The NFPA has different regulations depending on the type of fire-prevention system that is currently offline on your premises. If your fire alarm system is down for a total of 4 hours in 24 hours, you are required to hire a fire watch. If your water-based system is down for 10 or more hours, you are also required to hire fire watch services. Regardless of what’s down, your local fire department needs to be notified.

A common misconception about fire alarms is that they must be offline for four successive hours before calling for a fire watch. That is not the case, however; this requirement is only applicable when the total number of outages over 24 hours exceeds four hours.

Although these are the NFPA’s requirements, other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in your area might also have requirements. Along with possible additional requirements based on local coding, the requirements from AHJs may be more strict or less strict. The strictest requirements would apply in these circumstances.

All areas of the building impacted by the fire alert system failure must be continuously patrolled as part of a fire watch. The fire watch guards must be on alert, searching for any signs of fire, smoke, or other unusual conditions that could endanger the building or those occupying it.

Fire watch staff are required to alert emergency authorities right away and ensure that building occupants safely exit the building if they come across a dangerous or life-threatening situation.

Fire Watch Service Duties

Some fire watch duties include:

• Checking all occupied and unoccupied areas of the building, including storage rooms, closets, crawl spaces, and any other concealed areas. Those in charge of the fire watch must have a thorough understanding of the building and its equipment.
• Knowing the locations of all fire alarm stations and fire protection equipment in the building in the event of a fire.
• Documenting all activities associated with fire inside a designated log. Any hired fire watch staff must receive training in proper logging procedures.
• Remaining on-site at all times until the entire fire prevention system is restored and all required tests and inspections have been carried out to ensure that systems are fully functional.

Ensuring Compliance

Policies can occasionally become complicated when it comes to understanding fire watch requirements and regulations due to numerous AHJs with jurisdiction who need to be notified. Before you find yourself in a situation where you need fire watch services, it would be in your best interest as a building owner to become familiar with the local jurisdictions that control your fire watch rules and regulations.

Finding The Right Fire Watch Company

After familiarizing yourself with local jurisdictions and AHJs, you’ll need a good fire watch guard company you can turn to in times of need. Emergency services typically cost more than scheduled services, but it’s a considerably small price to pay to keep your property, surrounding residents, and community safe from fire. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when hiring a fire patrol/watch company:

• Available 24/7.
• Certified, licensed, and trained guards.
• Familiarity and compliance with local and federal fire watch requirements.
• Following your detailed plan of action and receiving instructions on how to report in the designated fire watch log.

If you’re looking for a professional fire watch company, call +1 (916) 942-9990 or visit https://americosecurity.com/services/fire-watch-services/

For more information on who fire watch guards are and their responsibilities, 

read this article to learn more: https://americosecurity.com/services/what-is-a-fire-watch-guard/