If you own, manage, or operate a commercial, industrial, or multi-tenant residential building you need to determine when to hire secondary fire watch services. Beyond maintaining compliance with local and state laws, these specialized guards mitigate the risk of property damage, inventory loss, financial loss, and most importantly—the loss of lives.
Fire code violations are not the only reason to secure a fire guard. If your fire suppression system requires repair or is down for any reason, Scout Security’s certified guards will be your eyes and ears. Below are the top 5 reasons to deploy temporary fire watch security services.
#1 Fire Suppression Maintenance and Repairs
If your fire suppression alarm, sprinklers, or system is down or your water needs to be shut off, your building is vulnerable. Nationwide laws vary, but in Colorado, state law requires you to deploy a dedicated fire guard if your systems will be down for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. Repairs can take longer than scheduled, so err on the side of caution.
This might include:
- Plumbing repairs or water outage.
- Preventative inspection, maintenance, and repairs.
- Post-maintenance, inspection, and fire code violation repairs.
- A power outage with no backup generator for fire suppression.
#2 System Failure or Malfunction
Preventative inspection and maintenance are required at least once per year. Depending on your fire risk and building, inspections may be required weekly, monthly, or quarterly. These inspections drastically reduce the risk of system failure.
As soon as you receive an alert that your safety system is malfunctioning or down, deploy fire watch services to mitigate risk.
#3 Construction and Hot Work
Day-to-day repairs and standard tenant turnover may not increase your fire risk. However, demolition, digging new power or utility lines, extensive construction, and hot work drastically increase your risk. Hot work includes welding, soldering, grinding, and cutting with power tools.
#4 Large Crowds and Special Events
If your building is hosting a special event that will attract a crowd, it can present a variety of risks. In terms of fire risk, you must ensure compliance with occupancy codes. This includes maintaining evacuation accessibility.
Scout Security guards are certified in both security and fire watch. They assess fire hazards and potential dangers and implement compliant crowd and occupancy control. If needed, they will activate your evacuation plan.
#5 Flammable, Combustible, and Hazardous Materials
While most fire watch security services are dispatched for short-term needs, businesses that regularly work with or store flammable, combustible, and hazardous material may require 24/7 services. If not 24/7, during business hours or as needed when hazardous materials are processed or utilized.
Also Read:
- 11 Benefits of a 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Security Guard Service
- 6 Things Landlords Should Do After a Fire in a Rental Property
- Workplace Fire Safety: OSHA Fire Protection & Prevention Safety Training
- Fire Watch Violations: Can a Fire Marshal Shut Your Apartment Building Down?
FAQs
How fast are your fire watch services deployed?
Scout Security understands that fire risk can occur at any time of the day or night. As such, you can dispatch our team 24/7. We respond within 1 hour and dispatch our team without delay.
Can’t I just deploy my maintenance team for fire watch?
Yes, but to maintain fire code compliance, they must focus 100% of their time and attention on fire watch. Since other maintenance needs may arise, most property managers hire a dedicated guard.
What is the difference between a fire guard and a fire watch?
These two terms are often used interchangeably. However, “fire watch” refers to the physical system and action plan designed to prevent and detect fire. A “fire guard” is a certified expert dispatched as part of your action plan when your fire suppression system is down. Guards are also dispatched in times of increased fire hazard.
What do fire guards do?
Fire guards are safety professionals, specially trained in fire code compliance, identification, and prevention. They understand how to assess and mitigate the risk of smoke and fire. This includes identifying gas leaks and improper storage of flammable goods. They act as your eyes and ears when your suppression system is down. If smoke is present or fire ignites, they call 911 and activate your evacuation plan.
What types of businesses do you serve?
Our clients include:
- Apartments
- Hotels
- Motels
- Resorts
- Restaurants
- Commercial warehouses
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Malls
- Entertainment venues
- Shopping centers
- Construction sites
- Bars
- Factories
- Processing plants
- And more
Reliable Fire Watch Services in Denver and Colorado Springs
Scout Security is the preferred fire watch partner for a growing list of residential, commercial, and industrial property managers throughout Colorado Springs and the Denver Metro Area. Our team is licensed, insured, and trained in fire risk mitigation.
Our fire watch services can are available for ongoing or for temporary and emergency monitoring. Call us 24/7 and we will dispatch our team without delay!
