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What Fire Safety Protocols are Required During System Impairments?

When fire protection systems such as alarms or sprinklers are impaired, non-functioning, or offline, specific safety protocols must be triggered to maintain compliance with Vancouver Fire Bylaw 12472 and the BC Fire Code.

The primary requirement during an impairment is the immediate implementation of a qualified fire watch. This temporary safety measure ensures that occupants and assets remain protected until the systems are repaired or restored.

Key protocols for system impairments include:

  • Immediate Deployment: A fire watch must be established as soon as a system outage is identified, such as during renovations, hot work activities, or equipment failure.
  • Hourly Patrols: BC-licensed guards must conduct regular patrols of the facility, focusing on critical areas such as stairwells, mechanical rooms, and parking garages.
  • Rigorous Documentation: Guards are required to maintain a detailed fire watch log that records each inspection. This provides a clear audit trail for insurance companies and the fire department.
  • Digital Tracking: Under local mandates, patrols should be tracked (for example, verifying specific checkpoints) to ensure comprehensive coverage and accountability.
  • Direct Reporting: Fire watch personnel must be prepared to report hazards or emergencies directly to fire authorities if necessary.

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