Key Points:
- What is a dual-trained firewatch security guard.
- How fire safety job duties overlap with security job duties.
- The benefits of hiring a dual-trained safety professional.
If your business needs to dispatch security personnel, consider hiring a company that dispatches dual-trained fire watch security guards. Dual training elevates safety and response, but not all guards are dual-trained. Below we explore how this skillset aligns with your culture of vigilance.
Firewatcher training and certification is a method of upskilling many certified security guards pursue. This training enables guards to prevent, detect, and respond to fire in an OSHA, insurance, and fire-code compliant manner. There is overlap in training, but job duties are distinctly different.
Fire watch guards are trained and certified in:
- Local and nationwide fire codes.
- OSHA-compliant hot work standards.
- Insurance policy-compliant fire safety protocols.
- How to complete NFPA-compliant fire logs.
- How to use firefighting equipment.
- Keeping emergency exits clear.
- Rapid response procedures for fire, smoke, and fire hazards.
- How to implement emergency response and evacuation.
Security guards are trained and certified in:
- Effective communication
- Crowd and occupancy control
- Ethics and legal issues
- Emergency situations training
- Health and safety
- De-escalation techniques
- Detainment of suspects
- Report writing
- Surveillance skills
- Keeping emergency exits clear
- And more
Can Guards Perform Security and Fire Safety at The Same Time?
No. Guards assigned to fire watch must focus 100% on fire safety. This includes continuously monitoring hot work, completing patrols, and logging patrols and risk factors. While they cannot provide general security, they coordinate and communicate with the security team. For example, if an exit is blocked for supply delivery, they’ll let security know when it opens back up, while monitoring to determine when the delivery is complete.
If Fire Watch Isn’t Required, Why Dispatch a Dual Trained Guard?
Even when assigned to security duties, a dual-trained guard has a high-level understanding of fire hazards. This is beneficial if a fire safety issue arises.
- If they see something concerning, they’ll resolve it or communicate how to resolve it.
- If smoke or fire is present, they know how to respond, including extinguishing and evacuation.
- If a situation occurs that deems fire watch, such as the water going out, you can transition their services to compliant fire hazard monitoring.
Read More:
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Property
- What Does a Fire Watch Do When Your Water is Shut Off
- Fire Watch Duties vs. Security Guard Duties
- 5 Ways a Certified Fire Watcher Saves You Money
- Securing Fire Protection Services During Hot Work
If Fire Watchers and Security Are Required, Why Hire Dual-Trained Personnel?
If your special event, construction site, business, building, or facility needs to dispatch both fire watch security guards and standard security services—there’s already an increased risk. Dual-trained personnel work together to safeguard your event or property.
Top Places to Consider Dual-Training
- Community events
- Concerts
- Construction sites
- Fairs and festivals
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
- High-rise buildings
- Shopping malls
- Businesses with large server rooms
- Businesses with hazardous materials
Dual-Trained Fire Watch Security Guards in Denver
If you have an upcoming event with large crowds, or you require daily security and protection, Scout Security has you covered. We dispatch single-skilled and dually-trained security personnel and fire watch security guards. This ensures compliant fire monitoring and a tenured and aligned team that works cohesively with your in-house personnel.
Our services are available prescheduled and for 24/7 emergency response in Denver and The Springs.
