Key points:
- The pros of dispatching maintenance or security for firewatch.
- The cons of dispatching maintenance or security for firewatch.
- Where to find trained and certified personnel in Denver.
As a fiscally responsible property manager, we understand that you may consider assigning a maintenance manager or security team member to conduct fire monitoring. While it costs less upfront, we urge you to make an informed decision that factors in how monitoring reduces risk. Below are the pros and cons of internal vs. external fire watch personnel for your apartment building.
If your multi-family building has multiple entrance and exit points and/or is more than 3 stories tall, a minimum of 2 personnel may be required. In apartment buildings, you must be able to patrol the entire building every 15 minutes, which may not be possible with 1 person. Hot work also requires a minimum of 2 people: 1 to monitor and 1 or more to patrol.
Pros of Dispatching Internal Employees for Fire Patrol
No Wait to Dispatch
With an internal team member, you can begin patrols without delay. This helps to get your downed system back up and running ASAP. Even if you call to dispatch emergency fire monitoring, we suggest dispatching at least one employee until they arrive.
Building Familiarity
No one knows your property better than you and your team members. Especially your maintenance and security team. You know your building layout, the location of all entrances and exits, and where utility shutoffs are located. You also know your tenants, the number of tenants in each apartment, and if they have physical or cognitive limitations. This knowledge is invaluable in emergency situations. As such, even with a third-party partner, your team should be part of the emergency response plan.
Costs Less Up Front
The primary motivation for staffing your team is to reduce unscheduled maintenance and repair spending. Especially if a plumbing, fire safety system, or other repair is underway. However, you must factor in the potential for overtime to ensure continuous patrols, the need for after-hours patrols, and the risks associated with dispatching someone who isn’t trained or certified. If an emergency arises, the price you pay for a third-party partner more than pays for itself.
Cons of Dispatching Internal Employees for Fire Patrol
Lack of Training and Certification
Even with the best of intentions, your team may not be sure what to do if a fire arises. Trained and certified fire watch personnel understand how to identify smoke, fire, and fire risk factors. They also know how to use fire suppression equipment, initiate evacuation, and work with first responders. This includes prepping your hot work area before work begins.
Availability
You may not have a large enough team to monitor continuously without creating gaps in your maintenance or security schedule. If you have enough team members, they may not be available for after-hours monitoring. Sometimes, the solution is a combination of your team and a third-party partner.
Liability and Compliance
Monitoring must follow Denver Fire Codes and relevant OSHA regulations, insurance requirements, and labor laws. For example, monitoring must be continuous, but you must provide your employees with compliant breaks. You must also keep patrol logs, patrol your apartment building every 15 minutes, and understand how many people to dispatch. For hot work, monitoring must continue for 30 to 60 minutes after the work is complete. If an incident occurs and your monitoring falls short in any way, it increases your liability risk.
Read More:
- Fire Watch Patrol Frequency in Denver and The Springs
- How to Keep Compliant Fire Watch Logs
- DFPC-Compliant Fire Watch Services in Denver
- Unique Consideration For High-Rise Fire Watch
Fire Watch Personnel in Denver
Scout Security provides pre-scheduled and 24/7 emergency fire watch in Denver and Colorado Springs. We review your fire safety plan and floor layout and ensure compliant fire watch. Our team can work solo or as an extension of your team.
Reach out now or add us to your emergency contact list.
