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What Exactly is Fire Watch?

In short, a Fire Watch Guard is a provisional arrangement in which a person or patrol physically checks buildings and/or other property for extreme fire hazard situations. Fire Watches are normally conducted when the probabilities of a fire-related incident are high. For example, anytime that ‘hot work’ construction processes are taking place on-site (common ‘hot work’ processes are welding, soldering, flame-cutting, riveting and brazing). Another typical ‘high-probability’ example would be in the case of malfunctioning alarm and/or sprinkler systems.

What do Fire Watch Teams Do?

The duties of fire protection personnel may vary between jobs and location sites, but there are basic tasks that come with each position. In the course of their duties, our trained personnel, (who are familiarized with the layout), will check all exits and fire extinguishers. They will have on their person, the materials necessary to execute a fast evacuation and to notify any other occupants in the event of a fire. In most cases, Fast Guard’s personnel would also carry a portable horn, a flashlight, a full all-access set of keys to the premises, writing materials and a copy of their specific duties.

When are Fire Watches Conducted?

Whether in 15-minute increments or on the hour, patrol rounds are conducted on a regular basis and a log is kept recording each round. Accepted entries include the address of the facility, start and end times for the round, names of the fire watch patrol and entries for any communication that occurred between the hired personnel and either the fire department or the Department of Public Safety. Personnel should also wear (at all times) a clearly visible form of identification (such as a vest or hat). In many cases, Fast Guard’s personnel may work in concert with municipal or volunteer fire departments.

What Fire Watch Teams Don’t Do

The marching orders for a given Fire Protection team may vary from site to site (and from state to state) but most personnel are given clear instruction not to extinguish a fire unless it is clearly safe for them to do so, (or unless they have been expressly instructed or given permission to do so). In general, guards should not attempt any tasks that could not be completed safely by the average citizen.

So Does My Business Need Fire Watch Services or Not?

Now that you know what Fire Watch Services are, (whether you are a commercial real estate owner, a property manager or any other type of potential customer), if you’re still asking yourself whether or not you need Fire Watch Services, chances are you probably do.

As we have said, Fire Watch Services are typically needed when a building either has a fire alarm that is down or a sprinkler system that is malfunctioning. We talked a little about ‘hot work’ as well, but other reasons might include a burglar alarm or an access control system that is malfunctioning, or in response to power outages related to a natural disaster. In most cases a call your local Fire Marshall will be able to let you know if you need fire watch.