What Are the General Requirements for a Fire Watch?
By Space Coast Daily // March 1, 2022
A fire watch is a person or persons who are assigned to monitor the area for potential fires and take action to prevent them from occurring. The general requirements for a fire watch are outlined in Chapter 15 of the NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
In order to establish a fire watch, you must first identify the areas that are at risk for ignition. Once those areas have been identified, you must then assign fire watch guards to monitor those areas during the time that the fire protection system is impaired.
The individuals assigned to the fire watch must be familiar with the building’s evacuation procedures and be able to report any potential fires immediately. They must also be able to take action to prevent fires from occurring, such as putting out small fires or evacuating the building if necessary.
It is important to note that a fire watch must be established only when it is required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code (LSC). If your building does not have a fire alarm system or a water-based fire protection system such as a sprinkler system, you may not be required to establish a fire watch.
If you are unsure whether or not you are required to establish a fire watch, please contact your local fire department for assistance. They will be able to help you determine whether or not your building is in compliance with the NFPA 101 LSC.
Definition of a Fire Watch:
Fire watch guards are “A person or persons who are assigned to monitor the area for potential fires and take action to prevent them from occurring.”
The general requirements for a fire watch are outlined in Chapter 15 of the NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. In order to establish a fire watch, you must first identify the areas that are at risk for ignition. Once those areas have been identified, you must then assign personnel to monitor those areas during the time that the fire protection system is impaired.
The specific duties of a fire watch vary depending on the type of fire protection system that is impaired. However, in general, a fire watch is responsible for ensuring that:
-No open flames are present in the area
-No hot surfaces are present in the area
-All potential ignition sources are eliminated or guarded against
-Smoking is not allowed in the area
If you are unable to assign personnel to monitor the identified areas, then you must establish a perimeter around those areas and post appropriate warning signage. Remember, it is your responsibility as an owner or operator of a water-based fire protection system to ensure that a fire watch is established whenever the system is impaired. Failing to do so could result in significant fines and penalties.
How much does a fire watch cost?
The cost of a fire watch varies depending on the size and complexity of the facility, as well as the number of personnel needed to provide coverage. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for a qualified fire watch.
It is important to note that the cost of a fire watch is a small price to pay compared to the potential damages that could occur if a fire were to break out. The bottom line is that you cannot take any chances when it comes to fire safety. If your fire protection system is impaired, make sure to establish a fire watch immediately. Failing to do so could have devastating consequences.
Conclusion
In order to establish a fire watch, you must first identify the areas that are at risk for ignition. Once those areas have been identified, you must then assign personnel to monitor those areas during the time that the fire protection system is impaired. The specific duties of a fire watch vary depending on the type of fire protection system that is impaired.
However, in general, a fire watch is responsible for ensuring that: no open flames are present in the area, no hot surfaces are present in the area, all potential ignition sources are eliminated or guarded against, and smoking is not allowed in the area.
