Different Roles in an Emergency Control Organisation

The Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is responsible for implementing the facility’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP). The ECO must ensure the EMP complies with AS 3745-2010, and work together to action the emergency response procedures when necessary.

This includes performing duties such as evacuating the facility and notifying the correct authorities in an emergency.

There are different roles within an ECO, each with responsibilities and actions that they must perform, both regularly and in the event of an emergency.

These are the main roles of an ECO, and what their key responsibilities are:

Chief Warden

This role is the most crucial in an ECO. When an emergency alarm sounds, the Chief Warden must investigate and determine if they should declare an emergency.

If an emergency does occur, they must then implement the appropriate emergency response procedures and inform the ECO so that they can take action.

In an emergency, the Chief Warden is responsible for everyone within a facility from the moment the emergency alarm sounds. They must meet with emergency service personnel and inform them of the situation, including what actions have been taken.

The Chief Warden remains responsible for the occupants until the authorities permit to re-enter the building.

Deputy Chief Warden

The Deputy Chief Warden must be able to perform the Chief Warden’s duties in the event that the Chief Warden isn’t in the workplace.

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 work day.

Emergency Coordinator

This is what the Chief Warden role is referred to in healthcare organisations. They have the same role and responsibilities as a Chief Warden.

Communications Officer

A Communications Officer is responsible for many duties, before, during and after an emergency.

They must ensure that everyone in the ECO knows how to use any communication equipment, maintain records and logs of emergency responses with the Chief Warden, and keep emergency contact details up to date.

When either the Communications Officer or another staff member discover an emergency, they must determine the emergency’s nature at the emergency control point. They are responsible for ensuring that the correct information is given in an emergency, to authorities and the occupants of the building.

The Communications Officer must share messages from the Chief Warden and be in touch with them and the Area/Floor Wardens as much as possible. This is an important role, as it requires great care to ensure that the correct, detailed information is being given at all times.

The Communications Officer also needs to create a log of the emergency, for the ECO to refer to.

Area/Floor Wardens

Each area or floor of a facility will have a Warden assigned to it, who is responsible for said space.

If an emergency occurs in their area, the Area/Floor Warden is responsible for actioning the relevant emergency response and management procedures.

This includes sounding alarms, helping staff evacuate, and searching for any people in their area who haven’t been alerted.

Each member of the ECO plays a crucial role in the emergency management of a workplace. Each warden and officer must receive regular, comprehensive training to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

Talk to our team today about the range of safety training we offer for the members of your ECO.