In 2023, there were 110,000 non-residential fires in the United States, resulting in over $3 billion in property damage and hundreds of casualties. Fire safety compliance is a legal requirement and a critical responsibility for every business owner. Neglecting fire prevention measures can lead to devastating consequences, from property loss to legal liabilities and reputational harm.
Fire watch guards are a critical part of ensuring fire safety compliance for your business. This guide will walk you through their roles and responsibilities, the legal requirements businesses must follow, when a fire watch is required and how to integrate fire watch services into your overall safety and security plans.
What Are Fire Watch Guards?
Fire watch guards are trained professionals who monitor premises for fire hazards, ensure fire safety equipment is operational and initiate emergency response protocols if needed. They are vital in fire prevention and are commonly employed by businesses such as construction sites, industrial facilities, hotels, hospitals and event venues.
The primary responsibilities of fire watch guards include:
- Conducting regular patrols to identify and mitigate potential fire risks.
- Monitoring hot work operations, such as welding or grinding, for sparks or open flames.
- Ensuring fire extinguishers, alarms and sprinklers are functional.
- Verifying that emergency exits are accessible and evacuation routes are clear.
- Alerting occupants and contacting fire departments in case of emergencies.
- Documenting patrol rounds, observations and incidents.
Having trained fire watch personnel on-site is essential for quick detection and response to fire threats, minimizing damage and saving lives.
Fire Watch Regulations and Legal Requirements
Businesses are legally obligated to comply with fire safety regulations set by federal, state and local authorities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are the two main regulatory bodies. Failing to meet OSHA fire watch regulations and NFPA guidelines can result in hefty fines, legal action and forced closure of business operations.
Some key requirements include:
- OSHA 1910.39: The Fire Prevention Plan states that employers must have a written fire prevention plan that includes assigning fire watch personnel when normal fire protection systems are out of service.
- OSHA 1910.252: This standard provides specific rules for fire watch during hot work operations, such as maintaining a fire watch for at least 30 minutes after work is completed.
- NFPA 1: The Fire Code provides general requirements for fire prevention, including fire watch provisions during impairments to fire protection systems.
- NFPA 241: The Safeguarding Construction, Alteration and Demolition Operations code outlines specific fire watch requirements for construction sites.
- NFPA 601: The standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention outlines the role of security personnel, including fire watch duties.
To ensure full compliance, businesses must familiarize themselves with applicable OSHA and NFPA standards as well as local building codes.
When Do You Need to Hire a Fire Watch Guard?
Several situations signal the need for fire watch services. Recognizing these indicators and promptly implementing fire watch services can help your business stay compliant, avoid penalties and protect lives and property. It is essential to note that existing staff, security personnel, or vendors cannot be assigned fire watch duties in addition to their other responsibilities. Per OSHA and NFPA regulations, if fire watch must be conducted on site, it has to be done by dedicated personnel while the building remains occupied. For this reason, most organizations hire reliable fire watch companies to conduct patrols, rather than reassigning their existing staff.
1. Fire Protection System Impairments
When fire alarms, sprinklers or other critical fire safety systems are down for maintenance, repair or upgrades, fire watch guards must be deployed to mitigate risks. OSHA and NFPA regulations mandate fire watch coverage during these planned impairments to ensure continuous monitoring for fire hazards.
2. Construction and Renovation Projects
Buildings under construction or renovation often lack fully operational fire protection systems. The presence of flammable materials, hot work and changing site conditions elevates fire risks.
Hiring fire watch guards for the duration of the project helps prevent fires. It also ensures compliance with NFPA 241 standards, which require fire watch patrols as they often lack fully operational fire safety systems.
3. Special Events and Large Gatherings
Events like concerts, festivals, trade shows and conventions pose unique fire safety challenges. Large crowds, combustible decorations, pyrotechnics and temporary structures can increase fire hazards. Deploying fire watch guards for the event duration helps monitor for risks, ensure orderly evacuations and coordination with emergency responders if needed.
4. Extended Power Outages
Prolonged power disruptions can render fire alarms, smoke detectors and suppression systems inoperable. Until power is restored and systems are back online, you must implement fire watch patrols to maintain a vigilant eye for fire threats. It is especially critical for businesses with high fire risks or those housing vulnerable populations.
5. Frequent False Alarms or System Malfunctions
If your facility experiences recurring false alarms or system glitches that impair its fire detection capabilities, hire fire watch guards until the issues are resolved. These malfunctions compromise the reliability of fire protection equipment and necessitate human oversight to prevent fires from going unnoticed.
6. Fire Marshal Inspections and Violations
Fire safety inspections may uncover gas in a company’s fire prevention measures or code violations that require immediate correction. Fire marshals may mandate the use of fire watch patrols as part of the remediation process until the facility fully complies with regulations.
7. Insurance Requirements
Insurance providers may stipulate fire watch coverage as a condition for policy issuance or renewal, particularly for high-risk businesses. Insurers may also require fire watch services following a fire incident or when risk assessments identify significant hazards that need mitigation.
Integrating Fire Watch into Your Security Plans
To maximize the effectiveness of fire watch services, integrate them into your overall security strategy. By combining fire watch guards with other security personnel and systems, businesses can establish a comprehensive approach to risk management.
Integrating fire watch into a unified security plan offers several benefits, including:
- Comprehensive facility monitoring, covering fire hazards and security threats
- Seamless communication and coordination to scan for risks and respond cohesively to emergencies
- Streamlined compliance and reporting for a comprehensive record of fire prevention efforts
- Resource and training synergies, leading to a well-prepared, versatile team
When seeking fire watch services, prioritize licensed security providers with valid credentials and expertise in fire safety who can provide additional security services such as patrol units and uniformed guards.
Trust The Guard Alliance for Comprehensive Fire Watch Services
Safeguarding your business from the destructive impact of fires is a vital responsibility that demands specialized expertise. When you need reliable fire watch services, partner with The Guard Alliance. With over three decades of experience, a nationwide presence and a team of highly trained professionals, we have the knowledge and resources to fulfill your fire safety requirements. Our fire watch guards are licensed, insured and adhere to all relevant OSHA and NFPA standards.
Take proactive measures to fortify your business against fire risks. Let the expert team at The Guard Alliance stand watch, so you can focus on running your business with peace of mind. Contact us today for a tailored fire watch solution that aligns with your unique needs.
