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IFC 901.7 · NFPA 25 · NFPA 101

Fire Watch for Security & Facilities Staff

When a building's fire alarm or sprinkler system is impaired, fire codes call for a fire watch until it is restored. This course trains the person walking that patrol: what to look for, how to log it, and what to do the moment something is wrong.

Who this course is for

  • Security officers assigned to fire watch patrols
  • Building engineers, maintenance staff, and property managers
  • Contractors working in buildings during system shutdowns
  • Supervisors who set up and document a fire watch

What you will be able to do

  • Explain why and when a fire watch is required during a system impairment
  • Plan and walk a patrol route that covers every affected area
  • Recognize common fire hazards in occupied and vacant buildings
  • Keep a fire watch log that stands up to a fire marshal's review
  • Raise the alarm, notify the fire department, and start evacuation

Course outline

  1. Why a fire watch is orderedSystem impairments under the International Fire Code, NFPA 25, and NFPA 101, and the role of the local fire official.
  2. Before the first patrolKnowing the building, exits, shutoffs, the impaired zones, and your means of communication.
  3. Walking the patrolIntervals, coverage, what to check in each type of space, and staying dedicated to the watch.
  4. The fire watch logWhat to record on every round and who needs to see it.
  5. When you find a fireAlarm, call, evacuate: the order of actions and the limits of an extinguisher.
Know before you enroll

Fire watch requirements are set by the local fire code and the authority having jurisdiction. Patrol intervals and staffing vary by city and state; follow the written instructions for your building.

New York City requires an FDNY Certificate of Fitness for fire guards. This course does not replace it.

Questions about this course

How is this different from the Hot Work & Fire Watch course?

That course is about fire watch during welding and cutting. This one is about fire watch patrols in a building whose alarm or sprinkler system is out of service, which is the situation most security officers are assigned to.

Does my city accept this training?

Most jurisdictions require that fire watch personnel be trained and able to perform the duties, without naming a provider. Some cities issue their own credential, such as New York City. Check with your local fire marshal's office if you are unsure.

How does the final exam work?

The course ends with a timed, multiple-choice exam drawn from a question bank. The passing score is 70 percent and retakes are included. Your certificate is issued the moment you pass.

Will my employer or general contractor accept the certificate?

Every certificate shows the course, contact hours, completion date, the standard covered, and a unique ID with a QR code, so anyone can confirm it in seconds. Acceptance is always the employer's or site owner's decision. If a site requires a specific provider or a hands-on evaluation, check with them before you enroll.

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