The demand for fire watch security guards in Texas has risen in the past few years, fueled by increasing fire risks. Facility operators are adapting to the changing climate by deploying flexible solutions like fire watch guards to maintain the safety and compliance of their job sites. It’s an excellent time to become certified in fire watch – whether you are adding to your existing security credentials, or want to improve the safety profile of Texas’ workplaces.
Fire watch security guards are essential for ensuring safe operations at any job site where “Hot Work” is being done, and at facilities with inoperable fire safety systems. Having trained fire safety experts on site is the best way to bolster existing fire safety systems and cover gaps that might leave personnel and assets vulnerable to fire damage and liability.
To become a fire watch guard in the Lone Star State, you must meet the basic requirements before getting certified through an approved course. Requirements include: being 18+, having a high school diploma, speaking fluent English, passing a basic background check, and having the right to work in Texas. Many services have sprung up across the State to offer fire watch certification. Employers prefer to hire guards committed to ongoing education – supplementary fire safety and first aid courses will benefit anyone interested in fire watch.
Fire Watch Courses in Texas
Google “Fire Watch Guard Courses in Texas” and you’ll find no shortage of options for folks looking to get certified. Prices vary, and some courses can be completed in a few days online, while others involve hands-on training with experienced instructors. Many programs can help you secure employment as a fire watch guard, but you’ll be a more attractive candidate (and likely a better guard) if you’re able to get some kind of practical instruction from in-person instructors.
Whatever course you decide to take to become a fire watch guard in Texas, make sure it covers the following basic topics:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code
- NFPA 1 Fire Code
- NFPA Hot Work Certification
- OSHA 1910 General Industry Standards
- Texas Administrative Code
- Texas Occupations Code
These codes and regulations hold facility operators accountable for their fire safety practices. As a fire watch guard, your job is to observe and report fire risks on-site, and ensure your client complies with all fire codes. Taking superior courses that familiarize you with the codes above will help you to protect your client from liability more effectively.
“Hot Work” in The Lone Star State
Texas Fire Code requires certified fire watch guards to be present when work involving sparks, flames, or heat presents an inherent fire risk. These tasks are usually done at industrial facilities with dedicated safety systems in place. If those systems fail or “Hot Work” is being done off-site, fire watch guards will be needed. Texas’ work ethic can’t suffer idle operations, so managers often deploy fire watch quickly to ensure uninterrupted productivity.
Assigning fire watch guards to oversee “Hot Work” at construction sites is within the purview of Site Safety Supervisors. If you enjoy this type of fire watch deployment, you should consider furthering your education in OSHA safety requirements and job site safety in general. There are many career paths to explore within the realm of workplace safety, and fire watch is an excellent introduction to this growing field.
National Firewatch: Best Guards in Texas
Our guards have decades of experience conducting emergency and 24-hour fire watch across the Lone Star State. Our sister company, The Guard Alliance Inc., has been operating in Texas since 2010, providing security and fire watch services for residential and commercial properties statewide.
National Firewatch deploys the best guards in the industry, and we’re always looking to expand our team in Texas. Once you have completed your training and have your certifications in order, we encourage you to submit an application. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance and advice.