Someone who has completed a fire marshal course should wear their vest whenever they need to be clearly identified during a fire drill, evacuation or emergency.
In most workplaces, this means the vest should be worn when the fire alarm sounds, during planned fire drills, while guiding people to assembly points, and when communicating with staff, visitors or emergency services.
However, a fire marshal should never delay their own evacuation to find a vest. The first priority is always safe evacuation and following the workplace fire emergency plan.
This guide answers the question, when should a fire marshal wear their vest, why it matters, and how employers can make the process clear for their team.
Is there a legal requirement for a fire marshal to wear a vest?
UK fire safety law does not usually set out a specific rule that says “a fire marshal must wear a vest”. Instead, the responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment, plan for emergencies and put suitable fire safety arrangements in place.
Government fire safety guidance also refers to appointing employees with special responsibilities in the event of fire, such as fire wardens, as part of wider fire safety management arrangements.
Therefore, the vest is best understood as a practical control measure. It helps other people quickly identify who has a fire safety role during an evacuation.
When should a fire marshal wear their vest?
A fire marshal should wear their vest whenever they are carrying out their fire marshal role and need to be visible.
In practice, this usually includes:
- During fire drills
- When the fire alarm sounds
- During a real evacuation
- While guiding people towards exits or assembly points
- While checking designated areas, if this forms part of the emergency plan and it is safe to do so
- While reporting information to the fire safety manager, responsible person or emergency services
- During fire safety briefings or visitor-heavy events, if the workplace procedure requires it
The vest helps staff, contractors and visitors quickly understand who can give instructions during an evacuation.
Why do fire marshals wear high-visibility vests?
Fire marshal vests make the role visible.
During a fire drill or emergency, people may feel uncertain, distracted or under pressure. A clearly marked vest helps people identify the person giving instructions, especially in busy workplaces, shared buildings, construction sites, warehouses, care settings, schools, hospitality venues and offices with visitors.
A vest can help fire marshals:
- Guide people towards escape routes
- Direct people to assembly points
- Support an orderly evacuation
- Identify themselves to staff and visitors
- Communicate with the person in charge of the evacuation
- Share useful information with emergency services once outside
The vest does not make someone competent by itself. Training, clear procedures and regular practice still matter.
Should fire marshals wear their vest during fire drills?
Yes. Fire marshals should normally wear their vest during fire drills.
Fire drills give the team a chance to practise the workplace emergency plan. They also help fire marshals get used to their role before a real incident happens.
Wearing the vest during drills helps employees and visitors recognise who the fire marshals are. It also helps the fire marshal practise the same routine they would follow during a real evacuation.
For example, a fire marshal may put on their vest, support their allocated area, guide people to the correct exit, report to the assembly point and pass on any relevant information.
Should fire marshals wear their vest during a real emergency?
Yes, if they can do so without delaying evacuation.
In a real emergency, the fire marshal’s first priority is to follow the emergency plan and help support a safe evacuation. Government workplace fire safety guidance says fire safety and evacuation plans should include suitable routes and exits, emergency doors that open easily, and arrangements for people to escape safely.
If the vest is stored close to the fire marshal’s normal workstation or exit route, they may be able to put it on quickly. However, they should not go back into danger, search for equipment or delay leaving the building just to collect it.
A simple rule works well:
Why this matters for Dorset businesses
For busy Dorset SMEs, fire safety arrangements need to work in real life, not just on paper.
A fire marshal vest is a small detail, but it can make a real difference during drills and evacuations. It helps staff and visitors identify the right person quickly, supports clearer communication and helps the fire marshal carry out their role with more confidence.
Ouch Learning & Development helps Dorset businesses plan practical, low-disruption Fire safety training around the pressures of busy teams. Ouch focuses on helping Dorset SMEs stay compliant without disrupting their operations, using predictable schedules, local delivery and straightforward booking support.
Need Fire Marshal training for your team?
If your fire marshals are unsure when to wear their vest, what to do during a drill or how to support an evacuation, training can help build confidence.
Ouch Learning & Development delivers practical Fire Marshal training for Dorset businesses, with open courses and in-house options available.
Speak to Ouch to plan Fire Marshal training around your team, your workplace and your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When should a fire marshal wear their vest?
A fire marshal should wear their vest during fire drills, evacuations and emergency situations where they need to be clearly identified. They should not delay evacuation to collect it.
When must a fire marshal wear their vest?
The workplace fire procedure should set out when fire marshals must wear their vest. In most cases, this will include drills, alarm activations and real evacuations.
Does a fire marshal need to wear a vest all day?
Usually, no. Fire marshals normally wear their vest when carrying out fire safety duties. Some higher-risk or larger workplaces may decide they need visible identification more often.
What colour should a fire marshal vest be?
The most important point is that the vest is visible and clearly labelled. Many workplaces use high-visibility yellow or orange vests with “Fire Marshal” or “Fire Warden” printed on them.
Where should fire marshal vests be stored?
Store vests somewhere easy to access, such as near the fire marshal’s workstation, close to an exit route, at reception or with evacuation equipment.
Can a fire marshal re-enter the building to get their vest?
No. Fire marshals should not put themselves at risk or delay evacuation to collect a vest. The emergency plan and safe evacuation come first.
Is a fire marshal vest enough on its own?
No. A vest helps identify the fire marshal, but it does not replace suitable training, clear procedures, fire drills and a suitable fire risk assessment.