Key points:
- When fire monitoring must be continuous.
- When you must dispatch a third-party monitor.
- Who to call for fire watch in the Denver-Metro area.
In an effort to save time and money, you may consider dispatching one of your team members for fire monitoring. Or proactively getting a team member or two certified. However, there are many circumstances your team members can’t serve as your monitor. If you aren’t sure, review your OSHA requirements, insurance requirements, and call your local fire marshal.
If your alarm system is down for less than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, or your fire sprinklers are down for less than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, you might not be required to dispatch fire watch. For the most proactive approach, begin monitoring ASAP. Also, add a list of likely scenarios where a third-party contractor is required for compliance.
1. Monitoring Is Continuous
Monitoring for fire safety isn’t a part-time commitment; it’s a full-time obligation. So, the team member you assign can’t perform any other job duties. They can’t answer phone calls, or respond to emails or text messages. The only communication they can engage in is related to fire safety.
Most companies assign a maintenance technician or security guard. If reassigned from other job duties, ensure that from the moment they begin monitoring, they must monitor without disruption.
2. Hot Workers Can’t Serve as Your Fire Monitor
If your in-house maintenance technician needs to perform hot work of any kind (welding, grinding, power cutting, etc.) they may not serve as a monitor. Even if they’re trained and certified for fire watch, they can’t complete hot work and monitor at the same time.
In fact, hot work requires at least 2 monitors. One monitor completes and logs patrols, while the second monitor keeps their eyes on the hot work. Monitoring must begin before hot work begins and continue for 30 to 60 minutes after work is complete. This includes assessing risk, creating a perimeter, and setting up fire extinguishers and suppression equipment before work begins.
Read More:
- 4 Times to Dispatch Daily Fire Watch
- Sever Room Fire Watch in Denver
- Fire Watch Patrol Frequency in Denver and The Springs
- How to Keep Compliant Fire Watch Logs
3. High-Risk Scenarios
In high-risk scenarios, your team can work with third-party contractors, but in most cases, uncertified team members can’t conduct fire monitoring. For example, if you’re hosting a large event, you’ll need to dispatch certified contractors. If fire risk is unusually high, firefighters may be dispatched. For example, if your event has fireworks or pyrotechnics.
Facilities with occupants that are vulnerable or have limited mobility (including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) are typically required to schedule “Standby Personnel” that they dispatch for emergency scenarios. These are typically members of the maintenance and security team, trained in complex and high-occupancy emergency response and evacuation.
Fire Monitoring in the Denver-Metro Area
The longer your fire risk remains higher than average, the more likely it is that you’ll need to dispatch a third-party partner. This provides your employees with compliant breaks, minimizes overtime pay, and ensures no gaps in your fire safety schedule.
Dispatch Scout Security 24/7 to work solo or with your team to fill gaps and ensure compliance. Our trained and certified team members serve the Denver-Metro Area and Colorado Springs. If you need to re-assign your security team to other areas, we can staff both security guards and fire guards.
