Guide to Waking Watch Services: Protecting High-Risk Residential Buildings

Waking watches were widely introduced following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 to protect residents in high-risk buildings. They are recognised as a critical interim remediation measure under UK fire safety laws, ensuring residents are safeguarded while permanent fire safety solutions are put in place. A waking watch is a system whereby suitably trained persons continually patrol all floors and the exterior perimeter of the building to detect a fire, raise the alarm, and carry out the role of evacuation management. The aim is to ensure there is sufficient warning in the event of fire to support the evacuation strategy.

It is most commonly deployed for high-rise tower blocks but can also be applied in other residential buildings where fire risk assessments identify serious safety defects, such as unsafe cladding or inadequate fire alarms. For building owners, understanding when a waking watch is required and how it should be implemented is vital for compliance with the Building Safety Act and to protect residents from fire risks.

What is Waking Watch Service? Purpose and Importance

A waking watch is a critical interim measure designed to address fire safety issues in residential buildings while permanent solutions are implemented. It is deployed whereby suitably trained persons continually patrol all floors and the exterior perimeter of the building to detect a fire and raise the alarm. In addition, personnel are responsible for evacuation management, ensuring residents are guided safely in the event of a fire incident.

Waking watch security personnel maintain digital logs of patrols, checks, and incidents, providing building owners and responsible persons with evidence of compliance and risk management.

The primary purpose of it is to ensure there is sufficient warning to residents in the event of fire so that the evacuation strategy can be effectively executed. This is particularly important when the evacuation strategy shifts from a ‘stay put’ approach to simultaneous evacuation guidance, which is recommended when fire risk assessments identify unsafe cladding, compromised compartmentation, or failed fire alarm systems.

The Need for Waking Watch Security

Waking watch is most commonly required in high-rise residential buildings, though it may also be used in other types of residential structures where fire risks are significant. By continually patrolling and monitoring, trained personnel can detect fire incidents early, raise the alarm promptly, and assist the fire service or rescue service in managing evacuations. This ensures residents are protected during exceptional circumstances when permanent fire safety solutions have yet to be installed.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) recognises waking watch as a temporary measure that mitigates fire risks while permanent remediation, such as the installation of a common fire alarm system, is planned. The NFCC also recommends that building owners develop a clear transition plan as soon as practicable, ideally within a month, to reduce ongoing watch costs and reliance on interim measures.

Waking watch is not only a compliance tool but also a proactive safety measure. By implementing watch services in buildings identified with fire safety concerns, building owners can protect residents, comply with fire safety laws, and ensure that trained personnel are in place to detect a fire, raise the alarm, and manage evacuation effectively.

Waking Watch Services: Duties and Provider Roles

Waking watch services provide essential fire safety coverage in residential buildings while permanent solutions such as alarm systems are being installed. Security personnel play a crucial role in protecting residents, identifying fire risks, and supporting the evacuation strategy.

Core Duties of a Waking Watch Individual

A trained waking watch individual is responsible for:

• Continually patrolling all floors and the exterior perimeter of the building to detect any fire incident.
• Raising the alarm immediately if a fire is identified, ensuring residents are warned in sufficient time.
• Supporting evacuation management, including guiding residents to safe exits.
• Recording patrols, checks, and incidents digitally for compliance tracking.
• Preventing, and in some circumstances, extinguishing small fires until the fire service arrives.

By performing these duties, watch personnel ensure that fire safety issues are actively managed and that residents have adequate warning and support during a fire.

Mobilisation and Onboarding Process

Implementing a waking watch involves careful planning and coordination. A typical process includes:

1. Assessing the building to determine patrol routes and high-risk areas.
2. Assigning trained personnel according to the size and risk profile of the building.
3. Conducting site inductions and safety briefings to familiarise wardens with the building layout, fire risks, and evacuation procedures.
4. Installing necessary equipment, including radios, torches, PPE, and digital logging devices.
5. Establishing reporting protocols for both routine patrols and fire incidents.

Equipment and Welfare Provisions

Waking watch personnel require suitable equipment to perform their duties efficiently. Common provisions include:

• Radios or other communication devices to stay in contact with control centres.
• Torches and PPE for safe patrolling, especially during night shifts.
• Rest and welfare areas to ensure personnel can perform long shifts safely.
• Access to fire safety plans and alarm systems for informed decision-making.

Waking watch services can be provided either in-house by building owners or through third-party providers. Engaging professional providers often ensures consistent staffing, trained personnel, and comprehensive digital reporting.

By maintaining a structured service, building owners can demonstrate due diligence under the Building Safety Act, manage fire risks proactively, and protect residents during the interim period before permanent remediation measures, such as a fire alarm system, are installed.

Waking Watch Service Models

Waking watch services can be delivered in different models depending on the building type, risk level, and budget considerations. Understanding these models helps building owners select the right solution to protect residents and comply with fire safety regulations.

In-House Staffing vs Third-Party Providers

Building owners may choose to provide watch duties in-house or outsource them to professional providers.

In-house staffing advantages:

• Greater control over personnel and patrol schedules.
• Direct supervision of watch duties and incident reporting.

Third-party provider advantages:

• Access to trained personnel with up-to-date fire safety certification.
• Digital reporting systems for compliance and audit purposes.
• Flexibility to scale staffing according to building size and risk level.
• Reduced administrative burden on building management.

For most high-rise residential buildings, outsourcing to specialist waking watch providers ensures consistency, reliability, and adherence to legal and safety standards.

24/7 Patrol Staffing and Shift Models

Waking watch services are typically required around the clock, particularly in high-risk residential buildings. Common shift models include:

• 12-hour shifts: Two shifts per day providing continuous coverage.
• 8-hour shifts: Three shifts per day, often used in larger buildings or multi-tower complexes.
• Night-only shifts: Applied where fire risk is higher during off-peak hours.

Trained personnel carry out scheduled patrols across all floors and exterior perimeters, maintaining vigilance to detect a fire, raise the alarm, and manage evacuation effectively.

Training and Certification Expectations for Wardens

Personnel conducting watch duties must be fully trained and competent. Requirements include:

• Completion of fire safety and evacuation training.
• Familiarity with building layout and high-risk areas.
• Knowledge of alarm systems and fire detection equipment.
• Ability to assist residents during a fire incident and communicate with the fire service.

The National Fire Chiefs Council emphasises that waking watch is an interim measure and should be supported by a clear plan for transitioning to permanent fire safety solutions, such as a common fire alarm system.

Legal and Regulatory Context: Fire Safety & Building Safety Act

Understanding the legal framework surrounding waking watch services is essential for building owners and responsible persons. Waking watch is recognised under UK fire safety laws as an interim remediation measure when permanent fire safety solutions are not yet in place.

When Waking Watch Becomes Required

A waking watch becomes necessary when a fire risk assessment identifies serious safety defects or when the evacuation strategy shifts from a ‘stay put’ approach to simultaneous evacuation guidance. Key triggers include:

• Presence of unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings.
• Failed or inadequate common fire alarm systems.
• Compromised compartmentation or fire doors.
• Regulatory requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Under these circumstances, trained personnel are required on-site to detect a fire, raise the alarm, and support residents during an evacuation.

Building Safety Act Protections for Leaseholders

The Building Safety Act provides important protections for leaseholders, limiting the financial burden for cladding-related issues. Building owners remain responsible for managing fire risks, ensuring safety measures are implemented, and using available government funding.

Compliance with NFCC Guidance

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) supports interim fire safety arrangements, allowing building owners to manage and mitigate fire risks. The NFCC emphasises that:

• Waking watch should be treated as a temporary measure.
• A clear plan should be in place to transition to permanent solutions, ideally within one month.
• Digital logs and incident reporting must be maintained to demonstrate compliance.

By following these legal and regulatory requirements, building owners can ensure residents are protected from fire risks, comply with the law, and manage waking watch costs efficiently.

When Is a Waking Watch Required?

It becomes necessary only when specific fire risks or safety defects are identified in a building. Understanding the triggers helps building owners plan interim measures effectively while permanent fire safety solutions are installed.

Key Triggers for Implementing a Waking Watch

A waking watch is required when a fire risk assessment identifies significant safety issues. Common triggers include:

• Unsafe exterior cladding on high-rise residential buildings.
• Failed or inadequate common fire alarm systems.
• Compromised compartmentation that prevents fire from being contained.
• Switch from a stay put strategy to simultaneous evacuation.
• Regulatory requirements or recommendations from the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Evacuation Strategy Changes

The shift from a stay put strategy to simultaneous evacuation significantly increases the need for on-site fire safety personnel. Waking watch personnel provide:

• Immediate detection of fire incidents.
• Raising the alarm to ensure residents receive sufficient warning.
• Support during evacuation, including guiding residents to safe exits and assisting vulnerable occupants.

High-Risk Residential Buildings

Waking watch is most commonly deployed in high-rise buildings where fire risks are elevated, but it may also be required in other residential buildings facing serious fire safety concerns. The presence of unsafe cladding or failed fire alarms significantly increases the likelihood of a waking watch being implemented.

By identifying these triggers, building owners can proactively protect residents, comply with the Building Safety Act, and manage ongoing costs until permanent solutions are installed.

Guidance for Building Owners and Residents

Managing fire safety in residential buildings requires clear planning, effective communication, and proactive measures. Waking watch services provide essential protection during interim periods, but building owners and residents must also take coordinated steps to ensure safety and compliance.

Develop a Remediation Timeline

Building owners should create a clear plan for moving from a waking watch to permanent fire safety solutions, such as a common fire alarm system. A remediation timeline should include:

• Assessment of fire risks, including external cladding, compartmentation, and fire alarm system performance.
• Implementation of interim measures, such as watch patrols, to mitigate immediate risks.
• Scheduling of permanent remediation works, including alarm installation or cladding replacement.
• Monitoring and reporting progress to residents and responsible persons.

The National Fire Chiefs Council recommends that a plan for transitioning away from waking watch should be made as soon as practicable, ideally within a month, to reduce costs and reliance on interim measures.

Resident Engagement and Communication

Proactive engagement with residents is essential for safety and compliance. Effective strategies include:

• Holding regular meetings to explain fire safety issues and the role of security personnel.
• Providing information on evacuation procedures, particularly in buildings where the evacuation strategy has changed to simultaneous evacuation.
• Sharing updates on progress for permanent remediation measures, including alarm system installation.
• Offering guidance on resident responsibilities during a fire incident and how to interact with safety personnel.

Reviewing Cost Allocation

Financial considerations are a key part of managing a waking watch. Building owners should:

• Review ongoing costs and compare them against permanent solutions such as an alarm system.
• Understand leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act, which limit charges for cladding-related costs.
• Consider eligibility for government funding to reduce the financial burden on residents.

By following these steps, building owners can ensure residents are supported, fire safety issues are actively managed, and interim measures are effectively implemented until permanent solutions are in place.

Transitioning From Waking Watch to Permanent Measures

While waking watch is an essential interim measure, the ultimate goal for building owners is to move to permanent fire safety solutions, such as a common fire alarm system, that reduce ongoing costs and provide long-term protection for residents.

Recommended Timeline for Transition

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) recommends that building owners develop a clear plan for moving away from a waking watch as soon as practicable. Key steps in the timeline include:

• Review fire risk assessment findings to identify the most urgent safety defects.
• Schedule the installation of permanent fire safety solutions, prioritising alarm systems and remedial works.
• Coordinate with residents to communicate the transition plan and expected completion dates.
• Aim to reduce reliance on watch personnel within a month of planning, where feasible.

Procurement Steps for Alarm Installation

Installing a permanent alarm system involves careful planning and procurement. Building owners should:

• Obtain at least three competitive quotes from qualified contractors.
• Ensure the proposed alarm system complies with simultaneous evacuation guidance and relevant fire safety legislation.
• Document all procurement decisions to maintain transparency and support potential funding applications.

Government Funding and Replacement Options

To reduce the financial burden on residents, building owners can utilise government support schemes:

• The Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 provides £41.71 million to support the installation of common alarm systems in eligible buildings.
• The fund covers upfront capital costs for alarm installations commenced on or after 25 May 2023.
• The fund has been extended until March 2026, with an additional £21 million available to eligible residential buildings.
• Leaseholders may benefit from protections under the Building Safety Act, limiting charges related to cladding or fire safety remediation.

Benefits of Transitioning

Moving from a waking watch to a permanent solution provides several advantages:

• Reduces ongoing waking watch costs, which in London can average £11,361 per month per building.
• Minimises reliance on interim personnel and associated hourly rate charges.
• Enhances resident safety through reliable fire detection systems and automated alerts.
• Demonstrates compliance with the Building Safety Act and NFCC guidance.

By following these steps, building owners can ensure that permanent measures, such as fire alarm systems, are installed to provide long-term safety and cost efficiency for high-rise and other residential buildings. However, you’ll still need professional alarm response personnel to deal with emergencies.

Ensure Your Building’s Safety Today with Proforce Security

Protecting residents and managing fire risks in high-rise and other residential buildings requires expert support. Proforce Security provides professional waking watch services, ensuring trained personnel continually patrol your building, detect fire incidents, raise the alarm, and assist with evacuation.

Contact Proforce Security today to discuss your building’s requirements, receive a tailored plan, and safeguard your residents with peace of mind.