F I R E W A T
C H
BACKGROUND:
A Fire Watch is a physical
inspection conducted when a building’s fire alarm, sprinkler or other
suppression systems, are temporarily out of service. Posting of a Fire Watch is
the responsibility of the building owner or their designated representative,
which may include tenants or construction superintendents. Fire Watch personnel
are required to continually patrol the facility for evidence of smoke, fire, or
any abnormal conditions. Whenever a life-threatening situation is discovered,
the fire watch personnel must immediately contact emergency personnel, and then
alert the occupants and assist in the orderly evacuation of the
facility.
REQUIREMENTS:
N.F.P.A. 101 Life Safety Code
requires that a Fire Watch be instituted anytime a sprinkler system, fire alarm,
or other suppression system is out of service. Additionally, the Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction must be contacted through COMMUNICATIONS and advised that a
system is out of service and a fire watch has been posted. NOTE: Whenever a fire
pump is out of service Fire Marshal having jurisdiction must be contacted to
establish the acceptable level of protection that shall be provided, such as
having a fire engine perform standby. When utilized the engine crew will make
hose connections to the system F.D.C. and hydrant in preparation for
supplementing system water pressure and flow. This is in addition to the
required Fire Watch being posted.
SELECTING FIRE WATCH PERSONNEL:
Competent,
responsible, and able bodied-individuals shall be selected to conduct Fire
Watches. Typically, hired security guards, or maintenance personnel and managers
who are familiar with the building make excellent choices. (Refer to NFPA 601
Guard Service in Fire Loss Prevention for additional information).
FIRE WATCH LOG:
A separate log identifying
each building, or area, under the Fire Watch by name and address shall be kept.
Log entries shall be made hourly at the completion of each round. Log entries
shall consist of the date, the time the round was completed, a summary of what
was observed, and the name and signature of the individual conducting the fire
watch. The Fire Watch Log shall be kept readily accessible for review by the
Fire Marshal.
DUTIES OF FIRE WATCH
PERSONNEL:
Individuals who are selected for Fire Watch details shall
be briefed so as to have a thorough understanding of the purpose and
responsibilities of their assignment. Procedures and instructions given shall be
specific with respect to actions required. They shall also have a basic
understanding of the location, function, and normal status of the fire alarm and
sprinkler systems, including fire pumps. Fire Watch personnel shall conduct
hourly rounds by walking throughout the entire building or affected area,
looking for evidence of smoke, fire, or any abnormal conditions. The specific
route shall be laid out so that the Fire Watch person is required to pass
through the entire area to be covered. Where special circumstances exist, such
as the presence of exceptional hazards or large areas, additional patrols may be
required by the Fire Marshal. Individuals selected shall know the location and
operation of all portable fire extinguishers on site.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS:
The individual
conducting the Fire Watch shall be equipped with a cell phone for prompt
notification of emergency forces (via 911) in the case of an emergency.
Alternate methods of communication (radios to security/command centers with the
means to immediately dial 911) may be approved by the Fire Marshal upon
request.
WRITTEN
NOTIFICATION:
Written notification of intention to post a Fire Watch
when planned, or the actual posting of a Fire Watch necessitated by an unplanned
event, shall be forwarded to Fire Marshal having jurisdiction. This
correspondence shall be put on the official letterhead of the business, general
contractor, or subcontractor assuming responsibility for the detail. The letter
shall specify the business name and address; the buildings or portions thereof
affected; the purpose of the Fire Watch (i.e.-fire alarm, sprinkler, or other
suppression systems out of service); the dates and times these systems will be
nonfunctional and the Fire Watch will be in effect; the qualifications of the
individual(s) selected; and the specific type of communication device they will
have immediately available (i.e.-Cell phone or portable radio).