Our Protocol

This protocol outlines the procedures and responsibilities for providing Waking Watch services by Moss Waking Watch Services in the UK. The purpose of this protocol is to ensure the safety of occupants in buildings that require continuous fire safety monitoring, particularly where fire safety systems are absent, incomplete, or under repair.

1. Purpose of Waking Watch

The primary purpose of the Waking Watch is to detect fires early and facilitate the safe evacuation of occupants in the event of a fire. This service is critical in buildings with known fire risks, such as those with combustible cladding or where fire alarm systems are inadequate or not functioning.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

• Waking Watch Personnel
• Fire Marshals: Trained fire safety professionals who perform continuous patrols of the
• Team Leaders: Responsible for overseeing the Waking Watch operations, ensuring adherence to protocols, and acting as the primary contact for building
• Building Management
• Liaison with Waking Watch Team: Ensure clear communication with the Waking Watch team, including sharing relevant information about building occupants and any fire safety
• Providing Access: Ensure Waking Watch personnel have access to all areas of the building at all

3. Training and Competence

All Waking Watch personnel must receive comprehensive training, including:

• Fire Safety Awareness: Understanding fire risks, detection, and emergency
• Evacuation Protocols: Training on how to conduct safe and orderly evacuations, including assisting vulnerable
• Use of Fire Equipment: Instruction on the use of fire extinguishers and other emergency
• Communication Skills: Training in effective communication with building occupants, emergency services, and
• Record Keeping: Training on documenting patrols, incidents, and any safety

4. Patrol Procedures

• Patrol Schedule
• Frequency: Continuous patrols must be conducted 24/7, with personnel rotating shifts to ensure alertness.
• Routes: Patrol routes should cover all floors, stairwells, common areas, and high- risk zones identified in the fire risk
• Checkpoints: Key checkpoints should be established throughout the building, with personnel recording each patrol.
• Observation and Reporting
• Hazard Identification: Personnel must remain vigilant for any fire hazards, such as blocked exits, signs of smoke, or faulty fire safety equipment.
• Incident Reporting: Any hazards or incidents must be reported immediately to the Team Leader and documented in the patrol log.
• Regular Briefings: Team Leaders should conduct regular briefings with Waking Watch personnel to update them on any changes or new

5. Evacuation Procedures

• Immediate Response
• Alarm Activation: If a fire is detected, the Waking Watch personnel must immediately activate the fire alarm (if functional) and commence the evacuation
• Communication: Contact emergency services (999) without delay, providing detailed information about the fire and the building’s
• Evacuation Process
• Guiding Occupants: Direct all occupants to the nearest safe exit, providing assistance to vulnerable individuals as
• Fire Marshals’ Role: Ensure that fire marshals are positioned at key points to guide the evacuation and prevent
• Check All Areas: Ensure that all areas, including flats, offices, or any other compartments within the building, are checked to confirm that no one is left
• Assembly Points
• Designated Area: Occupants should be directed to a pre-determined assembly point at a safe distance from the building.
• Roll Call: Conduct a roll call where possible to account for all occupants and inform emergency services of any missing

6. Documentation and Record Keeping

• Patrol Logs
• Details to Record: Each patrol must be logged with the time, date, personnel involved, areas covered, and any observations or incidents.
• Incident Reports: Detailed reports should be created for any fire-related incidents, near-misses, or hazards identified during
• Weekly Reports
• Submission to Management: Weekly summary reports should be submitted to building management, highlighting any safety concerns and actions
• Review and Feedback: Regular review meetings should be conducted with building management to discuss the reports and any necessary adjustments to the Waking Watch

7. Communication Protocol

• Internal Communication
• Radios: Waking Watch personnel should use radios or other communication devices to stay in constant contact during
• Incident Alerts: Establish clear protocols for alerting team leaders and emergency services in case of a fire or safety concern.
• Communication with Occupants
• Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions to occupants about Waking Watch procedures, including how they will be alerted in an
• Regular Updates: Keep occupants informed of any changes in the fire safety strategy or Waking Watch

8. Compliance and Review

• Legal Compliance

• Fire Safety Regulations: Ensure that all Waking Watch activities comply