Comprehensive Guide to Waking Watch Services

What does the term “Waking Watch” refer to?

Acquiring fire control systems can be a complex process. Aegis Support Services is dedicated to supporting you throughout the process and ensuring your complete peace of mind.

What is the precise definition of a waking watch and what advantages can you get from using this service?

The Waking Watch Service provides a reliable and prompt response to fire safety concerns, particularly in light of the tragic incidents at Grenfell Tower. Essentially, a Waking Watch is a surveillance system in which extensively trained fire marshals continuously monitor every level and the outside boundaries of a structure to identify any signs of fire, promptly alert others, and effectively coordinate the evacuation process. A waking watch should always be acknowledged as a reliable and prompt response to any fire control needs.

How waking watch services ensure fire safety

A Waking Watch refers to the continuous observation and monitoring of structures that are occupied by several individuals. Fire marshals will conduct surveillance and inspection of the building(s) to identify any indications or potential dangers of a fire or fire hazards. These patrols are carried out periodically over 24 hours, and real-time reports are produced throughout each patrol. Clients have the option to request these reports at different intervals, such as hourly, daily, or weekly, and may even choose whether they want photographs included. The duties of a waking watch may vary based on the specific needs of the customer but often include:

• Notifying the Fire Service in the event of a fire being discovered
• Oversee and eliminate any possible fire hazards
• Conduct routine surveillance of the premises at regular intervals being watchful and alert at all times
• If a fire occurs, notify all occupants and begin the process of evacuating.
• Provide support and facilitate communication with the Fire Service as needed

Is a Waking Watch Service necessary for my business?

Routine patrols on the premises are the most effective option for comprehensive fire risk reduction, whether it is for a highrise residential building, a commercial facility, or a vacant property. If you are the owner or manager of a residential property, it is your exclusive duty to guarantee the safety of all individuals residing in your house. This entails upholding safety protocols and ensuring the use of appropriate materials, both inside and externally (such as cladding).

According to National Fire Chief Council guidelines, while standard fire alarms that meet regulatory standards are considered sufficient by most local authorities, it is recommended to also have a waking watch in place for enhanced safety. According to the study, if fire alarms are installed, a waking watch will be present to promptly and safely contact the fire department and evacuate the building(s) in case of a fire.

If fire alarms are not installed, a waking watch may be depended upon to identify, manually activate the alarm, and evacuate the building. Nevertheless, it is important to install sounders in communal spaces and, in most instances, in each individual flat to guarantee that the alarm emits a sufficiently loud sound capable of rousing occupants from their slumber. The waking watch may then initiate the evacuation protocol.

Next steps: Implementing a Waking Watch service

Aegis deploys highly skilled Fire Marshals and Fire Risk Consultants to evaluate building safety concerns and identify the appropriate number of fire marshals needed to protect any property and address its fire safety problems effectively. We conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Upon reaching the premises, our Fire Marshals strategically position NFC tag sites in crucial places for further scanning during their patrols. NFC (Near Field Communication), is a short-range wireless technology. It facilitates the rapid and instantaneous transmission of information between mobile devices and other access points that are equipped with NFC capabilities. Every tap produces a unique encrypted code that is added to a URL to serve as evidence of existence, guaranteeing the utmost effectiveness in reducing the danger of fire. You will get immediate feedback and reports that specifically identify the regular patrolling of all hazardous areas.

Do you need a waking watch for your residential building?

If your residential building is currently undergoing fire safety renovations, such as the replacement of combustible cladding or the upgrade of the fire alarm system, it is necessary to install a fire detection system. This might be either a conventional fire alarm system or a Waking Watch. According to the recommendations from the National Fire Chief Council, while ordinary fire alarms are considered sufficient by most local authorities, it is recommended to employ a Waking Watch in addition to provide enhanced safety. Conventional fire alarms would also need to be installed inside each individual resident’s unit, but a Waking Watch is a more straightforward and efficient alternative for building owners while they address the fire safety problems. Furthermore, the shift in evacuation approach for buildings with many occupants, transitioning from the Stay-Put policy to Simultaneous Evacuation, has necessitated the implementation of a Waking Watch in residential premises undergoing fire safety renovations.