE of the Chief Warden?

The Chief Warden serves as the central lead within the Emergency Control Organization (ECO) and is responsible for orchestrating the overall emergency response for the facility. This role entails ensuring that all ECO members fulfill their designated responsibilities effectively. The Chief Warden communicates, instructs, and supports Wardens throughout the emergency response process and acts as the liaison with Emergency Services. In instances where the Chief Warden is unavailable, the Deputy Chief Warden assumes these responsibilities or provides necessary assistance.

What are the RESPONSIBILITIES of a Deputy Chief Warden? 

A Deputy Chief Warden will be the person who can step into the Chief Wardens role when the Chief Warden is not available.  In large facilities and workplaces, the Deputy Chief Warden may work alongside the Chief Warden to assist them in their role.

Floor, Deputy, and Chief Wardens all share the responsibility of ensuring that the following actions are performed to the highest standards to keep everyone in the facility safe:

• Enhance and implement emergency response and control procedures.
• Regularly assess the workplace to identify and mitigate potential hazards, preventing emergencies whenever possible.
• Educate staff about hazards within the building, along with the corresponding control measures and management procedures.
• Lead emergency and evacuation training sessions, including fire drills.
• Familiarise themselves with all exits, egress routes and available emergency resources within the facility.
• Assist all individuals in the building during an emergency, paying special attention to those with special needs.

The Chief Warden is responsible for making sure that either they or the Deputy Chief Warden are present during each shift. They cannot both be absent on any workday.  A workplace may have more than one Deputy Chief Warden to ensure coverage across operational hours.

What does the Deputy Chief Warden do when the ALARMS go off?

In an emergency, the Deputy Chief Warden plays a vital role in ensuring a coordinated and effective response. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Chief Warden: The Deputy finds then supports the Chief Warden in implementing emergency procedures and taking charge if the Chief Warden is unavailable at the Master Emergency Control Point.  They will act under the instructions and authority of the Chief Warden.

• Leading Evacuations: They may oversee the evacuation process, ensuring that all occupants are directed to safe exits and evacuation routes.  Monitoring the effectiveness of the response.

• Communicating Information: The Deputy Chief Warden communicates important updates and instructions to staff, occupants, and visitors, ensuring clarity and calm during the situation.

• Conducting Headcounts: They may perform headcounts, roll checks to account for all individuals in the facility after evacuation.

• Supporting Individuals with Special Needs: The Deputy ensures that vulnerable occupants, such as those with disabilities, receive appropriate assistance during the emergency.

• Liaising with Emergency Services: They may act as a point of contact for emergency services, providing them with crucial information about the situation and facility layout.

• Implementing Safety Protocols: The Deputy ensures that all safety protocols are followed, and that the environment remains as safe as possible for everyone involved.

What makes a GREAT Deputy Chief Warden?

It’s essential to have individuals who are confident, calm, authoritative, and assertive to ensure that occupants follow directions. These individuals must be able to make decisions under pressure and implement appropriate procedures during emergencies. While the role doesn’t have to be filled by a manager, it’s important for management to support these individuals and foster respect from occupants, ensuring they listen during critical situations.

Criteria for a great Deputy Chief Warden

A great Deputy Chief Warden should possess several key qualities:

• Can perform their duties
• Can lead and give commands 
• Have effective decision-making skills
• Will keep calm under pressure
• Can effectively communicate with staff, occupants and visitors using the available methods of communication
• Is familiar with the facility especially with respect to emergency resources.
• Can undergo relevant training.

In conclusion, the role of the Deputy Chief Warden is vital in maintaining safety, order, and effective communication within any institution. By supporting the Chief Warden and assisting with coordinating emergency responses, they ensure that protocols are followed and that everyone is prepared for any situation. Their leadership not only fosters a sense of security among staff and occupants but also enhances the overall efficiency of emergency management.

Chief Warden Training with Workplace Emergency Management

Workplace Emergency Management offers a range of solutions to help your facility meet its obligations under AS 3745:2010. Our training meets all required standards and is tailored to the individual needs of your workplace.

Whether you are a new facility that needs guidance in establishing an Emergency Control Organisation and training its appointed Wardens, or an established workplace whose Wardens need refresher training, you can count on Workplace Emergency Management. The Deputy Chief Warden position is incredibly important to ensuring the safety of everyone within a workplace.

Give your Deputy Chief Warden the most comprehensive training with Workplace Emergency Management.

For more information about our Warden training, click here.

Or to speak with our team about Emergency Training, contact us today!