When Should You Use A Waking Watch Service?

In recent years, waking watch services have become an essential part of fire safety in at-risk buildings in response to the tragic events at Grenfell Tower. It is essential to understand when and why you should consider using a waking watch service. Out of 278 fire-related fatalities in 2023, 75% were in home dwellings including high-rise flats. If you own property or are a fire-conscious tenant, you might be wondering when you should employ a waking watch service. We’ll explore the purpose of a waking watch, how it works alongside a building’s fire evacuation plan and its contribution to the bigger picture of fire safety for flats and houses.

What Is A Waking Watch Service?

A waking watch service is a fire safety necessity for fire-risk buildings. A trained individual referred to as a ‘waking watchman’ monitors and patrols the building 24/7 for signs of smoke or fire. Round-the-clock surveillance is employed to ensure that any potential fire risk is found early so that emergency services and protocols can be actioned straight away. In a lot of cases, a waking watch service is implemented when a building’s fire alarm system isn’t operational or when the risk of fire is higher than usual such as flats with unsafe cladding.

When Should You Consider Using A Waking Watch Service?

Whilst buildings vary, waking watch services are recommended when poor fire-safety and risk to life are heightened due to the building’s condition. These services are used, but not limited to, the following situations:

1. Non-functioning Or Faulty Fire Alarm Systems

If your building’s fire alarm system is damaged, undergoing maintenance or there isn’t one fitted, a waking watch will provide 24/7 monitoring to maximise safety. A fire warden service is only a temporary measure and doesn’t replace the responsibility of the building owner to get the fire alarm system fixed.

2. Buildings With Dangerous, Flammable Cladding

Unsafe cladding poses a threat to safety due to its flammable properties and the liberal use of it on high-rise buildings. This type of building insulation is a much higher risk for rapid fire spread, meaning the alarm needs to be raised as quickly as possible to minimize risk to life. In such buildings, a waking watch service will monitor fire risks and ensure that any fires are detected early.

3. Complex Buildings With Unusual Or Difficult Evacuation Routes

In complex or large buildings, fire evacuation is more of a challenge; evacuation routes aren’t straightforward and in the event of a fire, become difficult to follow. Waking watch services will make sure that all residents or staff members are aware of evacuation plans. In the event of a fire, the wardens will help evacuate people quickly and safely. The waking watch service also addresses any issues relating to evacuation routes that are addressed promptly to minimise risk in the event of a fire.

4. Inbetween Fire Safety Upgrades

As sprinkler systems or fire alarms are replaced, your building can be left vulnerable to unnoticed fires. In the interim of fire-safety upgrades, a waking watch service will be deployed as a temporary fire-safety system whilst the work is in progress. Simply adding an extra level of fire protection to ensure the safety of your residents until your building returns to being full-compliant.

Evaluate Your Building’s Needs

Ensuring residents’ safety is paramount when it comes to building fire-safety features. You need to comply with various steps when you own a residential building that houses multiple tenants. Since 2005 you have needed to consider:

• Building plans

• External wall systems

• Lifts and other key firefighting equipment

• Information boxes

• Wayfinding signage

• Fire doors

• Fire safety instructions

• Fire door information

If your building doesn’t comply with these requirements, you will need to adjust your fire-safety strategy and enlist a waking watch service in the interim.

Is A Waking Watch Service Enough On Its Own?

Whilst a waking watch service is vital in specific circumstances, it should not be used as a substitute for a fully comprehensive fire safety strategy. Used in conjunction with a fire evacuation plan, reliable fire alarm system, sprinklers and other safety measures, a waking watch can be the difference between life and death. Whilst a 24/7 fire warden is a positive step, they can only be used as a temporary measure, and not a permanent solution; the essential fire-safety issues need correcting.

Conclusion

Using a waking watch service is an essential part of enhancing fire safety in flats and other high-risk residential buildings. By integrating a waking watch service and a comprehensive fire evacuation plan, you can trust that safety measures are in place and your building is taken care of. There are various services available to you offering a range of experience and knowledge. Selecting the right service for your building is a priority for residents’ safety. Fire And Evacuation Services offers a secure, safety-focussed service using trained firefighters acting as your dedicated fire wardens. Our team has decades of experience fighting fires and ensures round-the-clock vigilance to provide peace of mind and immediate action in the case of a fire.

Explore more about our waking watch service.