When fire risks increase at a job site, safety and productivity can be irreparably disrupted, even if a fire doesn’t break out. That’s why fire watch has become an essential risk management strategy for organizations across the United States. Fire watch guards protect people and personnel by monitoring for signs of fire during periods of heightened risk. Designated guards patrol critical areas, document their observations, and alert stakeholders when threats are detected.
Becoming a fire watch guard fulfills an essential role in your community, and can help teams in crisis keep their operations running. We’ve put together this short read to help folks in our network learn how to become a fire watch guard, and be successful at it.
Primary Duties of a Fire Watch Guard
Understanding different fire watch duties can help you prepare for the work ahead, and decide if it’s the right guard opportunity for you. Organizations typically contact fire watch when some threat is detected. They usually need guards on-site immediately, and to work in shifts 24/7 until the threat is resolved. Your specific responsibilities will depend on the nature of the deployment, the job site, and the client.
Fire Lookout Jobs vs. Fire Watch Jobs
Fire lookouts are similar to fire watch guards, as both monitor their environment for fire hazards. The difference is that fire lookouts watch over forests and national parks, not workplaces and residential buildings. Fire lookouts are typically present in rural areas and are usually voluntary, while you can make a career out of being a fire watch guard – especially in major urban areas.
Duties During Malfunctioning Fire Suppression Systems
Most often, organizations contact fire watch when a built-in safety system is damaged or malfunctioning. This could be due to construction work on-site, aging components, or power outages that affect entire regions. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) requires buildings to be evacuated if safety systems are inactive for four hours or more. Rather than face shutdowns or fines, most decision makers will deploy fire watch guards to act as human smoke detectors, patrolling the premises until the malfunction is fixed.
As a fire watch guard, you will be tasked with patrolling an area and documenting your observations. You’ll be expected to note anything that could be considered a fire risk – including cluttered exit routes that could prevent orderly evacuation. The facility owner is responsible for providing on-site guards with instructions and means of communication. Guards typically remain on-site until the fire marshal has signed off.
OSHA Fire Watch Requirements
As a government agency that ensures safe and healthful working conditions for Americans, OSHA has specific standards for fire watch guards. Whereas the NFPA rules listed above are concerned with buildings’ safety systems – and therefor apply to both residential and commercial buildings – OSHA fire watch rules are exclusive to workplace environments.
Fire watch guards need to be present in the following circumstances:
- “Hot Work” that involves weld splatter, slag or sparks
- Fire-resistant guards or curtains are not used to prevent ignition of combustible materials
- Combustible material close to the hot work cannot be removed, protected, or shielded
- When the hot work area is near a sandwich-type construction that can’t be protected
- When the situation requires a fire watch guard at the request of personnel on-site
Duties During Hot Work Operations
When monitoring hot work, here are things you’ll need to do:
- Strategize to ensure safety: You or your employer must prepare the area for hot works. Planning how to ensure everyone’s safety may look different in every industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires a fire safety plan for all workplaces and a fire watch policy for hot work operations.
- Inspect the location for fire hazards: Check for combustible materials, then take the necessary measures to avoid ignition. You may use protection such as flame-proof covers or fire-resistant curtains. Hot work cannot be allowed unless the area is free from fire hazards.
- Confirm the hot work permit: A hot work permit must be issued daily until the operation is done. Your employer is responsible for this. Having knowledge of the standards set by OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) can help you ensure the permit is enforced properly.
- Ensure proper personal protection equipment (PPE): As part of the environmental health and safety (EHS) team, fire watch guards also need to ensure that the PPE employees use is properly rated for the operations, including eye, ear, skin and respiratory protection.
- Monitor the situation during hot work: If necessary, you can order the stop of hot work until the working conditions are safe again. You can contact your supervisor for further instructions.
- Respond to fires: Report to your supervisor and be ready to call 911 if a fire is detected. Your training should include the handling of fire extinguishing equipment. You can assist with putting small fires, but your primary responsibility is to communicate with stakeholders the moment a fire breaks out.
Multiple fire watch guards may be required for a job, especially if hot work is done on a large scale. Facility owners cannot assign their normal staff to perform fire watch – it is a dedicated role that requires your full attention. Since OSHA rules require guards on-site as long as hot work is taking place, you may be needed for long stretches until there is a shift change and your replacement arrives.
The fire watch policy made by your employer should detail your training requirements, duties and equipment. Remember that your duty starts before and continues after the hot work operation, and is continuous even during breaks. After the operation, you must monitor the situation for at least 30 minutes to about three hours if necessary.
Steps to Become a Fire Watch Guard
Although fire watch responsibilities are heavy, becoming a fire watch guard can be quite simple if you are dedicated to the work. Whether you’re looking for employment to become a fire watch guard or a current employee who wants to be trained, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Requirements to Become a Fire Watch Guard
There are generally no specialized educational requirements for fire watch guards. However, some employers may require a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). You also need to be at least 18 years old. Jobs or certain jurisdictions may require certifications or background checks. Relevant previous experiences can also give you an edge. For instance, if you were a firefighter or security personnel.
Based on what the job entails, having these traits is also essential:
- Attentive and vigilant
- Quick to make decisions
- Good stamina
- Communicative
- Problem-solver
- Team player
2. Enroll in Fire Watch Training Programs
There are many fire watch certifications, whether online or in person, that can help you prepare for the job at hand. Even if your employer or jurisdiction does not require fire watch training, this step increases your capability. There are many safety protocols standardized by the NFPA and OSHA. For instance, the NFPA offers a Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work. Training is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the standards.
Course curriculum may vary, but you can expect to learn the following:
- Hot work and permits
- Hazard identification
- Fire prevention strategies
- Fire suppression and sprinkler systems
- Use and types of fire extinguishers
- Flammable and combustible materials
- Proper emergency response
- First aid and CPR
Once you find a suitable course, here are the steps to obtain a fire watch certification:
- Enroll in a fire watch training course: You can look for one yourself, but your employer may also provide this for you.
- Complete the course: Courses are fairly short. You can typically finish one in 30 minutes to an hour. Some courses are also in video format, which can be easier to understand.
- Take the exam: The exam tests your knowledge of what you have learned. This is typically required to get the certification.
- Receive the certificate: You can often receive your certificate right away. If you take an online course, it can be downloaded. Pay attention to the validity period to see if and when you need to re-certify.
Training helps you deeply understand the fundamentals, hence many regions require fire watch certification. If you’re not required to undergo training, you should at least have the basic knowledge of fire safety and emergency procedures. You should also consider ongoing training as part of your professional development, to keep you updated with the latest standards, technology and best practices.
3. Understand Local Regulations
Some courses integrate relevant regulations, which makes learning local standards easier. However, you can also study the local laws yourself to ensure compliance. Your employer may also consult with the local office when there’s a need for a hot work operation to ensure you don’t miss any requirements. Note specific requirements, such as how many fire watch guards are required per square foot and when it is required to have one.
That said, local regulations may also rely on the NFPA and OSHA standards. Many states require a fire watch certification as well.
3. Gain Relevant Experience
Seeing fire watch procedures in practice makes it easier to learn the ropes. You can work as a trainee with experienced fire watch guards to better prepare yourself. You can also volunteer with your local fire department or be part of an emergency response team. These related fields can teach you the fire safety standards and improve other skills required, such as vigilance and stamina.
Working as a security guard can also help. You can learn on-site safety measures for buildings like:
- Construction sites
- Industrial facilities
- Residential buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Outdoor events
Having niche experience and other certifications can help you stand out when applying for a fire watch role.
4. Apply for Fire Watch Positions
After you gain relevant experience, you’ll have a better network of people in the fire watch industry. This network can help you start and grow your career. If you skipped on gaining relevant experience, attending conferences and workshops can also provide similar opportunities.
You’ll find open fire watch roles on online job boards and security company websites. You can also check specific companies in certain industries. The importance of fire watch guards in construction sites and industrial facilities is evident. Hence, you may find opportunities there.
Read the fire watch job description to see if you qualify or need to meet more requirements. For instance, if you’ve skipped getting certified, you might need to work on that before applying. The qualifications you need to become a fire watch guard generally depend on the company you’re applying to.
During interviews, expect to be asked questions about your previous experience, skills and knowledge of the industry. You may be asked what you know about the fire safety standards, even if you’ve already showcased your certificate. Preparing for potential questions can help you go through interviews with ease.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Fire Watch Guard?
Even though there’s typically no educational requirement and you can take a certification quite easily, the time it takes to become a fire watch guard varies. Gaining relevant experience can take you a few months or years. Plus, the time it takes to apply for a position also differs. That said, if you already have the relevant experience and are already an existing employee taking a certification, you can become a fire watch guard in an hour.
Tips for Succeeding as a Fire Watch Guard
A deep understanding of your role can help you succeed as a fire watch guard. However, improving the required skills can also help.
Remember these points:
- Stay informed of fire safety protocols: Fire safety standards and best practices may change. Ensure you’re up to date through ongoing education. Improvements in technology can help make your work easier and better ensure your and everyone else’s safety.
- Develop strong observational skills: A fire watch training course can help you identify fire hazards. Applying this knowledge requires you to be vigilant. It’s safer to assume that consecutive successful hot work operations don’t guarantee the next one.
- Communicate effectively: You must communicate well with your superior, co-workers and proper authorities to keep everyone on the same page. Because certain situations require you to direct employees and speak to the authorities, it’s important to keep a clear head during a crisis.
- Improve your physical fitness and stamina: Because the job entails keeping other people safe, you need to be quick on your feet. You should be able to use the appropriate fire safety equipment and guide people on where they need to go.
How Much Do Fire Watch Guards Earn
A fire watch guard’s salary varies by state. You can earn an average of $50,000-$80,000 per year, with an hourly rate of $20-$40. Your salary may differ if you’re an existing employee in a different field, trained to become a fire watch guard. Remember that you cannot work on other duties if you’re an acting fire watch guard. The total pay may also include overtime and hazard pay, as the job requires working in dangerous environments.
The Guard Alliance Is America’s Most Trusted Security Guard Company
As a leader in the security industry, we’re here to help you understand what it means to become a great and reliable fire watch guard.
Our team also offers the best fire watch security services. Whether you need one for your apartment complex, office building, construction site or special event, we can help ensure fire safety for you. We offer 24/7 coverage to give you peace of mind. Give us a call at (800) 230-7015 to get started!
