Not sure what a fire watch company is or what the difference is between a fire guard and a security guard? Understanding the differences between the two will help you select reliable and compliant safety professionals.
Although fire watch professionals are dispatched from security companies, they are more than the average security guard. Fire watch professionals are trained in fire prevention, detection, response, and evacuation.
Did you know that fire watch guards are required for most public events in Colorado? Check your county guidelines to determine your fire safety compliance requirements. Scout Security’s fire guards can be dispatched for event crowd management, capacity control, and monitoring for smoke, fire, and increased fire risk. If needed, they implement your emergency evacuation plan.
What Is A Fire Watch Company?
A fire watch company deploys certified professionals to monitor apartment buildings, office buildings, construction sites, special events, and businesses when their fire risk rises. They monitor and patrol your grounds in a manner compliant with local fire codes and (if applicable) nationwide OSHA regulations. If an emergency arises, they notify the authorities and activate your evacuation plan.
In addition to reducing the potential for financial loss, property damage, inventory loss, legal liability, and loss of life—non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and penalties. OSHA penalties can range from a warning to $16,131 per violation per day—and up to $161,323 for repeated or willful violations. This does not include fire code penalties.
When Are Fire Watch Guards Required?
Fire watch guards may be required to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and local fire codes. The top reasons to dispatch these skilled professionals are below.
#1 Fire Safety System Maintenance, Repairs, or Upgrades
When your fire detection or suppression systems are down, and the fix will take more than 4 hours—Colorado fire code requires you to assign a designated fire guard. This includes full-system failure, malfunctioning sprinklers or fire alarms, system upgrades, and maintenance and repairs.
Repairs do not always go as planned, so many buildings and businesses secure a fire watch company even if the fix is expected to take less than 4 hours.
#2 Water Outage
If your fire alarm is working but there is no water supply to your sprinklers, you will need a dedicated set of eyes to assess for fire risk. From local-area water outages to plumbing maintenance and repairs that require shutting the water off.
#3 Spark-Producing Operations
Fire codes and OSHA requires fire watch during hot work. This includes welding, soldering, grinding, cutting power tools, and digging around utility lines.
#4 Large Events
You will need to deploy fire watch professionals during large public and on-site events that increase your fire risk. This includes stationary monitoring of exits and entrances and strategic patrolling.
#5 Flammable Materials Handling
If your facility works with or will be processing flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials you may assign dual fire and security guards as part of your internal fire watch plan.
Also Read:
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Company
- 11 Benefits of a 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Security Guard Service
- 6 Things Landlords Should Do After a Fire in a Rental Property
- Workplace Fire Safety: OSHA Fire Protection & Prevention Safety Training
- Fire Watch Violations: Can a Fire Marshal Shut Your Apartment Building Down?
What to Look For in A Fire Watch Company?
Fire spreads fast, especially when suppression systems are down. Loss and damage can be catastrophic, including the loss of life. Vet your fire watch company to ensure they can meet the following requirements.
- Available for both prescheduled fire watch and 24/7 emergency response.
- Trained and certified in how to identify fire hazards including sources of smoke and fire, gas leaks, improper chemical storage, and more.
- Trained to ensure fire extinguishers and emergency equipment are operable.
- Trained in using safety equipment to extinguish small fires.
- Trained to identify hazards that could impede evacuation or emergency response.
- Well-versed in (or available to quickly get up to speed) with your in-house fire safety, communications, and evacuation procedures.
- Keep a patrol log to verify rounds and document relevant risk factors.
- Possess the strong communication skills required to implement evacuation, notify 911, and cooperate with first responders.
Scout Security—Denver and Colorado Spring’s Preferred Fire Guards
Scout Security is the name landlords, property managers, and building managers in The Springs and Mile High City trust as their go-to fire guards.
Our fire watch company is licensed and insured, and our guards are trained in fire prevention, detection, response, and evacuation. Call our team 24/7 and we will dispatch our compliant services without delay!
