What Does a Fire Watch Security Guard Do?

A fire watch security guard is always doing double duty. Their primary role is to be a security guard, while their Click here second duty is to protect people and establishments from unwanted fires.

Unlike a regular security guard who patrols through crowds and shopping centres, a fire watch security guard undergoes mandatory training where they can act as a first responder just in case a fire breaks out in the location they are assigned to.

Since fires spread within seconds and damage properties very quickly, fire watch security guards have to be alert at all times. They are tasked to prevent damages on properties and save people. That’s why Vancouver-based security companies who employ fire watch security guards have to put them through specialized fire prevention training to effectively do their job.

Let’s take a look at 12 of the most important things that fire watch security guards do to protect the community.

  1. Evacuate People from a Location
    If a fire breaks out at a particular location, the assigned fire watch security guard has to act fast and help evacuate people based on security protocols. Since fire evacuations have to be swift, the guard has to be able to work under pressure, while following the procedures established during their training to ensure people do not get injured and get out as safely as possible.
  2. Checking Fire-Safety and Prevention Equipment
    During their shift, fire watch security guards follow a schedule to check that all fire extinguishers and equipment are in working order. After doing their checks, they update the log with information such as the expiration dates of the fire extinguishers, so they are aware when it is time to replace them.
  3. Reporting Safety Concerns
    Along with checking fire-safety equipment, fire watch security guards are on the lookout for any suspicious activity that could cause a fire in the future. For instance, in some condominiums barbeque grills are provided in the courtyard for tenants to use in the summer for hosting outdoor parties.

A fire watch security guard patrolling the grounds could check the barbeque grill to ensure that gas isn’t leaking from it when not in use. By checking it periodically, this could prevent a fire from happening in the future.

  1. Clear Walkways and Exits
    During their shifts, fire watch security guards walk around the establishment and check doorways, hallways, and emergency exits to ensure there are no obstructions. In case a fire starts, the guard would ensure that the emergency exits are clear so they can direct people to evacuate properly.
  2. Construction Site Protection
    Construction on sites are susceptible to accidents and fires because they are filled with vulnerable structures, building materials, and expensive machinery. Due to some building materials being hazardous, you need permission from the local government before starting the project. The local government will only grant clearance to start your project when you have hired a fire watch security service to watch over the premises.
  3. Act as Substitute Fire Alarms
    As we know, sometimes a power failure can occur and cause fire alarms to malfunction. This creates the need for fire watch security guards to leap into action and start the evacuation process and call for help.
  4. Maintain Communication During a Fire
    When fire alarm components are compromised, the loss of communication between the fire alarm panel and the security monitoring station no longer works. When a fire starts and the security monitoring system can no longer be contacted, it is the responsibility of a fire watch guard to contact the fire department, police, and ambulance, while communicating with the control centre.
Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started