What is the NFCC Guidance on Waking Watch?

Since the tragic events of the Grenfell Tower Fire, fire safety has been more important than ever. Critical fire safety measures have been put in place such as a waking watch to monitor potential fire hazards. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the UK body responsible for setting fire safety standards, has issued guidance on the matter to ensure consistency and effectiveness in its use. In this blog article, we will discuss what a waking watch is, what the NFCC is, the NFCC’s guidance on the waking watch, and why it matters. 

What is a Waking Watch?

A waking watch is a temporary fire safety measure. It involves trained staff who constantly monitor a high-rise residential building's interior and exterior to protect resident safety from fire. Their main job is to provide early warning of a fire and support a safe evacuation if necessary.

A waking watch will be recommended when a high-rise residential building is identified as high-risk due to unsafe cladding systems or other fire safety defects. A waking watch can then be implemented as a short term interim measure until the appropriate fire safety measures such as installation of alarm systems are put in place.

Rely on Fire & Evacuation Services for specialised waking watch services. Our waking watch team has strong fire and rescue backgrounds that guarantee expert on-site evacuation management. We provide the safety of residents with the assurance that their buildings are protected and evacuations will be handled safely. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

What is the NFCC?

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) serves as the leading professional body for the UK's fire and rescue service. It promotes progress and development across the service while fostering strong leadership, including in devolved administrations.

NFCC’s Guidance on Waking Watch (2022 Update)

The NFCC has released an updated version of its guidance on waking watches in 2022. It highlights how waking watches are a short-term measure only, to be replaced within a month by fire safety measures like fire alarms or sprinklers. It calls for risk-based decisions, resident engagement, and trained staff and prioritises permanent alternatives over ongoing reliance on waking watch services.

Temporary Use Only

The NFCC guidance highlights that a waking watch should be a temporary, short-term management solution, not a long-term solution. A waking watch is a temporary fire safety measure to be used until permanent fire safety measures are put in place such as fire alarms or sprinklers. These permanent fire safety systems should aim to be put in place within a month to minimise the reliance on waking watch services.

Risk Based Decision Making

The guidance emphasises risk-based decision making, with each building requiring its own thorough fire risk assessment. All residential buildings are different and have different fire safety measures to consider. Therefore, there is no one-size fits all fire safety approach and so measures should be tailored to each building's unique characteristics. This further ensures that the specific risks posed by each building are effectively mitigated.

Resident Engagement

Another key element from the NFCC guidance is the importance of resident engagement. It suggests residents should be informed and involved in decisions regarding fire evacuation strategy and fire safety measures. This ensures that residents understand why the safety measures are put in place builds trust and ensures compliance.

Competence of Personnel

The NFCC guidance states that all waking watch staff must be trained to a high standard and have the ability to act efficiently when managing fire safety measures and evacuation procedures. The competence of personnel is key in relation to protecting residents and responding quickly in emergency situations.

Preferred Alternatives

Considering preferred alternations to a waking watch service is another key element from the NFCC guidance report. Permanent fire safety measures such as fire alarm systems or sprinklers are highly recommended as they are a more reliable and cost-effective long-term solution.

What is the Building Safety Act (2022), & What is its Purpose?

The NFCC’s guidance is designed to protect residents and ensure that residential buildings are as safe as possible in the event of a fire. The 2022 guidance update matters as it reflects lessons learned from past incidents. It further aims to reduce the financial and emotional impacts on residents who may be living in buildings with fire risks.

The guidance also helps business owners and fire safety professionals make informed, risk-based decisions about fire safety and ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to protect residents.

• Improve Building Safety Standards - The act ensures that high-risk buildings are designed, built, and maintained to higher safety standards.

• Establish Clear Accountability - It holds building owners and developers accountable for building safety.

• Protects Leaseholders and Residents - The act gives residents and leaseholders more rights and protections to raise concerns. Especially from being unfairly charged for the cost of historical safety issues like unsafe cladding.

Conclusion

The NFCC’s 2022 guidance emphasises that waking watches are a temporary measure, prioritising permanent fire safety systems. It stresses risk-based decisions, resident involvement, and competent personnel to ensure fire safety in residential buildings.