Throughout Australia we subscribe to the competency based training model. Therefore at a minimum organisations should ensure that their emergency warden training is accredited in the first instance. In turn such training should be certified by a registered training organisation (RTO).

Really anyone with a little emergency management experience can provide training but a verified and competent trainer and assessor has the skills and experience to provide adequate emergency response training to the national standard. Throwing in some personal experience to contextualise training with real world scenarios.

Inspections/Investigations by the Worksafe authority/Courts

Where someone is injured or worse during an evacuation whether training or the real thing. There is a chance that the local work safe authority will investigate. Only accredited training via an RTO will be recognised as appropriate.

Even so, an inspector may look favourably at any training program but if the courts become involved only accredited training and associated documentation may be viewed as suitable.

Australian Standard 3745 a important guide

The Australian standard for dealing with emergencies in a facility has been established to help business keep employees and other occupants safe. The first step of any management team should be to grab a copy of this standard. It outlines in detail, even though very generic, the steps an organisation should take to prepare for emergencies. Guiding the Emergency Planning Committee through the process.

In conclusion

It will always be important to ensure that the initial training is conducted by a qualified and accredited trainer and assessor. Providing local businesses with the skills required to keep occupants and employees safe from harm during emergencies.

As you could imagine the compliance cost of providing accredited training is substantial. Even so, this provides you with peace of mind that you are receiving the correct and appropriate emergency training.

Here is a costing/pricing guide:

Note: the large variations in price range is due to the potential size of classes. I.e. a minimum of five participants would be charged full price but larger classes may attract a discount. Public courses are always likely to be full price. So if you have five or more participants you should consider having the course run onsite. The appropriate training facility will be required I.e. audio visual equipment etc.

These are the national codes for basic training for your emergency wardens. PUAFER008 includes fire extinguisher training but does include general response to emergencies including chemical spills, first aid, fire and other potential emergency situations.

The table below will give you an understanding of the requirements, as documented in Australian Standard 3745-2010 (Planning for emergencies in facilities):