What is the function of a fire watch? Discover also their roles and responsibilities, how they spot fire danger, and the facilities that require fire protection.

According to OSHA, a fire watch is an official action that involves exceptional staff who monitor locations for “hot work” activities like welding and torch cutting.

This is a vital role for safety in environments where these activities may burn materials around the building and cause fires.

The Fast Fire Watch Company is a company that can provide you with the fire watch you require.

The Fast Fire Watch Company strives to provide fire watch services that are both efficient and dependable, with the goal of providing peace of mind.

It has been over five years since we started.                                                     

Our rapid and emergency fire watch services are trusted by businesses and property managers across the nation.

Let’s look into what is the function of a fire watch and what it entails.

Primary Functions of a Fire Watch

A fire watch is a measure of safety that involves directing armed personnel or teams to monitor occurrences of fire and danger, particularly when automatic fire alarms are not operational or during hazardous activities.

It includes both parapets and helicopters.

1.  Continuous Monitoring.

Look for any indications of fire, smoke, or warmth in the vicinity and actively monitor it.

Covers all fire hazards, including hidden areas.

2.  Early Fire Detection.

If a fire is detected or reported, it is immediately stopped and taken to the nearest facility for further investigation.

Uses all three sense systems to detect danger rapidly.

3.  Immediate Response.

Instructs building residents to be alert, sets off alarms, and contacts emergency services in case of a fire.

Fire extinguishers or other fire suppression equipment may contain small fires before they start.

4.  Documentation.

Keeping meticulous records of patrols, time frames, and reports.

Records any detected risks and steps taken.

5.  Hazard Prevention.

Approved and mitigated for fire hazards, including open or unoccupied areas, exposed materials, and electrical failure.

6.  Compliance with Regulations.

With a malfunction in flammable or hazardous equipment, it must comply with OSHA, NFPA, or local fire code requirements.

In hot conditions, such as welding, grinding, or cutting operations, or in construction, shipyard, and industrial settings.

7.  System Failure Response:

If a building’s sprinkler system or fire alarm goes off, the assigned fire watch will be in charge of monitoring the situation.

8.  Emergency Alarm and Notification.

Whenever there is a fire or emergency, the fire watch must immediately sound an alarm and notify the nearest fire department.

9.  Means of Egress Maintenance.

During fire watches, the means of exits and escape routes are kept open and accessible.

10. Occupant Safety.

A fire watch is deployed to ensure that occupants are safely evacuated from the safe zone or constructed structure.

Fire Watch Duties and Responsibilities.

• Observe the radiant workspace and surroundings.
• Maintain eye contact with hot tasks being monitored.
• If the fire watch is within a 30-ft. radius and has an unobstructed view, it can cover multiple hot work activities.

Provide extra fire-watches with no sight lines or at a distance exceeding 30 ft.

Work may call for fire watches on either side of a wall or vessel shell.

• Have fire equipment in hand or at arm’s reach.
• Do not use or rely on the fire extinguishers that are in use within the operational units for fire protection.
• Prior to the hot work beginning, inspect extinguishing equipment such as connections, hydrants, and hoses for signs of discoloration, corrosion, or wear.
• Validate that the pressure and current are accurate.
• Reduce the likelihood of ignition by soaking areas where there may be combustible materials.
• Ensure adequate containment and barricades are in place to manage slag and sparks.
• Ensure that the gas gauge is constantly in use during the hot work. If any of these meters are drifting or an alarm is heard, the heat must be turned off. Additionally.
• Ensure that fires are not extinguished until they fall below the size that you can safely handle with your fire-extinguishing equipment.
• Just before trying to put out the fire, dial your site’s emergency response phone number.
• All fires, even those that are not flash-fired, must be reported to the site emergency operations center.
• Avoid engaging in unauthorized hot work.
• Consider that the primary fire watch cannot be affected by any other duties.

How to spot fire danger?

During their fire watch duty, fire watch officers should pay attention to the following when inspecting the building:

• Make certain that the fire alarm panel displays only yellow and red lights, unless the system is damaged.
• The sprinkler system requires that all water flow control valves be open unless the system needs it, and that the sprinkler ring heads should not be blocked.
• Fire pump.
• Hot operations such as welding, torch cutting, and heavy grinding are commonly performed.
• Potential arson-accelerant; forced entry.
• Required to be stored in approved containers and designated storage areas for liquids that are flammable.
• Knowing the location and activation process of pull stations is essential for a fire watch officer.
• Knowing the location and usage of portable fire extinguishers is crucial for fire watch officers.
• Use of fire extinguishers is only allowed where it is safe to do so.
• Fire watch officers must know all exits and ensure that all doors are accessible.
• The proper way to close fire doors is to ensure their safety.

Facilities that require fire protection.

Facilities of different types need fire watch services, as there are distinct fire risks and the potential consequences of an ensuing fire.

These facilities include:

Construction sites.

Fire hazards are present because of the presence of flammable substances, hot work processes, and temporary heating systems at construction sites.

Fire watch guards identify and mitigate these risks, especially when existing fire protection systems are insufficient.

They ensure safety protocols are followed and prevent expensive property losses.

Hospitals.

Hospitals are complex places for fire safety because of the presence of vulnerable patients, medical equipment, and hazardous materials.

Fire watch services are necessary during the maintenance or repair of fire alarms and sprinkler systems.

Emergency services are provided, and guards ensure patient safety, staff safety, and visitor safety at the hospital.

Hotels.

Fire watch services are necessary in hotels and other lodging facilities to ensure the safety of guests and property.

When fire protection systems are temporarily impaired or renovations are in progress, fire watch guards become essential.

Regular patrols are carried out, and the patrolmen are equipped with the skills to detect potential danger before a fire occurs.

Industrial facilities.

The risk of fire increases at industrial facilities, such as manufacturing plants, refineries, and chemical processing plants, because of the presence of hazardous materials and complex processes.

When fire protection systems cannot operate, fire watch guards are necessary in these settings to detect and contain fire.

Their training involves identifying industry specifics and taking appropriate safety precautions.

Conclusion.

The main objectives of a fire watch are to identify and manage potential fire hazards, set off alarms, alert the fire crew, and provide evacuation help.

By allowing buildings to be occupied and functioning, this temporary measure ensures that businesses do not experience any disruptions when their fire alarm or sprinkler systems fail, whether planned or unplanned.

Join the ranks of other businesses that count on our expertise to safeguard their assets and personnel.

The Fast Fire Watch Company is committed to safeguarding you.