Fire watch requirements explained
A fire watch is essential in case the fire alarm system or sprinkler fails to function properly. It is the requirement of the Life Safety Code to respond to any obstacles in the fire protection system. It also includes how quickly the issues are sorted out. A fire watch system is a must to compensate for any technical or mechanical errors. Check out this site: Fire Watch Guards
It also enables us to avoid any liabilities, fines, or losses that are caused to human lives and assets in case of fire. This guide will provide the information on What fire watches are, What are the choices that are given to the building owners, When the fire watchers must come to the rescue, etc.
What is a fire watch?
Delegating one or more people the tasks of drenching small fires, preventing the fire from occurring, safeguarding the life of people from the dangers happening through the fire, and also to notify the building occupants and fire department in case of a fire emergency.
If the system’s water supply is interrupted, ruptured pipes, or any other issues the fire systems fail to operate. A few abnormal conditions or impairments stop the system from functioning properly. If the system has the following impairments, it may result in a fire watch.
- Sprinkler systems that include mist, water spray, foam water system, etc.
- Standpipe system, fire pump, and hose system
- Underground fire service mains
- Water storage tank
- Interruption in the supply of water
A fire watch must be instituted whenever the fire system or a part of it cannot operate properly.
Fire watch requirements
A fire watch must be enforced if the system goes down for more than four hours and if the water-based fire protection system is down for ten hours in a time duration of twenty-four hours. It is necessary to inform the fire watchers in either case so that all the surrounding areas that are affected by fire, smoke, etc need to be controlled.
In case of an emergency or any life-threatening situation, the fire watcher must report or contact the emergency room without any delay and all the occupants of the building need to be evacuated. The unoccupied areas like storage rooms, crawl spaces, etc must also be inspected. Hence, a person who takes up the responsibility of the fire watcher must be familiar with such hidden areas. He must also be aware of the fire protection equipment and all the manual fire alarm stations.
Securing the fire watchers
At times, the fire prevention system may malfunction. When that happens, it is important to take action immediately. The Building owners can perform the task by themselves or they could even appoint an employee to perform this duty. A fire watch company can also take up the responsibility. If the employees take up the task, they must be aware of how to conduct a fire watch, the appropriate attire, equipment to wear, etc. The fire watch policies are an essential part of the building’s fire protection plan. For any queries contact our company.
