Fire Watch
A temporary measure requiring continuous surveillance of a building when fire protection systems are impaired or out of service.
In Detail
A fire watch is a temporary measure implemented when a building's fire protection systems are impaired, out of service, or otherwise unable to function as designed. The fire watch involves assigning trained personnel to continuously patrol the affected area, watching for signs of fire and prepared to initiate building evacuation and contact the fire department. Fire watches are required by NFPA 25 when sprinkler systems are impaired for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, and by the AHJ whenever fire protection systems are out of service. Fire watch requirements include documented patrol logs, trained personnel with communication devices, knowledge of the building layout and evacuation plan, and notification to the AHJ. Fire watch services can be a revenue opportunity for fire protection companies, though the primary goal is ensuring occupant safety during system impairments.
Related Terms
Impairment
A condition where a fire protection system is partially or fully out of service and unable to perform its intended function.
Deficiency Tracking
The process of documenting, prioritizing, and resolving deficiencies found during fire protection inspections.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire codes and approving fire protection systems in a given jurisdiction.
NFPA 25
The National Fire Protection Association standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.