From Industry to Community - 5 Things to Know About Hiring Fire Watch Guards

By Steven Maxwell

A number of high-profile industrial fires have occurred recently with disastrous results. In addition to the calamity still facing East Palestine, Ohio, the burning of a number of food-processing plants and commercial farms will affect populations far from the initial incident. It could be argued, then, that industrial fires pose one of the greatest potential threats of all man-made accidents, as they often include other hazardous materials that will add exponential damage.

While some continue to argue that industrial fires are “normal” and “commonplace,” the fact is that, according to the most recent statistics, these events have seen a 129% increase in recent years, with 59% caused by faulty equipment. Clearly, a large portion of these dangerous incidents are preventable with proper oversight.

Whereas most of us rely on our home fire-prevention kits as a first line of defense, with an added heavy reliance on public firefighters to respond to situations beyond our control, even more is required of business locations. And the larger the business, the greater the responsibility and preparation demanded.

It’s still little known that trained fire watch guards are available at every step of the way — from evaluation, inspection, training and oversight to response coordination and more. Here are some of the key features and services that one can seek out in order to maintain the highest level of fire prevention for one’s community.

5 Things to Know About Hiring Fire Watch Guards

If you are looking to hire fire watch guards, there are a few things you need to know. The first thing to consider is whether or not your building is at risk. Fire watch guards are trained to thoroughly inspect a building and tell you when a fire is happening. They also ensure safety compliance in your building and keep a log of all activities and findings.

Locations where a fire watch might be needed

Fire watches are often needed during building construction or other activities that create a fire hazard. This can include hot work, a process that involves a lot of heat and sparks, such as cutting, welding and thermal spraying.

A fire watch is a person stationed near a work area and trained to detect fires and call emergency services. They are provided with fire extinguishers. However, they should only attempt to put out a fire if it is within the capacity of the equipment they are using.

A fire watch can also be needed in conjunction with other workers performing maintenance on a building. These individuals may be required to stop their work when a fire or fire-related incident occurs.

Ensure safety compliance

When you’re hiring fire watch guards, be sure they are well-trained to handle any emergency. A professional fire watch can solve many business and safety concerns effectively and permanently.

Fire safety is an important issue for all businesses. Employees, customers, and visitors are all at risk of fire. It’s also important to comply with local regulations regarding the prevention of fires. Failure to do so can lead to big fines.

The fire watch has many functions, but property protection is one of the most important. A properly trained fire guard can detect and prevent small fires before they escalate into bigger problems. They can also respond to an emergency, such as a medical emergency, with the appropriate equipment and by calling in the proper authorities.

Perform a thorough inspection of a building

If you’re planning on constructing a new building, a new office space or renovating an existing one, you’ll need to ensure that you thoroughly inspect your building before hiring fire watch guards. Fire watch guards are trained to check the building for hazards and obstructions and to extinguish small fires until emergency services arrive.

A basic inspection should include a check of the fire extinguishers and electrical equipment. Electrical equipment should be checked for signs of damage or wear.

The building’s alarm system should also be inspected, as malfunctions can be catastrophic. An alarm that isn’t working or is not properly hooked up can cause fires to spiral out of control.

Keep a log of all activities, findings, and other things related to fire safety

When you hire fire watch guards to watch your building, there are certain things you should do. The fire code of Canada requires you to make a full record of all activities related to a fire watch. This includes all findings and things such as emergency evacuation and fire safety plans.

If you are a property owner, you can hire fire watch guards in two ways. One option is to outsource the job to a security company. You may be tempted to do this, but it is not the best option for every business. In addition to costs, you still have to consider your legal liabilities.

Another alternative is to outsource the job to your current employees. While this is less expensive upfront, it can also be costly later. It’s important to consider whether your current staff are qualified to perform such a role. They should have the appropriate training and be familiar with your facilities.

Tell you when a fire is happening

One of the reasons why businesses hire fire watch guards is to help prevent fires. In fact, there are many cases when one fire guard can make the difference between a minor accident and a catastrophic event. However, it can be difficult to determine the actual ROI of these services.

Fires are caused by several factors, from poor wiring to ineffective sprinkler systems. A fire can cause damage to any type of structure. It can also create many injuries. If a person panics and does not call the fire department, they may try to save themselves.

The best way to prevent a fire is to keep up with the proper security protocols. Fortunately, some companies specialize in providing these services. Whether you’re dealing with residential or commercial properties, these professional fire watch guards can ensure your property is secure, as well as helping to protect your entire community through local preventative measures.

Image: Pixabay

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