fire hazard situations. This can include instances when the alarm and sprinkler systems are not working or when construction projects involving combustible materials are underway.
They also monitor welding hot spots, hazardous spills, and overheating equipment or materials. These are all hazards that need to be inspected for and reported immediately.
Identifying the Fire
Fire watch guards are trained professionals whose main job is identifying potential hazards that could lead to a fire outbreak. They then report the problem to the property owner so that it can be corrected.
This can include things like aging wiring, trash bins full of flammable materials, overheating equipment, and other hazards. The Philadelphia fire watch guards also monitor safety controls to ensure they work properly and regularly check that the fire alarm and water sprinkler systems are operational.
They may also patrol buildings at specified intervals to prevent a fire from starting or spreading. These vigilances can save lives, reduce property damage and minimize liability.
Activating the Alarm
Fire watch guards help ensure that your business is always safe and that your staff is cared for in the event of a fire. These professionals monitor and test fire suppression equipment, identify potential hazards and respond to emergencies as necessary.
When an alarm is activated, the fire watch guard must follow emergency procedures to evacuate the building, assemble everyone in the proper place and notify the fire department. They also make sure that exits are unlocked so that people can escape.
In addition, the fire watch guard must be able to identify and report any changes in workplace conditions that may pose a fire risk. Having these issues identified and handled quickly can minimize disruption to your business.
Evacuating the Building
A fire watch guard knows how to handle emergencies and can help evacuate people in case of a fire. They conduct regular patrols, check fire extinguishers and other equipment, and report any potential hazards to the local authorities.
Instruct all building occupants to leave immediately and gather in a designated evacuation assembly area. This can be a room or outside in a safe location away from buildings, trees, power lines, and roadways.
Evacuate the building using the nearest safe stairwells. Do not use elevators unless they are specifically used to transport people with special needs.
Reporting the Incident
A fire watch guard may be assigned during and after tasks that involve potential heat or ignition sources, such as welding, cutting, and electrical work. They are specifically trained to identify hot work and other safety hazards, provide immediate assistance and report the incident to the fire department.
A guard also monitors and maintains fire safety equipment and procedures to ensure that all of the building’s exits are unblocked, self-closing doors are secure, and the fire alarm system and water sprinkler systems are in working order.
In addition, a guard should be positioned on opposite sides of partitions that contain welding or other hot work activity to prevent sparks from spreading to combustible materials.
In the event of a fire, the fire watch guard will activate the building’s fire alarm system and water sprinkler system to notify emergency responders and help evacuate the area. The fire watch guard will then report the fire to the fire department and document the incident.
