In the world of property management, the safety of your occupants and the protection of your property are paramount. When fire protection systems are down, or during significant repairs or construction, having a reliable fire watch service becomes essential. While some property management companies might consider staffing these duties internally to save on costs, this approach often comes with hidden risks and drawbacks that can outweigh any perceived savings.
One of the primary concerns with using internal staff for fire watch duties is the lack of specialized training. Professional fire watch companies are dedicated to fire safety and emergency response, with staff who undergo extensive training in fire prevention, hazard recognition, and emergency protocols. They are also well-versed in local fire codes and regulations, ensuring that your property remains compliant. In contrast, your in-house staff may not have the expertise needed to effectively perform fire watch duties, increasing the risk of critical safety issues being overlooked.
Moreover, relying on internal staff can lead to significant liability concerns. If a fire were to occur and it was found that the fire watch was not conducted properly, the property management company could be held liable for damages, injuries, or worse. Professional fire watch companies are insured and bonded, offering an added layer of protection. They also meticulously document all activities, providing clear evidence that all necessary precautions were taken, which can be invaluable in the event of an investigation.
Scheduling fire watch duties internally can also create conflicts and disrupt the regular operations of your property management team. Employees already have a full range of responsibilities, and adding fire watch duties can lead to scheduling nightmares and gaps in essential tasks. Professional fire watch companies eliminate these issues by focusing solely on this service, allowing your team to concentrate on their primary duties without distraction.
Adding fire watch responsibilities to your staff’s workload can also result in overworked and fatigued employees. Fire watch requires constant vigilance, which is mentally and physically demanding, especially when combined with an already busy schedule. Overworked employees are more likely to experience burnout and make mistakes, which can be particularly dangerous when the safety of your property and its occupants is at stake. Professional fire watch personnel are dedicated solely to this task, ensuring that they remain alert and focused throughout their shifts.
Another factor to consider is the hidden cost of using internal employees for fire watch duties, particularly overtime pay. Often, these responsibilities are assigned to employees who are already working full schedules, leading to significant overtime expenses. What might initially seem like a cost-saving measure can quickly turn into a costly expense when overtime is factored in. When you compare the costs of overtime with the fees for hiring a professional fire watch company—along with the added benefits of expertise, reliability, and compliance—the decision becomes clear.
Speaking of saving costs, check out this article to help ensure your operation is not hindered after a surprise fire code enforcement inspection – 5 Essential Fire Safety Measures Every Business Should Implement.
Finally, fire watch duties require consistent attention and thorough documentation. Professional fire watch companies provide staff who are solely focused on monitoring for fire hazards and ensuring the safety of your property. This level of vigilance is difficult to achieve with in-house staff who may have other responsibilities to juggle. Additionally, professional fire watch teams maintain detailed logs of all activities, including when checks were performed, what was observed, and any actions taken. This documentation ensures that your property remains compliant with local fire codes and can be crucial in the event of an inspection or investigation.
While using internal staff for fire watch might seem like a way to save money, the reality is that it often leads to higher costs, both financially and in terms of employee well-being. When you consider the expenses of overtime, the potential for burnout, and the risks associated with inadequate fire watch coverage, hiring a professional fire watch company is clearly the smarter investment. Not only does it save costs in the long run, but it also ensures that your property is monitored by trained professionals who are dedicated solely to this critical task.
In the end, the stakes are simply too high to take chances. Hiring a professional fire watch company provides the expertise, reliability, and peace of mind that property managers need to protect their properties and residents effectively.
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