Fire Warden Training: how many does a company need?
Every employer must appoint and train enough fire wardens. This guide explains the 5-percent rule of ASR A2.2, the mandatory theory and practical extinguisher exercise, and the recommended refresher every three to five years.
View fire safety equipmentHow many fire wardens does a company need?
The obligation follows from Section 10 of the German Occupational Safety Act and is specified by ASR A2.2. As a guide value, at least 5 % of employees must be trained as fire wardens where fire risk is normal. What counts is the number of people actually present, not the headcount on paper.
The 5 % figure is a starting point, not a fixed ceiling. Shift work, holidays, large floor areas, many exits or elevated fire risk can call for considerably more wardens. The exact number results from the risk assessment.
What content must the training cover?
Scope and content follow DGUV Information 205‑023. Depending on the provider, basic training lasts two to four hours and combines a theory part with a compulsory practical exercise. Without the hands-on extinguishing drill, the training is not complete.
- Theory: fundamentals of combustion and the fire classes A to F.
- In-house fire protection organisation, escape and rescue routes, fire safety instructions.
- Function and selection of extinguishers (powder, foam, CO₂, water).
- Behaviour in the event of fire, raising the alarm and orderly evacuation.
- Hazards from smoke and the limits of intervening yourself.
- Practice: personally extinguishing a real or simulated incipient fire.
Which protective and emergency equipment belongs at the workplace.
Read the guideWho may train and how often is a refresher needed?
Only competent persons may train, such as fire protection officers, occupational safety specialists with additional qualification or recognised fire safety providers. Attendance is certified in writing and documented within the company.
Appointment as a fire warden does not lapse automatically, but knowledge ages. The DGUV recommends a refresher every three to five years, including a renewed practical extinguisher drill. After structural or organisational changes, an earlier repeat is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
How many fire wardens does ASR A2.2 require?
As a guide value, at least 5 % of employees where fire risk is normal. With elevated risk, shift work or large areas the number can be considerably higher; the risk assessment is decisive.
Must the training include a practical exercise?
Yes. Under DGUV Information 205‑023 the practical extinguishing drill is mandatory. Every participant must operate an extinguisher. Theory-only or online-only courses are not enough.
How often is a refresher needed?
The DGUV recommends repeating the training every three to five years with a renewed practical exercise. After rebuilds or changed procedures, train earlier.
How long does basic training take?
Depending on the provider, two to four hours, split into theory and the compulsory practical extinguishing drill.
Equipping your site for fire safety?
We supply extinguishers, fire safety signage and emergency equipment matched to your risk assessment under ASR A2.2.
Compliant
Equipment per ASR A2.2 and DGUV 205-023.
Field-tested
Extinguishing agents for every fire class A to F.
Clearly marked
Fire and escape route signs per ASR A1.3.
Expert advice
Specialists support your selection.