If your building has a water based fire protection system or a fire alarm system, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires you to implement a fire watch guard if any part of the fire alarm is down for maintenance or not functioning correctly.
This regulation is under the NFPA code 101, Life Safety Code (LSC).
The basics of Fire Watch Regulations and Requirements
Under the NFPA regulations, you are required to have a professional fire watch service if your fire alarm is down or impaired for 4 hours or more in a 24 hour period.
If you have a water based fire suppression system, this window is a little larger. The time frame is 10 hours or more, a fire watch service is required. Either way, you must notify the local fire department.
You also need to comply with your local authorities and Fire Marshal’s Office. These tend to be a bit stricter and may have other requirements.
A typical misconception about fire watch guards, these 4 or 10 hours the fire system is down, are not consecutive. It is the sum of the outages in a 24 hour period. Fire watch guards are required to patrol the areas of the affected building continuously, until the system is online again. The guard is looking for any abnormal conditions, smoke, fire, or anything that may jeopardize the building or people inside of it.
If a situation is to happen, the fire watch guard is required to contact the necessary authorities immediately and alert the occupants of the situation and safely evacuate them if necessary.
While you can’t put a price tag on safety and security, our fire guards patrol your business and property until your sprinkler or fire alarm is back in service. Our Fire Guards can save you money by reducing the risk of damages, lawsuits, liability and costly fines.
Understanding the regulations and requirements for a fire watch guard can get confusing. The professionals at Curtis Protective Services can help break down the requirements in your area.
