Guide to Arlington, VA Fire Watch Regulations
As the leading provider of fire watch services in
Arlington, VA we received a lot of calls from property managers who need assistance with understanding the fire watch regulations. The primary source of this lack of clarity is due to the that all of the surrounding Virginia localities adjacent to Arlington follow the fire watch guidelines that are listed in the Virginia State Fire Code.
Arlington County has its code that is very different from the state code. The complexity of the fire watch regulations is one of the many reasons why it is best to hire a professional fire watch company. In this article, we provide all of the information property managers and owners need to know about
fire watch in Arlington, VA.
Virginia State Fire Watch Regulations
Virginia code includes the same basic regulations that most jurisdictions require. Fire watch can only do fire watch. They cannot do any other tasks such as maintenance service calls, answering office phones or any other tasks that are not directly part of fire watch patrols. The fire watch patrol personnel must walk the affected area and watch for signs of smoke or fire. Fire watch must keep the stairs and exits clear from obstructions.
Unfortunately, Virginia lacks many of the details that are needed to provide fire watch effectively. For example, the state code does not mention the number of personnel required or how frequently the patrols must be completed. Most jurisdictions choose to follow the most common requirements of 1 fire watch person who patrols a minimum of once per hour.
Questions & Answers About Virginia State Fire Watch Regulations
How often are patrols completed?
Unspecified. However, once every hour is the most popular standard.
How many fire watch personnel are required?
Virginia Code has no guidelines for determining the number of fire watch personnel required.
Is there any equipment required for fire watch?
No equipment is required.
How long must properties keep fire watch logs?
Virginia Fire Code does not require properties to keep their fire watch patrol logs.
Are there specific guidelines that determine where fire watch personnel should be positioned?
No. However, it is assumed that the fire watch personnel will be positioned in the areas affected by the malfunctioning fire alarm or fire sprinkler system.
Arlington County, VA Fire Watch Guidelines
Arlington County’s fire watch regulations are completely different from the Virginia State Fire Watch Regulations. Everything from the number of people required to how often patrols should be completed have more stringent requirements. Arlington leaves the property owner very little flexibility.
Questions & Answers About Arlington, VA Fire Watch Regulations
How often are patrols completed?
Once every 15 minutes
How many fire watch personnel are required?
Fire watch must have a minimum of 2 people. Properties must get special permission from the fire marshal to use less people. These types of request are rarely approved.
Is there any equipment required for fire watch?
Yes, each fire watch person must have a two-way radio
Are there specific guidelines that determine where fire watch personnel should be positioned?
Yes. One person remains in the affected area. The second person must always be positioned in a room with a landline phone or cell phone to use for dialing 911.
What do you do if you need fire watch services in Arlington, VA?
- Notify the fire marshal that your fire alarm or sprinkler is malfunctioning.
- Call a professional fire watch company like ours to conduct fire watch patrols.
- Notify the fire marshal when the system is repaired.
- Keep your fire watch logs a minimum of 2 years.
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