Your safety during emergencies depends on the reliability of your fire safety equipment and procedures.
Chances are, you’ve invested in technology and systems to suppress fires and sound alarms when danger arises. But what happens if there’s a fire during a power outage or when systems are down for maintenance?
For many places, especially those like hospitals or senior care facilities where quick evacuation isn’t always feasible, this scenario could spell disaster.
Luckily, there’s a solution to keep everyone safe and protect property even when the regular fire safety system isn’t functioning: it’s called a fire watch.
But what exactly is a fire watch, and how does it keep people and property safe? Let’s find out.
Duty of Fire Watch Guard
- Patrolling Hot Work Areas
- Emergency Response
- Check Fire-Fighting Tools
- Ready to Action
- Continuous Presence
Tips for Personal Fire Watch
- Emergency Exit Identification
- Weather Monitoring
- Safety Precautions
- Focus on Assigned Duties
- Local Wildlife Awareness
What is Fire Watch?
Fire watch services are a crucial part of ensuring safety in buildings, especially when the usual safety measures are not up to standard. According to the NFPA Standard LS.01.02.01, it’s essential for facilities to provide protection for occupants even when the Life Safety Code requirements aren’t fully met, like during maintenance or construction work.
So, what exactly is a fire watch? It’s basically a period of time where a team of trained personnel keeps a close eye on specific areas of a building, looking out for any signs of fire or potential hazards.
During a fire watch, these dedicated staff members continuously patrol the affected areas, staying vigilant for any signs of smoke, fire, or other dangerous situations. They’re also responsible for promptly notifying the fire department or emergency response team if any issues arise.
Documenting everything is also a key part of the fire watch process. This includes keeping track of when the fire department or emergency responders are notified, as well as logging the times when rounds are conducted by the fire watch staff.
By implementing fire watch services, you’re taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of your property and everyone within it, even when regular safety measures may not be sufficient.
How to conduct a fire watch?
When it comes to fire safety, conducting a fire watch is crucial. As per NFPA Life Safety Code A.9.6.1.8, it involves having extra staff on duty beyond the usual level. These individuals should be well-trained in fire prevention and know-how to notify the fire department promptly. Plus, they need to be confident in using a fire extinguisher if necessary.
During a fire watch, the staff’s sole focus should be on patrolling the area affected by the fire risk. They need to keep an eye out for any signs of fire and ensure that fire exits, alarm systems, and other safety features are clear and fully operational.
While cameras can assist in monitoring, they can’t replace human staff entirely. Cameras lack the ability to smell, hear, or perceive conditions that might lead to a fire. So, it’s essential to have human staff present to detect potential hazards effectively.
Learn More About Hire a Fire Watch Guard
It’s essential to be ready for a fire in your building. Not only does it meet NFPA standards, but it also keeps everyone safe.
Fire safety training helps your team know what to do during a fire. From spotting signs to using fire extinguishers, training builds confidence. Regular fire drills test their skills.
Installing a good fire alarm and sprinkler system is just the beginning. Keep them maintained. Even if it means a temporary closure, it’s better to plan maintenance than face an unexpected issue.
Following these steps may take effort, but they ensure your building is ready for any situation. Need help? Vanguard Security & Fire Systems technicians are below for you.
