What Does a Fire Watch Security Guard Do?
As a business owner, you want your property and employees to be safe and secure. One way to ensure the safety of your property is to hire a fire watch security guard. Fire watch security guards are specially trained professionals responsible for keeping your property safe from fires. Learn everything you need to know about fire watch security guards to see whether it’s security guard services you require.
What Are Fire Watch Security Guards?
A fire watch security guard is a professional trained to prevent or detect fires early on. They are responsible for patrolling a property to ensure that fire hazards are identified and eliminated. Their primary goal is to keep the property and its occupants safe. Fire watch security guards are typically employed in buildings with high fire risk, such as hospitals, hotels, and high-rise buildings.
Types of Facilities that Require Fire Watch Security Guards
Many types of facilities require a fire watch security guards. These include:
- High-rise buildings
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Hotels and resorts
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Construction sites
- Museums and cultural institutions
- Educational institutions
If you are still determining whether your facility requires a fire watch security guard, consult with your local fire department or regulatory agency.
Reasons for Having a Fire Watch Security Guard
There are several reasons why you should have a fire watch security guard. First and foremost, they can help prevent fires from occurring in the first place. They are trained to identify potential fire hazards and take steps to eliminate them. Additionally, they can quickly detect fires that do occur and take action to minimize the damage. They can also help evacuate the building safely and efficiently. Another reason to have a fire watch security guard is that it may be required by law. Many local and state regulations require certain types of facilities to have fire watch security guards on duty. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal action.
Duties of a Fire Watch Security Guard
The duties of a fire watch security guard can vary depending on the facility they are working in. However, there are some common responsibilities that all fire watch security guards share. These include:
- Conducting patrols of the property to identify potential fire hazards
- Monitoring fire detection and suppression systems
- Ensuring that fire extinguishers are accessible and in good working order
- Maintaining a fire watch log to document any issues or incidents
- Evacuating the building in the event of a fire
- Communicating with local fire departments and emergency responders
In addition to these duties, fire watches security guards may also be responsible for educating employees and visitors about fire safety procedures and conducting fire drills.
Qualifications of a Fire Watch Security Guard
To become a fire watch security guard, you must meet certain qualifications. First and foremost, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, you must pass a criminal background check and have a clean driving record. Fire watch security guards must also have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They must communicate effectively with employees, visitors, and emergency responders. They must also be able to think quickly and make decisions in high-stress situations.
Training Requirements for Fire Watch Security Guards
Fire watch security guards must complete specialized training to prepare them for their duties. The training covers topics such as fire prevention, fire detection, fire suppression, and emergency evacuation procedures.
The length and content of the training can vary depending on the state and facility requirements. However, most training programs last between 8 and 16 hours, including classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Best Practices for Fire Watch Security Guards
Fire watch security guards must follow certain best practices. These include:
- Conducting regular patrols of the property, paying special attention to areas with a high risk of fire
- Testing and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems
- Ensuring that fire extinguishers are accessible and in good working order
- Creating and maintaining a fire watch log to document any issues or incidents
- Educating employees and visitors about fire safety procedures
- Conducting regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire
How to Hire a Fire Watch Security Guard
If you need to hire a fire watch security guard, there are several things you should consider. First, you should ensure that the security guard service you choose has experience working with your type of facility. You should also make sure that they are licensed and insured.
It would be best if you also considered the reputation of the security guard service. Read reviews and ask for references from other businesses that have used their services. Finally, ensure the security guard service has a clear contract outlining their duties, responsibilities, and fees.
A fire watch security guard is a highly trained professional responsible for keeping your property safe from fires. They are an essential part of any facility with a high fire risk. If you need to hire a fire watch security, choose security guard services that are licensed and experienced. Doing so can help ensure your property’s and its occupants’ safety.