Are you wondering on how to perform a fire watch in coordination with the fire department? Here’s what you need to know.

Any building, whether it is used for business, industry, or living in general, must ensure that fire safety, including a sprinkler system and fire suppression system, is a significant concern.

The sudden occurrence of fires can lead to damage to both property and people, especially if there is no fire extinguishing equipment available.

Maintaining and operating a building with proper fire safety measures requires the inclusion of good fire protection plans.

Fire watch is a crucial aspect of this. If normal fire safety systems, including the fire alarm system, are not functioning or the risk of a fire increases, a fire watch is employed.

Reach out to the Best Fire Watch Company, as they will ensure your property or events are protected against the threat of fire hazards.

However, they have rectified their approach to fire watch training and security services so that it looks as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Let’s delve into understanding how to perform a fire watch.

What to know about fire watch and how it is performed

Fire protection systems are not operational, and the use of a fire watch is intended to prevent fires, as advised by a fire code official.

Fire watch personnel have specific fire watch duties, including maintaining a close eye on fire and quickly tackling any potential danger.

The purpose of a fire watch is to monitor specific locations and identify potential hazards before they occur.

Under what circumstances is a Fire watch needed

In various cases, a well-organized fire watch is necessary in these areas:

I. When fire protection systems are not functioning properly, especially during hot work activities, security guards may be assigned as a fire watch to cover any gaps in automatic systems.

II. High-risk activities, such as welding, cutting, and other hot work that generates fire, sparks, or heat, pose a higher risk of fire. During these times, fire watch personnel must inspect the area to avoid accidents.

III. During and after a building evacuation, fire watch personnel must ensure that all safety measures are followed and no fire dangers are left behind, particularly in high buildings or large areas.

IV. A fire watch may be necessary for events that involve many attendees or use hazardous materials as a temporary measure to manage the risk of fire. Places like exhibition halls, concert venues, or public events often show this.

What are the steps involved in preventing fire hazards for a fire watch

Those who are trained to monitor every area of a building for high fire risk have been observed, as previously mentioned.

They are responsible for constantly assessing the area for any signs of fire hazards and responding promptly when necessary.

To identify fire hazards such as blocked exits, flammable materials, or broken equipment. These individuals must be proficient in the following areas:

I. Communicating with fire teams and local authorities is crucial for them to be clear. Anytime and immediately, fire watch personnel should be given the opportunity to report any issues.

II. Fire watch personnel should have access to fire extinguishers that are of good quality and can be easily retrieved for their work.

III. Moreover, they must possess effective communication devices like radios or phones to alert others as quickly as possible.

Safety gear, such as fire-resistant clothing and protective helmets, is necessary to safeguard them while they are performing their duties.

Fire watch procedures

The success of a fire watch is heavily dependent on the knowledge and attention it receives.

Fire watch workers may consist of trained personnel, trained employees who follow fire watch procedures, well-informed security personnel with building knowledge, or qualified fire service professionals who are aware of NFPA requirements.

Fire prevention experts and certified personnel, adhering to NFPA standards, are employed by these services to address various fire safety concerns.

Regardless of who oversees the fire watch, they must be well-equipped with personal protective equipment and the necessary tools and knowledge to handle any potential fire.

Proper fire watch procedures are essential in reducing fire risks and safeguarding people, along with system maintenance, in addition to following safety rules.

Things to look out for in the Fire Watch Patrols

When you conduct a fire watch check, it is important to carefully observe the building to ensure that fires are contained.

The key points to consider are:

I. In addition to scheduled maintenance, it is important to ensure that portable fire extinguishers are both easy to operate and functional.

II. Keep the hallways, stairs, and exit paths clear of any obstruction or debris.

III. Examine the doors and signs of both exits and stairways to ensure their easy opening without obstructions. Additionally, make sure the exit signs are clearly visible, and the lights are operational.

IV. Fire Doors and Barriers: Make certain that all fire, smoke, and hazardous area doors are locked and closed correctly. Avoid putting them up and keeping them open.

V. Any electrical hazards: Look out for exposed wires or damaged outlets.

Request immediate action on any problems, and they will be addressed.

VI. Get rid of all flammable materials and discard any non-needed waste. This will eliminate the smell in the area.

VII. Safe Work Practices: Do not smoke, vaporize, or use flammable substances without authorization. It is important to conduct hot work in a secure and fire-resistant location.

In Conclusion

Having read through the article, you must have learnt and understood how fire watch is performed to protect building occupants.

The necessity to perform a fire watch, along with other responsibilities, can be overwhelming for property owners, but with careful planning, a fire watch can be as simple as ABC to carry out without stress.

However, Guard Fire Watch is necessary because they are deeply familiar with the risks that are related to fire outbreaks and ensure that immediate action is taken at the first sign of any fire hazard.