Fire Watch Requirements in Chicago

In a Rush? Here’s an Overview

Can I Use My Employees for Fire Watch in Chicago?

Chicago follows their Municipal Code, Chapter 3316.5 in line with the International Fire Code (IFC), particularly during events and when fire suppression systems are non-operational. Key regulations are outlined in Chapter 15-4 of the Municipal Code of Chicago and NFPA 601.

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Key Insights

Chicago’s Municipal Code is in line with the IFC.

– Business owners need licensed fire guards.

– Personal employees cannot be fire watch.

– Fire guard license has strict criteria.

– NFPA 601 dictates fire watch protocol.

– Conventions need special fire safety measures.

– Fire watch guards require rigorous training.

– Legal cases underscore fire safety negligence.

Here’s What You’ll Find Inside

This comprehensive training manual is designed to equip fire watch personnel in Chicago with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform their duties, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. Authored by fire safety expert Brian Fitzgibbons, the manual aligns with the Chicago Municipal Code and the International Fire Code (IFC), incorporating protocols from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 601.

Key topics covered include:

– Understanding Fire Watch

– Chicago Fire Watch Regulations

– Fire Watch Protocols According to NFPA 601

– Inspection Procedures

– Fire Watch Duties During Public Events

– Fire Safety Equipment and Systems

– Legal Implications and Case Studies

– Advanced Training and Emergency Response

This manual serves as both a foundational guide for new fire watch personnel and a refresher for experienced individuals, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle fire emergencies and comply with fire safety regulations in Chicago.

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A Summary of Chicago Municipal Code related to Fire Watch

In the City of Chicago, the safety of its residents and visitors is of paramount importance. One crucial aspect of this safety is the effective implementation of fire watch services, especially in scenarios where fire suppression systems are non-operational or during large public gatherings. A prevalent misconception among some business owners is that they or their employees can assume the role of fire watch guards while performing their regular duties. This article aims to dispel this myth by providing an authoritative fact-check on fire watch requirements in Chicago, grounded in the city’s alignment with the International Fire Code (IFC).

Municipal Code of Chicago

The Municipal Code of Chicago, particularly Chapter 15-4, mandates specific requirements for fire safety at public events such as conventions and exhibitions. It explicitly states the necessity for licensed fire guards, who are trained and equipped to handle fire emergencies, thereby ensuring the safety of attendees and the protection of property.

Fire Watch Personnel Requirements

Municipal Code 3316.5 mandates the presence of fire watch personnel in places of assembly or other areas where large groups of people congregate. These personnel are required to remain on duty during the entirety of events and public gatherings to ensure fire safety and manage any emergent fire hazards.

Duty Times: Fire watch personnel must be on duty while the event is ongoing and while activities necessitating a fire watch are conducted.

Duties: The responsibilities of fire watch personnel include vigilant monitoring for fires, obstructions to egress paths, and other hazards. They must take immediate measures to address and mitigate these hazards, assist in the evacuation of the public, and call the Fire Department at the first sign of a fire.

Fire Safety at Conventions and Exhibitions

Each year, thousands of visitors attend trade shows, conventions, exhibitions, and similar functions in Chicago. The Municipal Code of Chicago mandates extensive fire safety requirements for facilities hosting such events. Promoters or managers must provide special fire guards at their own expense, based on the exhibition area’s size and operational hours.

Fire Guards at Conventions

– One fire guard for every 25,000 square feet of exhibition area, including storage space, when the show is open for business.

– One fire guard for every 50,000 square feet of space during hours when the show is not open to the public.

– The Fire Department is empowered to require additional fire guards if the number of floor levels or anticipated attendance makes them necessary.

Fire guards are required to wear suitable uniforms and identifying badges. They must also be equipped with watchman’s tour clocks provided by the show manager and make hourly rounds of the show area and associated storage areas.

In-Depth Analysis of the NFPA 601 Document (relation to Chicago, IL)

NFPA 601: Fire Watch Protocols

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 601 outlines the standard for fire watch services. NFPA 601 Section 5.3.2 emphasizes the importance of thorough inspections, securing premises, and ensuring the readiness of fire protection equipment. These steps are critical in maintaining a safe environment and preventing fire hazards.

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Duties of the Fire Guard in Chicago

The Municipal Code of Chicago charges fire guards with specific duties and responsibilities. The primary duty of a fire guard is to call the Fire Department (9-1-1) and begin an orderly evacuation of the show patrons in the event of a fire. They must treat any indication or report of a possible fire, such as smoke, as an actual fire and refrain from attempting to verify or fight the fire before calling the Fire Department.

Fire guards are required to tour the show area and associated storage areas hourly with a watchman’s clock provided by the show manager. The key stations for the watchman’s clock are specified by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. They must also ensure that all exit doors are unlocked and unobstructed, aisles and corridors are clear, and fire equipment is identifiable, unobstructed, and in working order. Combustible packing materials are not permitted to be stored behind or between exhibit booths or behind draperies.

Fire Guard Licensing

To fulfill the requirements of the Municipal Code, fire guards must be licensed by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. The process to obtain a fire guard license includes:

1. Legal Age and Competency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have temperate habits, and be mentally competent.

2. Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony.

3. Language Proficiency: Applicants must be able to speak and understand the English language.

4. Employment and Residence History: Applicants must provide evidence of employment and residence for the previous two years.

5. Written Examination: Applicants must pass a written examination pertaining to the duties of a fire guard, administered by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

6. No Prior Revocation: Applicants must not have had a fire guard license previously revoked.

The Fire Prevention Bureau can suspend or revoke fire guard licenses if a fire guard does not perform the required duties. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance, and fire guards must carry their certificates at all times while on duty.

Essential Steps for the First Patrol Round on Fire Watch in Chicago

By: Brian Fitzgibbons, Fire Safety Expert

The first patrol round for fire watch personnel, as outlined in NFPA 601 Section 5.3.2, is crucial for ensuring fire safety. This round must begin within 30 minutes after the previous shift ends, involving a thorough inspection of all buildings and spaces to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards.

Begin Patrol Promptly: Start the first round within 30 minutes after the previous shift’s activities have ended to quickly address any issues.

Inspect All Buildings and Spaces: Conduct a comprehensive inspection to identify potential fire hazards or security risks.

Secure Outside Doors and Gates: Ensure all outside doors, gates, windows, and skylights are properly closed and secured.

Remove Combustible Items: Identify and remove combustible materials, such as oily waste and paint residue.

Check Fire Protection Equipment: Verify the presence and operability of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.

Clear Aisles: Ensure all aisles are unobstructed to facilitate safe evacuation in case of an emergency.

Monitor Motors and Machines: Check that non-essential motors and machines are turned off to reduce fire hazards.

Inspect Offices and Smoking Areas: Look for discarded smoking materials and other fire hazards in unsecured areas.

Check Heating Devices: Ensure all heating devices are turned off when not in use to prevent accidental fires.

Note Hazardous Manufacturing Processes: Record the conditions of hazardous manufacturing processes to monitor potential risks.

Store Flammable Materials Properly: Ensure all flammable materials are stored in approved containers.

Check Sprinkler Valves: Confirm that all sprinkler valves are open and indicate normal pressures.

Verify Heating and Air Conditioning Systems: Ensure HVAC systems are functioning properly to maintain a safe environment.

Inspect Water Faucets and Air Valves: Check for leaks and report them for timely repairs.

Focus on Construction or Alteration Areas: Pay particular attention to areas under construction for additional fire risks.

By following these detailed steps, security officers on fire watch can ensure a thorough and effective first patrol round, significantly contributing to fire loss prevention and overall property security.

Legal Cases Highlighting Fire Safety Negligence

Quigley v. Garden Valley Fire Protection District

In Quigley v. Garden Valley Fire Protection District, the Supreme Court of California ruled against the fire protection district for failing to maintain and inspect fire suppression systems properly. The plaintiff, a firefighter, was injured due to a malfunctioning fire suppression system. The court found the fire protection district negligent and liable for the injuries, highlighting the significant liabilities associated with inadequate fire protection.

Bailey v. City of Annapolis

In Bailey v. City of Annapolis, the Maryland Appellate Court addressed the negligence of the city in maintaining its fire protection systems. The plaintiff, an employee, was injured during a fire outbreak due to the non-functioning fire suppression system. The court held the city liable for the injuries, underscoring the legal repercussions of failing to provide a safe working environment.

The Verdict: Fire Watch Requirements in Chicago Save Lives

The alignment with the International Fire Code, along with specific amendments and local regulations in Chicago, underscores the critical need for dedicated and licensed fire watch personnel. The misconception that business owners or their employees can double as fire watch guards is not only legally unfounded but also poses significant safety risks. The rigorous training and licensing requirements for fire guards, as outlined in the Municipal Code of Chicago and NFPA 601, ensure that fire watch duties are performed by individuals with the necessary expertise to maintain public safety. Legal cases such as Quigley v. Garden Valley Fire Protection District and Bailey v. City of Annapolis further illustrate the severe liabilities associated with inadequate fire protection and the importance of adhering to established fire safety protocols.

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FAQ: Fire Watch Requirements in Chicago

When is a fire watch required during construction or demolition work in Chicago?

A fire watch is required during construction or demolition work that is unusually hazardous in nature, such as temporary heating or hot work, as determined by the fire code official or specified in the prefire plan according to Section 3314.3. This requirement is outlined in Section 3316.5 of the Chicago Fire Code.

Are fire watch personnel required during nonworking hours for new construction projects in Chicago?

Yes, fire watch personnel are required during nonworking hours for new construction projects that exceed 40 feet (12.2 meters) in height above the lowest adjacent grade if mandated by the fire code official. This requirement is specified in Section 3316.5.1 of the Chicago Fire Code.

What qualifications must fire watch personnel meet in Chicago?

Fire watch personnel must be trained and provided with at least one means of notifying the fire department. Their sole duty is to perform constant patrols and monitor for the occurrence of fire. They can also combine fire watch duties with site security duties. Additionally, they must be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers. These requirements are detailed in Section 3316.5.2 of the Chicago Fire Code.

What record-keeping responsibilities do fire watch personnel have in Chicago?

Fire watch personnel must keep a record of all duty periods, including log entries each time the site is patrolled and each time a structure under construction is entered and inspected. These records and log entries must be made available for review by the fire code official upon request, as stipulated in Section 3316.5.3 of the Chicago Fire Code.

What regulations must be followed for cutting and welding operations during construction in Chicago?

Cutting, welding, open torches, and other hot work operations must comply with the Chicago Fire Prevention Code, as required by Section 3316.6 of the Chicago Fire Code. Additionally, temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations used in construction, alteration, or demolition activities must comply with the Chicago Electrical Code as stated in Section 3316.7.

Fact Check was Authored by Fire Safety Expert, Brian Fitzgibbons

Brian Fitzgibbons, Fire Safety Expert

Brian Fitzgibbons is a leading authority in fire safety with over two decades of expertise. As the author of “Introduction to Fire Watch,” Brian has established himself as a key figure in the field. He is renowned for his dynamic keynote addresses and high-impact training seminars across the nation.