What is Fire Watch Guards? Fire watch guards are specially designated on-site protection personnel performing guard duties at specified facilities. These guards typically perform guard duties at various shifts throughout the day and throughout the year, covering the entire facility when needed. Some facilities also hire off-duty guards, who are not designated as full-time staff.
What are the main tasks performed by fire watch guards? On-duty security services typically entail patrol duty at scheduled shifts during the day and throughout the evening. These duties typically involve patrolling around residential and business facilities. Throughout the night, additional patrol duty may be assigned to units in the area of emergency. However, all guard patrol services are scheduled during the regular shift hours, so fire station duty, medical service, and emergency support are always available throughout the day for on-duty guard services.
How are potential fire hazards identified? During daily patrol logs, guards identify potential hazards through a thorough risk assessment. Based on the risk assessment, guards determine which specific shifts should be assigned to cover particular areas of the facility. For example, if a guard discovers that there is a high potential for electrical fires in the kitchen because of faulty gas appliances, the guard will assign shifts that are stationed in the kitchen and will monitor any changes in the use of gas appliances. In addition, a fire marshal will be alerted if an alarm goes off in the kitchen because of an emergency.
Are there specific equipment requirements for fire watch guards? All employees are required to wear the proper safety equipment, as specified by local, state, and federal regulations. All fire watch guards and fire marshals are also required to complete Basic EMT and First Aid training courses, as well as other courses specific to their line of work. In addition, all employees are expected to be proficient in carrying out basic fire safety procedures, such as using fire extinguishers. A guard or a fire marshal is also authorized to instruct other employees in the use of these fire safety facilities, so they can become more knowledgeable in their daily operations.
What is the difference between regular fire prevention maintenance drills, and emergency response? Emergency response requires additional steps beyond those typically found in regular fire drills. A fire department’s response time will be much longer than a guard’s. Since an emergency involves a large quantity of personnel resources, it is imperative to ensure that your guards know how to effectively and accurately perform their duties. As part of their emergency response training, most fire watch guards will be required to operate fire extinguishers. These extinguishers are often located near the emergency call box, but are also required to be in good working order at all times.
Are there any differences between a professional fire watch guard and a regular employee? Although some state and federal laws apply to guards, most of these laws deal with the installation and maintenance of fire equipment and facilities. The types of services provided by fire watch guards may also be limited by a guard’s contract with the local fire department. While it is almost impossible to have all of the services a guard may need covered under a uniform code, it is still important to remember that the services of a professionally trained, fire-station equipped fire alarm system may be limited.