If you have an upcoming event, you may be required to hire either or both fire watch personnel and security guards. You aren’t alone if you aren’t sure of the difference between these two titles. While they work together as a team, security job duties and fire watch duties are distinctly different. We staff for both roles, and advise on how to improve your event safety and security.
If your event requires a Fire Prevention Permit, you’ll need to hire fire safety personnel. Expected occupancy isn’t the only determining factor, as the presence of hazardous, combustible, or flammable materials warrants specialized personnel. If you aren’t sure what you need, your event venue, insurance, and relevant regulations may outline the type of third-party safety services you must secure. We can also help you decide.
What Is a Fire Watch Guard?
Preventing, detecting, and responding to fire hazards are the top priorities of our fire safety professionals. During events, they identify potential fire hazards, ensure fire exits remain clear and accessible, and closely monitor hazardous materials. If smoke or fire occurs, they’re expertly trained in how to respond. This includes calling the fire department, using fire extinguishers and equipment, and activating evacuation.
Fire watch training includes learning:
- 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.
- Rapid response procedures for fire, smoke, and fire hazards.
- How to implement emergency response and evacuation.
- And more.
What Is a Security Guard?
Security guards are trained and licensed safety professionals, whose role is to support physical and material safety and security. They’re typically dispatched to prevent unauthorized access, deter criminal activity, patrol grounds, monitor on-site CCTVs, and control occupancy. Security professionals may obtain dual certification to perform security and fire watch duties, but they can only work in one capacity at a time. Since a dual-certified security guard knows what to look for, they can report potential hazards to fire guards.
Their training includes:
- Effective communication
- Crowd control
- Ethics and legal issues
- Emergency situations training
- Health and safety
- De-escalation techniques
- Detainment of suspects
- Report writing
- Surveillance skills
- And more
Also Read:
- Special Event Fire Watch Responsibilities and Requirements
- How to Choose a Fire Watch Company
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Company
- 11 Benefits of a 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Security Guard Service
- Workplace Fire Safety: OSHA Fire Protection & Prevention Safety Training
Do You Need Both Security and Fire Safety Professionals?
Maybe. If you’re renting an event venue, the venue will inquire about expected occupancy and fire hazards and tailor your contract accordingly. This often includes ensuring you have the appropriate event permit, insurance, and safety personnel. Day-to-day, you may only require fire prevention professionals when the water is out, fire alarm is down, during the short-term use of hazardous materials, or when construction or hot work, such as welding, is underway.
Do Your Safety Professionals Work Together?
Yes! If your event requires both security and fire watch duties, you can dispatch our team for both. They’ll complete their individual roles and work together when needed. We also work cohesively with your in-house security, maintenance, and event team.
Short-Term and Long-Term Fire Watch Duties in Denver and The Springs
Schedule Scout Security’s trained and certified team for upcoming events or hot work, or call us 24/7 for last-minute needs. We ensure full compliance with Denver Metro fire codes, event permits, insurance regulations, and other regulations, including OSHA.
Reach out to schedule Scout Security for compliance and risk mitigation!
