Property owners should not take the hiring of fire watch guards lightly. In the event that an alarm system, sprinkler system, or other fire protection system is not working, the guards could be a key component of the temporary safety system. The questions that can be helpful in determining what an owner is getting, how the service will be provided, and if the service provider is able to address the property’s unique risks are a helpful to-do before signing a contract.
Before entering into an agreement, evaluating potential providers to ensure their fire watch guards possess verified credentials and hands-on experience is critical to establishing dependable security. Relying on unvetted staff can leave your facility exposed to unnecessary risks and regulatory non-compliance during an emergency. Taking the time to ask targeted questions about guard qualifications, response protocols, and reporting standards upfront ensures your investment delivers continuous protection and absolute peace of mind.
Is Your Guard Training professional and reliable?
Begin with those who will be checking out the property. Inquire about the training that guards receive and whether they know what to do in the event of a fire, fire alarm, evacuation and incident reporting procedures.
For properties that carry special risks such as welding, construction, chemicals, or other special hazards, inquire if the guards have experience with them. A certificate does not necessarily indicate the ability to deal effectively with a real situation.
How Quickly Can You Provide Coverage?
Fire protection issues don’t always occur during business hours. Inquire about the speed of the company’s response if an alarm sounds out of the blue or if a repair job requires a quick response that leaves part of the building without protection. Ask if they have overnight, weekend and holiday coverage. It also helps to consider what to do if one of the assigned guards calls in sick or can’t make it to the site.
How Often Will Guards Patrol?
The best fire watch plan should include a description of where the guards will be walking and how frequently the rounds will occur. Inquire if the company will be visiting the whole property or just certain high-risk areas. If the building is large, a warehouse or multi-storey property, discuss how the provider will ensure that areas are not missed. The patrol schedule should be consistent with fire hazards and the building’s configuration.
What is done in an emergency?
What would a guard do if smoke or flames or some other serious hazard is found? Guards should be familiar with the procedure for alarming, calling the emergency services, informing management and implementing the property’s emergency plan. Also make clear who the guard should contact first, and how speedily serious incidents will be reported.
What will be the documentation given?
Records matter. Inquire if the company keeps patrol logs, time records, incident reports and shift handover notes. Good documentation should include dates of patrols, areas covered, hazards identified and action taken. Having clear records can also assist property managers in monitoring issues and provide evidence that necessary monitoring has been carried out.
What Does the Price Include?
Don’t only look at the hourly price. Inquire about overtime, holidays, emergency call-outs, travel costs, equipment, supervision and extended coverage. Get a written estimate in advance to understand what the services will cover and what might incur extra fees.
Incorporate the questions into the hiring process.
The right fire watch company should be able to easily answer questions about training, response time, patrolling, reporting, price and compliance. Discussing these details in advance with the property owner can help prevent any surprises and help plan coverage to meet the building’s requirements.
