When should a Fire Guard be assigned?

The assignment of a Fire Guard is crucial when fire protection systems are out of service. This is because the absence of operational fire protection systems significantly increases the risk of fire hazards in a facility. When these systems, such as sprinklers, alarms, or standpipes, are impaired, a Fire Guard ensures that safety protocols are in place to monitor for potential fire risks and to respond effectively in the event of a fire emergency. Their presence helps minimize danger to occupants and property until proper fire protection measures are restored.

Assigning a Fire Guard only during regular business hours or during fire drills does not adequately account for the continuous risk posed by having non-operational fire protection systems. Likewise, while having a Fire Guard at the onset of a construction project could be beneficial, it is not specifically tied to the impairment of fire systems, which is the critical factor for requiring a Fire Guard's presence.