There are many reasons to hire fire watch security guards… Every year there are approximately 22,000 fires in workplaces across the UK, and a quarter of these fires are caused by faulty or incorrect use of electrics, such as poor workmanship, overloaded circuits or lack of good quality maintenance.
For many businesses, it’s a stark reminder to keep on top of health and safety training in the workplace, however, other causes of workplace fires include:
- Inappropriate storage of waste and combustible materials
- Smoking and incorrect disposal of cigarettes
- Lack of staff training
- Unsafe storage of flammable liquids
- Lack of resources and safety equipment
- Arson
Who is responsible?
Fires are a real, serious threat to businesses across the whole of the UK, from offices set-in sky-high tower blocks to small workshops situated deep in the rolling countryside. There are, however, certain industries more prone to fires, such as manufacturing, industrial, food processing, hospitality, power generation and construction. That said, all companies must manage fire safety effectively. You are directly responsible for fire safety in business and other non-domestic premises if you are an employer, the owner, the landlord, an occupier, anyone else in control of the premises, such as a facilities manager, a building manager or risk assessor.
To have excellent fire safety in the workplace, it’s critical to carry out regular risk assessments, inform staff about any hazards and put in place processes to maintain appropriate fire safety measures. You should also plan for emergencies and provide staff with information, training and instruction. Hiring a fire watch security guard should be seen as an additional protective measure, helping to prevent fires and take correct action in the event of an emergency. That said, the role may be a lot broader than you believe, and below are just a few of the key skills held by professional fire watch security guards.
Help ensure safety compliance
First and foremost, fire watch security officers play a pivotal role in helping ensure companies are properly protected from the threat of fire. Most common at workplaces with an increased risk of fire on site, fire security officers eliminate risks and ensure fire safety compliance. To set a strong foundation of fire safety, it’s critical the guard has a profound understanding of the buildings and premises, as well as existing systems like CCTC, alarms and sprinklers. In addition to helping the business fulfil its obligations to fire safety, meeting strict compliance, fire watch guards are also responsible for the ongoing management of fire safety, contributing to the safety of people in the event of a fire evacuation.
Long-term solution
A fire of any scale can do a great deal more harm than disrupt business operations. The risk of a fire threatens property, assets and people, from your hardworking staff to your cherished customers and members of the public. For companies eager to become more resilient, they must do more than mitigate the risk from fires in the short term, but develop a long-term solution to ensure complete fire safety for now and the future, and that’s exactly where fire watch security guards can help. The role can include a multitude of responsibilities, such as:
- Performing watch duties
- Patrolling areas where “hot work” is being performed
- Notifying officials of risks
- Scheduling maintenance and repairs for security systems and fire-extinguishing equipment
- Inspecting work areas
- Being prepared to operate fire extinguishers, hydrants and fixed monitors anytime.
Identify dangers and provide fire safety solutions quickly
For certain industries such as construction and manufacturing, fire watch security guards will play an important role in a broader safety strategy, establishing a fire watch and back-up fire protection, while mitigating ignition sources and shutting down hazardous processes when required. Therefore, maintaining a constant means of communication is key, whilst remaining calm and collective in high pressure situations to make fast and accurate decisions.
Excellent public safety and security knowledge
All businesses need complete peace of mind that their buildings, valuables and people are safe and secure, but the very best fire watch security officers have a sound knowledge of public safety and security, maintaining integrity and professionalism, acting lawfully in direct defence of life or property.
Add value to your business
Fire watch security officers can also add value in many ways that are often overlooked. Like any other security guard or warden, they are a visual deterrent, showing opportunist criminals you have a high level of security in place. Furthermore, they give your staff peace of mind that they are protected. This demonstrates that the employer cares about the safety of its people, boosting morale as a result.
Summary
The points we’ve discussed in this article outline just how beneficial it can be to hire a fire watch security guard, however, the quality of the service depends on the provider and the individual(s) carrying out those duties day in, day out. Intraguard is an ACS accredited company, delivering a new and improved standard of professional security services across the UK. Our highly qualified, knowledgeable and experienced fire watch security guards will minimise potential dangers to life, buildings and assets, whilst keeping your business running smoothly without interruption, no matter the industry. Our SIA security personnel are fully trained, with a reputation for being reliable, multi-skilled and able to deliver high-quality customer service to all of our clients.
If you’re worried about compliance or simply want to ensure that you have excellent fire safety in place with preventative measures to minimise risks, our specialist guards can help you maximise safety. You’re also guaranteed professionals who can handle unexpected fire equipment failure and take action in a streamlined and efficient manner.
To learn more about us and how we can help you provide fire watch security, please call us today on 0207 183 5027 or send us a message and we’ll be back in touch with more information as soon as possible. You can also request a fast and free quote by completing our quick and easy enquiry form.