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Purpose and Scope
The purpose of a fire watch is to protect building occupants and property in the event of an impairment of the fire protection system(s) or during hot work operations. This SOP is applicable to all University structures.
Policy
A fire watch is required during hot work (outside of Designated Areas) per SOP #412 Hot Work Permit Program. Per OAC 1301:7-7-09(A)(7) a fire watch is also required whenever a building fire alarm or fire suppression system is out of service or severely deficient in functionality in an occupied building (including residence halls and structures with overnight occupancy or active operations).
Unoccupied buildings and facilities without overnight residency do not require a continuous fire watch during system impairments unless explicitly required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
When a fire watch is not required by the AHJ, the University shall implement a fire watch as deemed necessary by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) due to extraordinary property risk. As directed by EHS, the fire watch can be performed in accordance with requirements for the Impairment of Fire Alarm or Suppression Systems or may be modified to have periodic checks conducted by the Miami University Police Department.
Definitions
- Fire Watch: A temporary, manual method of fire detection performed by designated individuals looking for fire hazards and monitoring affected building spaces during system outages or high-risk operations.
- Occupied Building: Any structure currently housing residents, students, staff, or visitors, including residence halls, active academic spaces, and operational facilities.
- Hot Work: Any operation involving open flames, localized heat, and/or sparks (e.g., torches, welding, abrasive cut-off saws, grinding).
Procedures
The Fire Watcher’s function is to immediately report fire safety concerns to MUPD (513-529-2222) and initiate building evacuation if necessary.
1. Hot Work Requirements
For Hot Work, the fire watch must follow the requirements of SOP #412: Hot Work Permit Program and complete the Required Precautions Checklist on the Hot Work Permit.
2. Impairment of Fire Alarm or Suppression Systems
For impaired systems in occupied structures, the Fire Watch must:
- Be performed by trained personnel who are dedicated solely to fire watch duties.
- Patrol all accessible areas of the affected occupied building continuously.
- Actively inspect for signs of fire, smoke, structural hazards, or compromised life safety equipment.
- Be aware of where building fire extinguishers are located with direction that primary responsibility is to evacuate the building if needed and not fight a fire.
- Immediately contact MUPD (513-529-2222) if fire, smoke, or unusual smoke odors are detected.
- Carry portable horn, whistle, or other sound making device in the event the building’s fire alarm notification appliances (strobes/horns) are non-functional, and manually sound them to notify occupants during an emergency evacuation.
Note: If an occupied building becomes fully vacated (e.g., a residence hall closed for break), the fire watch may be suspended unless specifically mandated by the AHJ.
Training
All designated fire watch personnel must receive training prior to performing duties. Training shall cover:
- Inherent fire risks and hazard identification.
- Emergency reporting and evacuation procedures.
- Proper operation of portable fire extinguishers.
Record Keeping
- All fire watch activities must be documented in a dedicated log available for inspection by the AHJ. This may be maintained electronically or via the approved manual Fire Watch Documentation Log.
- All Fire watch logs must be submitted to EHSO to be logged into TMA with the time charged to the corresponding work order.
Related Documents, Forms, and Tools
- Fire Watch Documentation Log
- SOP #412: Hot Work Permit Program
Revision History