Fire safety should always be a priority for property owners, construction managers, and business operators. But what do you do when your building’s fire alarm or sprinkler system isn’t working? Or when you and your team are completing high-risk activities like welding or cutting? Regulations often require a fire watch during this type of activity or maintenance, and it is very important to have a proven plan in place to protect life and property.
Knowing when a fire watch is necessary is not just about compliance. It is about preventing a catastrophic loss, and that is why so many business owners and site managers look to fire watch security for compliance and safety.
Fire Watch During Fire System Failures
One of the most common situations that often triggers a requirement for a fire watch is a temporary malfunction of your fire detection or suppression system. Inoperable systems presenting a high risk of a fire going undetected now create a threatening environment, and generally, we look to address obvious hazards (accumulations of combustibles, rubbish, etc).
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code requires a property to implement a fire watch when its alarm or sprinkler systems are offline for more than four hours in a twenty-four-hour period.
A trained fire watch team steps in to monitor the premises continuously, walking designated routes, identifying fire hazards, and being prepared to alert emergency services immediately. During these periods, fire watch security ensures that your building remains protected and occupants are kept safe, even in the absence of automated alarms or sprinklers.
Hot Work on the Job Site
Construction sites and industrial facilities often conduct "hot work", tasks that involve open flames, sparks, or extreme heat, such as welding, soldering, and torch cutting. These activities are known to be high fire risks, especially when performed near flammable materials or in enclosed spaces.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and local fire marshals frequently require fire watch personnel during and after hot work is performed. A fire watch professional must be present not only during the operation but also for up to 30 minutes afterward to catch and control any delayed ignition or smoldering materials. In these cases, fire watch security acts as the first and fastest line of defense.
Fire Watch During Construction & Demolition
Buildings that are under construction or being demolished can be very susceptible to fire. Some reasons include uncompleted fire alarm systems, no fire sprinkler systems, exposed wiring, combustible construction materials, etc. Building construction sites are very suitable for fire watch because fire alarms are usually not permanent and are likely not functional.
Most codes require fire watch personnel on a construction site, primarily overnight, to observe and report observations quickly in case of fire. It would be sensible to have a professional fire watch security team on-site, not only to comply with the law but to reduce liability with your insurance and ensure the safety of valuable tools or equipment.
Fire Watch during Public Events or Temporary Venues
Even some temporary environments, such as large-scale outdoor events, trade shows, and tented venues, may require fire watches based on the number of people in the area, equipment configurations, and pyrotechnics or cooking instruments. Fire departments can now require a fire watch under certain circumstances in order to obtain a permit. Fire watches observe locations for any impediments to evacuation paths and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Work With a Reliable Fire Watch Security Provider
Fire watch is not just a technical obligation; it’s a critical safety measure. When your systems are down or fire risks are high, you need a vigilant, well-trained professional watching over your site. A certified fire watch security guard is trained to identify fire hazards, follow the log book requirements, respond to emergencies, and call the fire department at a moment's notice.
At READY 24h Security, we provide fast fire watch services to construction sites, commercial buildings, and especially high-risk establishments. Our certified guards understand code compliance, risks specific to your site, and how to keep people and property safe under any situation. Head on over to our website to set up services immediately, or to request a custom fire watch security plan to meet all your needs.
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