Fire

Chief Warden Training - Upgrade

About the Course

Our Chief Warden Upgrade is a focused, 2.5-hour course designed for individuals who have already completed Fire Warden training (PUAFER005) and are stepping into a Chief or Deputy Chief Warden role.

This course builds on existing emergency response knowledge and equips participants with the skills to coordinate evacuations, lead Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) teams, and liaise with emergency services during an incident.

Training focuses on practical decision-making, leadership during emergencies, and fulfilling the responsibilities of a Chief Warden in line with workplace emergency procedures.

Nationally recognised units of competency:

PUAFER006 – Lead an emergency control organisation

Entry requirement: Participants must hold PUAFER005 to be eligible for this course. If you do not supply evidence of PUAFER005 prior to training, you may still complete the course; however, you will receive a non-accredited Statement of Completion instead of a Statement of Attainment.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for staff who have already completed Fire Warden training and are now taking on the role of Chief or Deputy Chief Warden within their workplace’s emergency response structure.

It is ideal for organisations that need to upskill existing Wardens into leadership roles—without repeating content already covered in prior training.

Course Description

This targeted course builds on Fire Warden training and focuses on the advanced responsibilities of Chief and Deputy Chief Wardens during workplace emergencies. Participants will learn how to take control during an incident, coordinate wardens, manage evacuations, and communicate effectively with emergency services.

The course includes:

Understanding Chief and Deputy Chief Warden responsibilities within the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)
Coordinating emergency responses and evacuations
Managing communication across internal teams and emergency services
Supporting emergency planning and post-incident procedures
Leading during evolving scenarios and maintaining situational control

Practical activities may include reviewing evacuation diagrams, updating the ECO register, and simulating a Chief Warden-led response to an emergency.

This course is aligned with Queensland WHS legislation and AS 3745–2010, ensuring Chief Wardens are prepared to lead with confidence and meet compliance requirements.

Ideal for those moving into a senior emergency role or needing formal recognition of their leadership responsibilities.

Course Delivery Options

Training is delivered face-to-face by experienced, qualified trainers. Delivery options include:

Public Courses – Held at our training facilities in Brisbane and Townsville.
Client-Only Courses – Delivered onsite at your workplace (group bookings)

We offer flexible scheduling and can tailor delivery to suit your needs—please contact our team to discuss.

Accreditation

There are no pre-course or post-course requirements. All assessment activities are completed during the training session.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for:

PUAFER006 – Lead an emergency control organisation

Important: To be eligible for this Statement of Attainment, participants must provide evidence of completing PUAFER005 prior to the course. If evidence is not supplied, participants can still complete the training but will only receive a non-accredited Statement of Completion.

Certificate delivery:

Courses at our facilities: Certificates are issued on the day, with digital copies emailed to participants and employers (if applicable) the following business day.
Courses at client sites: Certificates are issued within 7 business days, with digital copies emailed to participants and employers.

Course Entry Requirements

If any additional learning support is required (e.g. with language, literacy or numeracy), please notify our Operations team prior to the course or speak with your trainer on the day —we’re here to help.

What to Bring

Your USI (Unique Student Identifier) – click here for more info
Comfortable, practical clothing is recommended (long pants or shorts and a sleeved shirt or t-shirt).
No PPE/high-vis required
Closed-in shoes
All course materials are provided

Amenities at our Brisbane and Townsville Facilities

Parking available on-site or nearby
Complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and mints
Fridge and microwave available for use
Cafés and food options located nearby for breaks

Is it a legal requirement to have a Chief Warden?

The Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld) does not specifically mention the title Chief Warden, but it does require workplaces to have a compliant emergency evacuation plan and to appoint trained evacuation coordinators.
In practice, the Chief Warden is the person who takes overall control during an evacuation—making the role essential for meeting legal obligations under standard emergency structures.

How do I know if my workplace needs a Chief Warden?

If your workplace has multiple occupants, operates across several levels or zones, or involves higher-risk activities, then a Chief Warden is strongly recommended.
The need for a Chief Warden is supported by:

Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld) – Requires trained evacuation coordinators
AS 3745-2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities – Recommends a Chief Warden lead the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)

Rule of thumb: If your workplace needs Fire Wardens, it also needs someone to lead them—that’s the Chief Warden.

What does a Chief Warden do?

A Chief Warden manages an emergency response including ensuring the workplace is prepared to respond, taking command and being the decision maker in emergency proceedings, being a warden, communication with other wardens, ensuring emergency procedures are followed and liaising with emergency services.

A Chief Warden must also manage post-response duties including retaining control until emergency services relinquish their control and debriefing.

The ECO shall consist of a chief warden or equivalent as a minimum.

What’s the difference between a Fire Warden and a Chief Warden?

Under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld), workplaces must have an emergency evacuation plan and appoint responsible people to coordinate evacuations. In most emergency structures, this includes a Chief Warden to take overall control during an emergency.
Fire Wardens are responsible for coordinating evacuations within their designated area (such as a floor or zone), assisting occupants, and reporting to the Chief Warden.
The Chief Warden leads the overall emergency response, coordinates the actions of all wardens, communicates with emergency services, and ensures the site is safely evacuated.

How long does Chief Warden training last?

What is a Chief Warden?

A Chief Warden is the person responsible for taking control during a workplace emergency. They lead the emergency response, coordinate the actions of wardens, make critical decisions, and communicate with emergency services.

Under Australian Standard AS 3745-2010, the Chief Warden plays a key leadership role within the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO), ensuring the safety of all occupants before, during, and after an emergency.

WorkSafe Connect’s Chief Warden Training equips participants with the practical skills and knowledge to perform this role confidently and in line with legislative and industry requirements.