Florida Fire-Watch

[sec-guy]

I'm presently working for a licensed Florida security contractor in a warehouse setting.

For the last two and a half months we have been doing a Fire-watch (for repair of sprinkler piping) in addition

to our normal duties. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get the schedule covered.

We looking for ways to solve the short term problem (project to end September 18, 2009). While research

information on-line I saw where a neighboring county allows the fire-watch personnel to have split duties

(fire-watch being the primary; other secondary).

My Supervisor has asked if I know anyone that might want to work a temporary assignment as a fire-watcher.

The facility that we are doing the fire-watch there are numerous cameras to (allowing us to observe

the whole area with cameras). Typically we do one walking tour every half hour.

At this time I'm wondering if anyone has experience where cameras were used to help (if it was allowed) with

the surveillance? Also wondering if security companies every would sub-contract work on a temporary

basis?.

[integrator97]

I'm guessing the question about using cameras would be up to your AHJ, which is most likely the fire marshal. If you had enough camera caverage on the pertinent areas, I don't see why this wouldn't be allowed along with regular walkthru's. I take it there is no fire alarm with smoke or heat detection in these areas.

[dbs10]

I agree with intergrator97. AHJ does have the final word. It has been my experience that doing Fire Watch or Interm Life Safety Measures or what ever you want to call it requires documented walkthrough of the affected area that the sprinkler system would be protecting. If the fire alarm has been disabled due to construction we implement ILSM and we have to be able to show documentation for each shift. I have never heard of using cameras. Nothing beats a good pair of eys and a good nose.:D

[sec-guy]

I'm guessing the question about using cameras would be up to your AHJ, which is most likely the fire marshal. If you had enough camera caverage on the pertinent areas, I don't see why this wouldn't be allowed along with regular walkthru's. I take it there is no fire alarm with smoke or heat detection in these areas.

Actually pull stations existed and strobes were installed shortly before the sprinkler
piping was opened up. Our post orders in case of a fire are to call 911, evacuate the building of people and pull a manual pull station. We would have to leave the camera position of course to evacuate. There is a pull station available at the camera location

[sec-guy]

I agree with intergrator97. AHJ does have the final word. It has been my experience that doing Fire Watch or Interm Life Safety Measures or what ever you want to call it requires documented walkthrough of the affected area that the sprinkler system would be protecting. If the fire alarm has been disabled due to construction we implement ILSM and we have to be able to show documentation for each shift. I have never heard of using cameras. Nothing beats a good pair of eys and a good nose.:D

Every SO that does a tour also documents that activity. I assume if the "tour" was by camera the documentation could be done from the camera location?
It funny that you mentioned eyes and nose; while doing one of my fire watches with some of the lights off thought that it was a bad idea he said because
"you can't see smoke in the dark".................LOL. My answer to his question was "you can see fire in the dark".

[integrator97]

Actually pull stations existed and strobes were installed shortly before the sprinkler
piping was opened up.
I assume if there were people there to pull the pull station, you wouldn't need the fire watch. You need smoke or heat detectors to detect the fire. If you had those, working, you wouldn't need the fire watch most likely.

[sec-guy]

I assume if there were people there to pull the pull station, you wouldn't need the fire watch. You need smoke or heat detectors to detect the fire. If you had those, working, you wouldn't need the fire watch most likely.

Part of the time in the fire-watch area (1st and 2nd shift) there are production people there who could operate the pull stations in case of fire.......but there is a fire-watcher anyway; that seems a bit of an overkill.

[integrator97]

Part of the time in the fire-watch area (1st and 2nd shift) there are production people there who could operate the pull stations in case of fire.......but there is a fire-watcher anyway; that seems a bit of an overkill.

If there are people present, I'm not sure why you'd need a fire watch during that time, but that would be up to your AHJ.

[mjw064]

Doesn't the Fire Marshal dictate these rules in Florida, like in every other jurisdiction in the United States? If the building isn't occupied, you shouldn't legally need a fire watch. But again, that's something for your local Fire Marshal to tell you; not security professionals on an internet forum.

[craig333]

I wouldn't expect to find cameras allowed. You'll generally smell a fire long before there are any visible signs. I know when I did a firewatch they specifically instructed us to take a whiff in the electrical rooms.