Issued Pursuant to the 2018 International Fire Code – New Jersey Edition

RE: Mandatory Fire Watch – Date(s) and Time(s)
Pursuant to the authority granted under the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), New Jersey Edition, including but not limited to Section 901.7, you are hereby ORDERED to establish and maintain a Fire Watch for the above-referenced premises.

A Fire Watch is defined as the continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified persons for the purpose of:

• Identifying and controlling fire hazards
• Detecting early signs of fire
• Initiating emergency notification
• Promptly notifying the fire department

The Fire Watch shall be in effect IMMEDIATELY and shall remain in place until the impaired system is restored to full operational condition and approval is granted by the Fire Official.

1. Fire Watch personnel shall be approved by the Fire Official and shall be trained in:

• Fire hazard recognition
• Emergency procedures
• Use of portable fire extinguishers
• Immediate notification of the fire department

2. The owner or responsible party shall submit, upon request, documentation identifying:

• Names of Fire Watch personnel
• Contact information
• Proof of qualifications or certifications as required by the Fire Official

3. Fire Watch personnel shall:

• Remain on duty continuously during the impairment
• Have no other duties that would interfere with Fire Watch responsibilities
• Conduct regular patrols of affected areas
• Maintain a written Fire Watch log
• Immediately notify 9-1-1 upon discovery of fire or hazardous conditions

Failure to establish or maintain an approved Fire Watch shall constitute a violation of the 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition, and may result in enforcement action including, but not limited to:

• Issuance of summons
• Orders to vacate or restrict occupancy
• Other remedies as permitted by law

This document is issued pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act (N.J.A.C. 5:70) and the 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition, including but not limited to IFC Section 901.7

When any fire protection system or fire alarm system is placed out of service, impaired, or shut down, a Fire Impairment Coordinator (FIC) shall be designated and shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable fire safety requirements.

The designated Fire Impairment Coordinator shall ensure full compliance with the following requirements:

The Fire Impairment Coordinator shall notify the Fire Official whenever any portion of a fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler system, standpipe system, fire pump, or other fire protection system is impaired or removed from service.

All scheduled impairments shall be requested in writing by the Fire Impairment Coordinator no less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the impairment, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Official.

The written request shall include:

• Date and time the impairment will begin
• Anticipated duration of the impairment
• Specific system(s) affected
• Areas of the building impacted
• Reason for the impairment
• Proposed interim fire safety measures

When required by the Fire Official or Fire Chief, a fire watch shall be established in accordance with IFC Section 901.7.

• Fire watch personnel shall be trained and approved
• Operational parameters shall be determined by the Fire Chief or designee
• Fire watch logs shall be maintained and made available upon request

Approved impairment tags shall be placed at all applicable locations, including but not limited to:

• Fire Department Connections (FDCs)
• Control valves
• Fire alarm control units
• Annunciators
• Fire command centers

Tags shall clearly indicate:

• System impaired
• Date and time of impairment
• Name and contact information of the Fire Impairment Coordinator

Tags shall be removed only after the system has been fully restored and approved.

The Fire Impairment Coordinator shall provide immediate telephone notification to the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) when the system is taken out of service.

Upon restoration, the Fire Impairment Coordinator shall provide telephone notification to the LEA confirming:

• Date and time of restoration
• System returned to full service

Any impairment occurring without approval of the Fire Official shall result in enforcement action in accordance with the Uniform Fire Safety Code of New Jersey, including but not limited to stop-work orders and penalties.

The Fire Impairment Coordinator shall diligently pursue the prompt restoration of all impaired fire protection and fire alarm systems and ensure systems are returned to normal operating condition as soon as practicable.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the responsibilities of the Fire Impairment Coordinator and agree to comply with all applicable requirements of the 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition, and the Uniform Fire Safety Code of New Jersey.

Circuit Intervals: Every 20 to 30 Minutes

You will receive a FIRE WATCH LOG in your email upon submitting this form.

You are REQUIRED to utilized the form during the duration of the fire watch.

Upon completion of the fire watch, this form must be signed and forwarded info@fireprevention31.org. Failure to return this form at the conclusion of the fire watch may result in a penalty of up to $5000.00 dollars.