fire safety watch
The Most Important Tasks Of A Fire Watch Explained
The tasks of a fire watch are very wide-ranging and complex - which is precisely why it is so important that these activities are carried out by experts. This is because only trained fire safety professionals who can intervene immediately in an emergency are deployed for fire watch duties.
However, the range of tasks of a fire watch also includes securing extinguished sources of fire so that the fire cannot break out again.
Different areas of application:
- Fire watch at events
- Fire watch on construction sites
- Fire watch in the event of a fire alarm system failure
- Fire watch in the event of a sprinkler system failure
- Fire watch for work involving a fire hazard
- Fire and security guards
The Fire Safety Guard: Why it is So Important For Events
A fire safety guard - known as a fire watch for short - takes on all tasks relating to fire safety at an event. This is because the risk of fire is one of the biggest safety risks at an event with a large number of visitors. In fact, many events in Germany are not even allowed to take place without the presence of a fire safety guard. This applies in particular to events where pyrotechnics are used or where there are large stages.
Even if there is a fire station on site, its mere presence is not enough: nevertheless, additional security personnel are mandatory for many events. The fire department is often located directly at the entrance or in central locations at the event venue - but the tasks of a fire watch are much more extensive.
Fire Watch - Tasks At An Event
The field of activity of a fire watch at events is very wide-ranging and is divided into different phases: At the beginning, before the event takes place, there is the basic concept. The location is carefully scrutinized and the operation is then planned, implemented and continuously documented. The fire watch is primarily concerned with fire protection, the prevention of fire risks and fire safety in the event of an emergency. This shows how complex and comprehensive the tasks of a fire watch at events are.
Regardless of whether it is a large stage, an event hall or an open-air area: Every event location has individual characteristics and therefore always presents fire safety guards with new challenges. These are checked in advance during an initial inspection of the location. The possible escape routes and emergency exits are checked and whether there are enough fire extinguishers on site. It is also important that fire engines have direct access to the source of the fire in the event of an emergency.
In addition, the fire watch takes care of filtering out special areas where there is a higher risk of fire. These require particularly intensive protection during the event - for example, where pyrotechnics are used.
During The Event: How The Fire Watch Works
The fire watch keeps an eye on everything during the event: They ensure that everything runs smoothly, prevent potential fire hazards and, in an emergency, secure the fire in close cooperation with the fire department on site.
The fire guard must be informed at all times about the potential fire risks at each location, where to find the nearest fire extinguisher and how to react in the event of a fire. Access to a large stage, for example, is particularly well secured. More detailed information on this can be found in the Assembly Venues Ordinance (VStättVO) or the NRW Special Construction Ordinance.
For Which Events A Fire Watch is Mandatory
In principle, a fire safety watch protects any type of event, but the legal requirement for the existence of this safety measure only applies to certain events. These include concerts and other commercial events as well as large-scale events. If pyrotechnics are used, a fire safety guard must also be commissioned. This aspect is also important for event organizers in their own interest. For this reason, you should promptly commission appropriate experts who will be on site on the day of the event.
How The Fire Watch Works in An Emergency
In the event of a fire, the procedure of a fire watch is normally always the same: First, all those involved are notified - then all persons in the danger zone are evacuated - then the fire is extinguished immediately using all available means.
In the event of a fire, the fire guard immediately informs the fire department and then evacuates people in the vicinity. Only when everyone has left the danger zone are fire extinguishers or water extinguishing systems used to put out the fire.
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