Understanding the NFCC Guidance for Waking Watch

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has played a key role in shaping national standards for Waking Watch services in the UK. As high-rise buildings face increasing scrutiny for fire safety, especially those with identified fire safety deficiencies such as unsafe cladding or inadequate compartmentation, Waking Watch services have become a critical temporary measure to ensure occupant safety.

This article outlines the NFCC's guidance and what it means for dutyholders, residents, and professional Waking Watch providers like Fire Watch Services.

What is a Waking Watch?

A Waking Watch is a temporary fire safety measure where trained personnel patrol a building 24/7 to detect signs of fire, raise the alarm, and facilitate evacuation if needed. This measure is typically implemented where buildings are found to have serious fire safety issues that make a stay-put evacuation strategy unsafe.

NFCC Guidance Overview

The NFCC's consolidated guidance, updated in 2022, provides clear standards on how Waking Watch should be implemented and managed. Key areas of focus include:

1. Justification for Waking Watch

Waking Watch should only be used as a short-term, risk mitigation measure while permanent remediation (such as installation of fire alarm systems or cladding removal) is being completed. The guidance discourages long-term reliance on Waking Watch due to high cost and limited effectiveness.

2. Competency of Personnel

Waking Watch operatives must:

Be physically able to patrol the building, often including stairwells and roof spaces.

Be trained in fire awareness, evacuation procedures, and how to raise the alarm.

Be uniformed and easily identifiable, with proper ID and contact details.

Have access to clear communication tools, such as two-way radios or mobile phones.

The guidance emphasises that all staff must understand the layout and evacuation strategy of the building.

3. Patrolling and Coverage Requirements

NFCC sets clear expectations on patrol frequency and coverage:

Patrolling of the entire building (all common areas and floors) should be done at least every 30 minutes.

Operatives must be vigilant for signs of fire, unauthorised activity, or any hazards that could compromise evacuation.

Patrols should be logged, and records kept for inspection by relevant authorities.

4. Alarm and Evacuation

If a fire is suspected:

The Waking Watch operative must raise the alarm immediately, using air horns, portable alarms, or internal alarm systems.

Assist residents with evacuation, especially those requiring additional support.

Contact the fire and rescue service without delay.

5. Documentation and Communication

A Waking Watch Plan must be created for the building, including evacuation routes, patrol schedules, and contact protocols.

Residents must be informed about the presence of the Waking Watch, what to do in an emergency, and how they will be alerted.

The fire and rescue service must be informed of the arrangement and provided with up-to-date access information.

NFCC’s Position on Fire Alarm Installation

The NFCC strongly recommends the installation of a common fire alarm system (Category L5) as a more cost-effective and reliable long-term solution. In many cases, a fire alarm system can replace the need for a Waking Watch once installed and verified.

How Fire Watch Services Aligns with NFCC Guidance

At Fire Watch Services, we are fully aligned with the NFCC’s standards. Our personnel are:

Recruited from experienced fire safety backgrounds.

Trained to the highest industry standards, including evacuation procedures and hazard identification.

Fully equipped with logging tools, communication equipment, and site-specific risk knowledge.

We also provide support in transitioning from Waking Watch to permanent solutions, such as fire alarm installations or temporary detection systems.

Conclusion

The NFCC guidance provides a vital framework for ensuring that Waking Watch services are delivered safely, professionally, and only for as long as necessary. At Fire Watch Services, we are committed to supporting residents, building owners, and responsible persons with compliant, effective fire watch operations while working towards safer, long-term solutions.