Page 47 - the SyI Quarterly 8

Change of strategy

Grenfell Tower had a ‘stay put’ fire safety strategy, which
stipulates in the event of a fire, residents not directly affected
should stay in their homes with doors and windows shut. This
avoids the risk of occupants evacuating down what could be
multiple sets of stairs through fire and smoke.
A stay put strategy only works if fire safety structures, such as
fire doors, are in place and correctly installed and maintained.
This was not the case in Grenfell and the blaze spread rapidly
into individual flats.
In the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, The National Fire
Chiefs Council (NFCC) released updated guidance aimed
at purpose-built blocks of flats which originally had a ‘stay
put’ strategy, but due to significant risk issues, needed an
alternative. In such cases, the NFCC advised that the fire
strategy should change from stay put to simultaneous
evacuation.

Simultaneous evacuation requires:

• Early detection of a fire to warn occupants
• Evacuation management.

In its updated guidance, the NFCC recommended the use
of waking watch services for buildings which require a
simultaneous evacuation strategy. Waking watch staff can
discuss the strategy with building owners to tailor it to their
needs.
Waking watch

Many security companies began to provide waking watch
services as a direct response to the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

Waking watch security wardens patrol all floors, as well as
the exterior of a high-rise building. As personnel are on site
24/7, they can quickly discover a fire if it breaks out, alert the
emergency services and ensure everyone in the building is
fully informed of what is going on and evacuated safely – in a
prearranged plan.

With a waking watch, residents and building owners are
reassured that they are protected day and night by a
professional team patrolling the building.
Waking watch teams usually comprise three types of
personnel: fire wardens, fire marshals and fire watchmen.
They are highly skilled and qualified to ensure they are alert to
any fire and safety issues which arise. Staff undergo training
before being deployed so building owners and residents can
feel confident that the team is familiar with the building and
knows exactly what to do in the event of fire.
It’s an important role that the security industry plays in fire
safety by providing trained and professional wardens to keep
residents safe. These wardens can work with the building’s
Responsible Person to implement the best strategy. Under

47