Why Businesses Should Know About Fire Watch Services

Fire watch guards identify fire hazard signals and ensure that the proper authorities are called in necessary cases. A fire watch service is an important component of your building's fire safety plan. You'll need the service if there is no type of fire suppression system or if the fire suppression system is not coded compliant and the fire marshall directly asked for you as the property owner to request fire watch services. Keep reading for more information about why you need to know about fire watch services.

Your Fire Suppression System Is Down

Your business will always need to be protected by automatic fire systems. However, you might need to disconnect the system due to impairments stipulated in the International Fire Code. In addition, you may shut down the automatic system for testing and maintenance or open flame activities like welding in an area with automatic fire warning systems.

According to NFPA 72, impairment is an "abnormal situation" that makes your system, or some component or function of it, unusable for sprinklers and other fire defense systems. Fire watches are necessary when fire protection systems are out of commission for 10 hours or more in a 24-hour period. This is when a fire marshall will request the service of a fire watch patrol officer. A fire marshal's direction needs to be followed on penalty of a fine.

You're Completing Hot Work

Fire watch patrol officers are assigned to a location with the specific intent of alerting the fire department, the building's occupants, or both of a fire emergency. This is especially important for businesses where hot work is being completed. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hot work is any work that involves electrical systems, welding, cutting, or brazing. When your team is completing this work, they're at a great risk for fires, which is where fire watch patrol officers come in.

They also provide your personnel with the assurance that they are safe. This shows that the employer is concerned about the security of its employees, which raises morale. Don't rely solely on the mechanical assistance of your building's alarm system. Instead, engage a fire watch patrol officer to secure businesses or other facilities from fire threats. Call us at Urgent Security & Fire Watch today.