Nobody wants to get stuck paying costly fines, that’s why they hire a fire watch security service. When do you need a fire watch security service? When your fire suppression or sprinkler system is down or not working to its full capacity.
Understand the Regulations To Avoid Costly Fines
If your fire system is down, there are specific guidelines one has to follow according to their jurisdiction. If one fails to comply, they are subject to costly fines, which can be significant.
For instance, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a set of guidelines to protect property and lives from the presence of a fire hazard.
NFPA 101 section 9 states, if an automatic sprinkler or fire alarm system is down for over 4 hours in a 24 hour period, the building is required to have a fire watch service or must be evacuated.
Fire Watch Procedures According to The National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 101-9.6.1.6 Where a required fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire alarm system has been returned to service.
NFPA 101-9.7.6.1 Where a required automatic sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the sprinkler system has been returned to service.
NFPA 101-A.9.6.1.7 A fire watch should at least involve some special action beyond normal staffing, such as assigning an additional security guard(s) to walk the areas affected. These individuals should be specially trained in fire prevention and in occupant and fire department notification techniques, and they should understand the particular fire safety situation for public education purposes.
First Line of Contact
The Fire Watch Guards at Curtis Protective Services actively monitor the premises 24/7, actively staying in contact with our control center. Other activities include:
Vigilant and watchful patrol over the building, all the floors and property.
Ensuring all walkways and exits are free of obstructions.
In case of a fire, authorities will be immediately alerted and action is taken.
Open communication with on site management, officers, and other guards
A daily log of activities and findings. These reports are submitted to the Fire Marshall’s office, the Client, and Curtis Services Headquarters.
