What is Waking Watch

A Waking Watch is a fire safety measure employed in high-rise buildings, particularly those with cladding or other fire safety concerns. It involves stationing trained personnel within the building, usually on each floor, who are responsible for continuously monitoring for signs of fire or smoke. However, while it serves as a temporary solution to mitigate immediate fire safety risks, there are several significant negatives associated with the Waking Watch approach.

One of the most prominent drawbacks of Waking Watch is its high cost. Employing round-the-clock personnel to monitor the building is an ongoing expense that can accumulate to substantial sums over time. In many cases, the financial burden falls on residents and building owners, who must collectively bear the cost of maintaining the Waking Watch.

Furthermore, Waking Watch relies on human vigilance, which can be prone to errors or lapses in attention. People monitoring the building may experience fatigue or distractions, which could impact their ability to promptly identify and respond to a fire emergency. Additionally, the presence of Waking Watch personnel in the building might create a false sense of security among residents, potentially leading them to underestimate the urgency of fire safety upgrades.

In contrast to the Waking Watch approach, the installation of a comprehensive fire safety system is considered a safer and more cost-effective long-term solution. REACH Wireless, Apollo’s premium wireless fire solution, is a perfect fit. Providing non-stop protection – it doesn’t take breaks and doesn’t get distracted. It protects people from fire every second of every day.

Of the data provided to MHCLG (The ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government), the cost of employing one individual undertaking Waking Watch duties exceeds the average cost of installing a fire alarm system in three to six months, depending on the hourly rate charged. And some buildings require more than just one Waking Watch individual, increasing the cost further.

With the governments latest funding to remove flammable cladding find out if you’re eligible to install a permanent alternative to Waking Watch.

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