Waking Watch
Delivering risk mitigation and peace of mind for residents during cladding testing, remedial replacement works, fire system fault repairs, upgrades or replacement.
The Parkguard Difference:
- Expertise and Experience: With years of dedicated service, we have developed significant expertise in fire prevention for multi-occupancy homes.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that every building is unique and provide customised responses that align with the specific needs of each situation.
- Collaborative Approach: Our close partnerships with statutory bodies and housing providers ensure a cohesive and comprehensive fire safety strategy.
- Resident Focused: We prioritise the safety and peace of mind of residents, engaging actively to address concerns and provide reassurance during fire safety improvements.
- Compliance and Standards: Our services adhere to the highest standards of governance and compliance, ensuring reliable and accountable fire safety measures.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, Parkguard Ltd responded proactively to assist Housing Providers and Local Authorities during critical assessments of building fire safety and the implementation of necessary improvements. Since then, we have been steadfast in delivering Waking Watch services across London and the Home Counties, collaborating closely with statutory bodies, leading housing providers, and Fire & Rescue Services (FRS).
Our extensive experience places us at the forefront of the evolving response to fire prevention in multi-occupancy residential buildings. Recognising the complex interactions between people, buildings, and fire, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. Therefore, we provide tailored responses aligned with current best practices to ensure optimal risk mitigation, offering reassurance and peace of mind to residents undergoing fire safety enhancements.
Our Comprehensive Threefold Approach consists of:
Assessment
Once a Waking Watch is identified as the appropriate solution based on the building’s specific needs and those of its residents and landlords, we:
- Determine Staffing Needs: Calculate the sufficient number of trained staff required to safeguard residents effectively.
- Customised Training: Identify and implement specific staff training requirements.
- Holistic Safety Measures: Utilise our extensive experience to consider all fire safety measures collectively rather than in isolation.
- Risk Mitigation Planning: Develop a bespoke Waking Watch strategy that efficiently and effectively minimises risks.
Ongoing Prevention Activities
We are committed to proactive fire prevention through:
- Fire Safety Enhancement: Regularly reviewing and improving building fire precautions.
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Establishing and training staff on PEEPs for residents needing assistance.
- Real-Time Reporting: Continuously reporting issues to maintenance teams as they arise.
- Resident Engagement: Addressing concerns and ensuring swift communication with relevant departments.
- Compliance Oversight: Maintaining high compliance standards through regular staff supervision.
- Patrols & Hazard Identification: Conducting tracked patrols, removing combustible hazards, and ensuring clear evacuation routes.
- Evacuation Drills: Regular drills to confirm effective resident alerts and evacuation procedures.
- Continuous Improvement: Using drills to refine safety processes.
- FRS Collaboration: Working with Fire Rescue Service to implement necessary updates.
Early Detection and Emergency Response
Our vigilant monitoring ensures prompt action in the event of a fire:
- Routine Patrols: Conducting specific patrol routines to monitor for any signs of fire.
- Immediate Action: Quickly establishing and confirming the location upon suspicion of fire.
- Emergency Services Notification: Summoning the FRS without delay and manually initiating fire alarm systems.
- Resident Alert and Evacuation Support: Ensuring all residents are alerted to begin simultaneous evacuation and providing assistance as required.
- PEEP Implementation: Acting according to the management strategy and PEEPs to support residents needing assistance.
- FRS Coordination: Meeting the FRS upon arrival to support the simultaneous evacuation strategy effectively.