Understanding Fire Watch Guards

Whether hiring fire watch guards as a part of your business plans or ordered by fire marshals, these security guards can help avoid damages and loss of life due to fire. When faced with a fire watch duty, property or business owners who have never had to consider it before are sometimes confused as to what they should do.

Therefore, it is also essential for people to understand fire watch guards. Their duties and responsibilities are designed to safeguard your property and those on it against the threat of fire when fire protection systems are malfunctioning or out of service.

What is a “Fire Watch”?

In the event of an emergency, a fire watch is a person assigned to a specific location who is responsible for informing the fire department. As mentioned, whenever the fire protection of a building or property is not working or under maintenance, fire watch guards are necessary. A fire watch process is a critical part of any building’s fire protection strategy, and it may be needed for insurance reasons as well.

Fire watch has multiple purposes, given the different requirements depending on the state, city, or county. Some may even see it as a simple job, but they have obligations to be met and responsibilities that could be a heavy burden. It is not as simple as dialing the fire department whenever there’s fire – an experienced fire watch guard has been to multiple pieces of training including their experience. 

When Do You Need A Fire Watch Guard?

– Fire Protection System is not working, malfunctioning, under repair, or still being installed.

– Temporary or permanent works that require the use of fire or high temperatures.

– Events or properties that have a crowd (due to the possibility of man-made fire)

– Construction (or demolition) of buildings or a property

Fire Watch Requirements

While fire watch compliance may appear to be uncomplicated, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to obtain compliance. The specific standards for conducting a fire watch should be established by building owners and responsible employees. 

The requirements may differ due to the different situations that post a fire hazard. Building management must meet with both designated watchers and the fire code authority (if applicable) before initiating the watch. This will help watch guards explain what is necessary. All watchers should have a complete set of building keys and a watch strategy in mind. The person chosen to keep watch should be familiar with the area, knowing the locations of fire extinguishers and other similar supplies.

If a fire does break out, building management must offer at least one method of communication for fire watchers to alert the fire service. If more than one watcher is needed, they should be able to interact with one another without having to leave their assigned area.

The fire watch policy requires that guards monitor their routes both inside and outside the building or establishment on a regular basis. Each round’s beginning and end times must be documented and kept on a log sheet. Outside of their watch, fire watchers should not be assigned extra responsibilities.