Fire Watch Officer Duties & Responsibilities

Persons serving as a fire watch cannot have any other duties except the fire watch. Fire watch duties will consist of the following: 

1. Conduct periodic patrols of the affected areas. 
2. Identify any fire, signs of fire, life or property hazards. 
3. Knowledge of building floor layout, hazardous areas, emergency shutdown procedures, emergency evacuation plan, etc. 
4. Check all exits and exit access corridors to ensure means of egress are clear and unobstructed. 
5. Check sprinkler system valves are in the open position, if applicable. 
6. Check for any smoking violations or other sources of ignition. 
7. The fire watch must have at least one means of direct communication with the Fire Department. ( a cell phone is acceptable) 
8. If a fire is discovered, the fire watch must first notify the Fire Department immediately by calling 9-1-1 and give the exact address and location of the fire. 
9. The fire watch personnel must then notify occupants of the need to evacuate. If the fire alarm horns or public address system are still functional, use them to notify occupants. If appliances are not functional, then other means of notification must be available (i.e., bull horns). 
10. Have knowledge of the location and use of fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers and occupant hose lines. (The fire watch will not perform firefighting duties beyond the scope of ordinary citizens) 
11. Maintain a logbook of fire watch activity.