Ensuring Safety in High-Risk Situations: The Role of Fire Watch Guards
Ensuring Safety in High-Risk Situations:
The Role of Fire Watch Guards
A fire watch is an essential security service where highly trained security guards patrol a business or property to identify safety hazards. It’s an essential preventative security service where costly fire outbreaks can be prevented before they occur.
Fire Watch security guards are used at multiple locations.
Construction sites | Hospitals and other healthcare facilities | Office buildings | Schools and other educational places |
Shopping malls | Manufacturing and retail | Warehouses | Exhibitions and concerts |
Fires can spread within seconds and can be a major disaster for the property. That’s why, unlike regular security guards who are tasked with patrolling crowds and shopping centers, fire watch guards undergo mandatory training so that they can act as first responders in case a fire breaks out.
Evacuating People
In case a fire breaks out, the assigned fire watch guard has to act fast and evacuate people from that particular location. Since the whole evacuation process has to be fast, guards should be able to work under pressure. Additionally, fire watch guards also create the evacuation plan using the building’s floor plan to create a detailed evacuation map that shows the location of all exits, assembly points, and fire extinguishers.
Checking Fire Prevention Equipment
Fire watch guards thoroughly check fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and other fire safety equipment to see if they are in proper working condition. After doing a complete checkup, they also update the log, such as when fire extinguishers are expiring so they can be replaced during that time.
Provide a Valuable Alternative
Fire watch guards who know all aspects of your premises due to continuous patrolling services. During their shift, they walk around the establishment and check hallways, doorways, and emergency exits to ensure there is no obstruction present. In case a fire begins, guards would ensure that emergency exits are clear so that people can evacuate.
Quick Repairs
Fire watch guards not only maintain logs but are well-versed in maintaining systems if they experience sudden malfunctions. They have enough experience and knowledge to handle fully equipped systems. Guards can identify unexpected fire equipment breakouts and provide some instant fire safety solutions.
Ensuring Safety Compliance
Fire watch guards are responsible for monitoring areas that are at risk of fire or have been identified as fire hazards, such as construction sites, industrial facilities, and other locations with potentially hazardous materials, to ensure safety compliance. This feature not only lowers the risk of a business shutdown in any critical situation but also protects them from hefty fines.
Communication
It is the major duty of the fire watch security guards to maintain the proper communication channels in the event of a fire explosion. They should inform and report to the designated authorities.
Safeguarding Construction Sites
Construction sites are vulnerable to fire attacks as they are filled with hazardous materials, machinery, and other vulnerable elements. For starting the project at the construction site, permission from the local government is needed, and they will only provide clearance when a fire watch security guard is hired to look over the premises.
Hazardous Material Protection
Protecting hazardous materials is crucial, as if they are exposed to electric-operated machinery, the chances of a fire explosion increase. Fire watch guards possess inherent knowledge and are specially trained about the hazardous materials present at the workplace before patrolling. They are responsible for identifying potential fire hazards, storing and handling them, and taking appropriate actions to prevent fires from occurring.
Maintain Log Data
The log data maintained by a fire watch guard may include information such as: date and time of their shift, the location of the area they are monitoring, any potential fire hazards identified, and actions taken to mitigate any hazards or respond to a fire emergency. This information can be critical for determining the cause of the fire and evaluating the effectiveness of the response.
Benefits of Hiring Fire Watch Guards For Businesses
Hiring fire watch security guards provides a layer of protection to businesses. They proactively monitor business premises and identify threats before they cause a major hazard.
Increase Level of Security
Fire watch security guards are trained to cover every area of the property by patrolling at regular intervals to prevent hazards from happening. They will also check if the fire suppression system is up to standard and if the fire alarm is working properly. They can even install some board signs to explain evacuation procedures and emergency exits in case of a fire hazard.
Enhance Consumer Experience
Having a fire watch security guard can help identify and address any potential hazards, as they respond quickly to any potential fire. This can help ensure the safety of customers and employees, which will lead to a positive experience and more confidence in the establishment.
Increases Productivity
When it comes to increasing productivity in a business, smooth functioning is a vital task. By ensuring safety, compliance, and timely response, a fire watch security guard can help businesses maintain productivity and avoid costly interruptions. Additionally, if any accident happens, guards will quickly respond and take action. This will allow businesses to resume operations as quickly as possible.
Compliance
By ensuring that a property is up to code and free from fire hazards, fire watch security guards help businesses and property owners comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Businesses and property owners avoid potential legal issues related to non-compliance. They can also help prevent costly fines or legal penalties that may arise.
Increase Brand Presence
One effective way of increasing brand presence is by improving business processes. Having a smooth-running business will increase customer retention and ultimately allow your business to flourish. If a brand is known for its commitment to safety and security, highlighting the presence of a fire watch guard will create an impact on its presence among the public. Contact Eagle Eye Security for hiring a fire watch security guard.