Fire Watch

[gfire]

I am wondering when a fire watch becomes required. I have always gone with if the sprinkler system is out of service for 4 or more hours in a 24 hour period, a fire watch is required because that is what the local AHJ requires. Now we're doing work out of town and I can't seem to find this requirement in NFPA or IFC. Does anyone have a reference?
Thanks in advance

 

[LCREP]

From NFPA 25, hope this helps.

15.5* Preplanned Impairment Programs.
15.5.1 All preplanned impairments shall be authorized by
the impairment coordinator.
15.5.2 Before authorization is given, the impairment coordinator shall be responsible for verifying that the following procedures have been implemented:
(1) The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.
(2) The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.
(3) Recommendations have been submitted to management or the property owner or designated representative.
(4) Where a required fire protection system is out of service
for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, the impair- ment coordinator shall arrange for one of the following: (a) Evacuation of the building or portion of the building
affected by the system out of service
(b)*An approved fire watch
(c)*Establishment of a temporary water supply (d)*Establishment and implementation of an approved
program to eliminate potential ignition sources and
limit the amount of fuel available to the fire
(5) The fire department has been notified.
(6) The insurance carrier, the alarm company, property
owner or designated representative, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.

A.15.5.2(4)(b) A fire watch should consist of trained person- nel who continuously patrol the affected area. Ready access to fire extinguishers and the ability to promptly notify the fire department are important items to consider. During the pa- trol of the area, the person should not only be looking for fire, but making sure that the other fire protection features of the building such as egress routes and alarm systems are available and functioning properly.

 

[gfire]

That definitely helps! Thank you!

 

[cdafd]

An ahj may also have its own criteria

 

[chicopee]

Don't forget National Fire Codes present a minimum requirements