HomeMy WebLinkAbout402.012 - Fire Watch Requirements
FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
CODE
402.012 FIRE WATCH REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2008
Current Revision Date: 08/12/2021 Next Revision Date: 08/12/24
Author’s Name/Rank:
Leslie Forshey,
Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi E. Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
This policy has been established to provide direction for a short-term alternative that
allows the continued use and occupancy of any structure or business when it has been
determined a component of the fire protection system is inoperative or that the use is
different than the classified occupancy type.
APPLICATION
A fire watch applies as a mitigation measure when fire protection systems/features
are out of service or damaged/altered; during construction and demolition of a
structure or site; for welding and other hot work operations; for occasions when the
use of the building is different than the classified occupancy type; or, for special
events.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
When a fire protection system or feature is found to be damaged or inoperative:
• Determine the extent and expected duration of the impairment.
• Immediately obtain a contractor to initiate system or feature repairs.
• Notify the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) Prevention Division
for assistance in determining if a fire watch will be required. The need for a fire
watch is based on an assessment of the operational status of a fire alarm,
sprinkler system, and/or fire protection feature.
Section 402.012
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When the use of the building is different than the classified occupancy:
• Notify the FFD for assistance in determining if a fire watch will be required. The
need for a fire watch is based on an assessment of the current or temporary
use of the building in relation to the classified occupancy type of the building.
PROCESS
Requirements for hiring fire watch personnel:
• Fire watch personnel will be hired from a bonded licensed security firm by the
building/premises owner or occupant. The number of personnel on fire watch
is determined by the FFD.
• Fire watch personnel are scheduled and on-site from the time
building/premises is unlocked until the building/premises are unoccupied and
secured.
• In cases where a fire protection system is impaired, the fire watch is continuous,
night and day, until the impairment is repaired, unless prior approval by the
FFD is given to modify this requirement.
• Fire watch personnel are physically capable of performing fire watch duties.
• Fire watch staff and procedures are subject to random review and/or inspection
by the FFD at any time and additional requirements may be imposed as
necessary.
• Discontinued use of the fire watch is subject to FFD.
• Additional specific fire watch requirements can be found in the California Fire
Code (CFC), Chapter 4, Emergency Planning and Preparedness.
Fire watch personnel are provided with written instructions, all job duty details and
procedures to conduct their assignment. Fire watch personnel must create and
maintain records as specified below:
a. Each employee must be provided training, which includes receiving a copy of
this policy.
b. Duties to be performed.
c. Equipment to be used.
d. Any personal protective equipment required to be made available and worn.
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Equipment and knowledge for fire watch personnel:
a. Cell phone, reliable flash light, and whistle.
b. Fire watch logs and records.
c. Knowledge of all exit paths and the location and proper use of portable fire
extinguishers.
During operating hours, duties of fire watch personnel:
a. Watch for fire hazards and incipient fires and exit obstructions.
b. An inspection of the entire building must be conducted at least once per hour.
c. Staff must be continuously awake and in the building at all times during their
shift.
d. A written log of the fire watch must be maintained. The log must include the
date, time, status, and legible signature of the person performing the fire watch.
e. The log may be picked up by the FFD when the impairment is restored.
f. If the reason for the fire watch is due to the impairment of a fire protection
system, the fire watch must be continuous, night and day, until the impairment
is repaired.
g. Call 9-1-1 immediately in the event of fire or other emergency.
h. If the building is occupied, immediately notify the occupants as best as possible
and evacuate the building at the first evidence of any fire or smoke.
i. If necessary, contact other fire watch personnel (if any), sound alarm via whistle
and fire alarm pull station (if any); assist occupants in exiting the building.
j. Be the first contact for emergency personnel responding to the building.
k. If safe to do so, attempt to extinguish fire with a portable fire extinguisher.
l. Continue the fire watch until it is cancelled.
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
California Fire Code
Chapter 4, Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Section 402.012
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