FIRE WATCH DUTIES

Definition: the term “fire watch” is used to describe a dedicated person or persons whose sole responsibility is to look for fires within an established area. Fire watch is required in the event of temporary failure of the fire alarm system or where activities require the interruption of any fire detection, suppression or alarm system component.

  (1)   Fire watch duties. Ohio Fire Code 901.7 and Euclid Codefied Ordinance 1590.14

         A.   Conduct periodic patrols of the entire facility, including all rooms and basement.

         B.   Identify any fire, life or property hazards. During the patrol of the area, the person should not only be looking for fire, but making sure that the other fire protection features of the building such as egress routes and fire doors are functioning properly.

         C.   Notify the Euclid Fire Department if a fire is discovered by calling 9-1-1 with the exact address and type of emergency. Fire watch personnel shall be provided with at least one means of direct communication with the Fire Department.

         D.   Notify occupants of the building of the need to evacuate. If the horns/bells/ strobes of the alarm system are still functional, use them to assist with the evacuation of the building.

         E.   Maintain a log of fire watch activities.

         F.   Have knowledge of the location and use of fire protection equipment, such as extinguishers.

         G.   Fire watch personnel cannot have other duties besides their assigned fire watch.

      (2)   Frequency of inspections. Fire watch personnel should patrol the entire facility every 15 minutes in the following situations;

         A.   The facility has people sleeping.

         B.   The facility is an institutional occupancy.

         C.   The facility is an occupied assembly or educational occupancy.

   Occupied facilities that do not meet the requirements for a 15-minute patrol frequency should have a fire watch patrol every 30 minutes. If a facility cannot be completely patrolled in 15 or 30 minutes, extra personnel shall be assigned fire watch duties to assure that the complete facility is patrolled in the required time frame.

      (3)   Record keeping. A fire watch log should be maintained at the facility. The log must be available to the Euclid Fire Department at all times during the fire watch. The log shall show the following:

         A.   Address of the facility.

         B.   Times that the patrol has completed each tour of the facility.

         C.   Name of the person conducting the fire watch.

         D.   Any pertinent information or notes.

         E.   Historical records shall be maintained in the fire watch log for a period of at least one year.

   (d)   Notwithstanding the provisions of this ordinance, the City of Euclid, its departments, officers, agents and employees shall be under no obligation whatsoever concerning the adequacy, operation or maintenance of any alarm device. No liability whatsoever is assumed for the failure of such alarm devices, or for failure to respond to alarms or for any other act or omission in connection with such device.