Martin Lee, Business Development Manager for the UK and Ireland at Hyfire, delves into the financial burden of waking watches and highlights the benefits of advanced wireless fire systems
In a startling revelation, a waking watch attendant hired as part of a £500,000 contract was reportedly found ‘hiding’ in a cupboard instead of patrolling a Plymouth block of flats.
The incident at the development known as Latitude 52 – where waking watch was introduced post-Grenfell due to defective cladding – has cast a shadow over the reliability and cost-effectiveness of waking watch services, prompting a reevaluation of temporary fire safety measures in residential buildings.
The high cost of human monitoring
Waking watch, while initially seen as a necessary immediate response to fire safety concerns post-Grenfell, have proven to be an expensive and, at times, unreliable solution.
The annual service charges for residents of Latitude 52 skyrocketed fivefold within a year, from £1,600 to £8,000, largely due to the costs associated with maintaining a 24-hour patrol.
This financial strain, coupled with the recent incident, has left many in the fire industry questioning the sustainability and efficiency of such human-centric approaches to fire safety.
The technological alternative: smarter, cheaper, more reliable
In contrast to the traditional waking watch, modern fire technologies offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
Systems equipped with wireless fire devices, such as Hyfire’s own Taurus range, capable of monitoring not just smoke but also the status of doors and windows in exterior walls, represent a significant advancement in ensuring building safety.
These devices can be added rapidly to new or existing fire systems, providing continuous monitoring without the need for human intervention, reducing the potential for error and the hefty price tag associated with waking watches.
Enhanced effectiveness through comprehensive monitoring
Unlike waking watch, which relies on the presence and attentiveness of individuals, technological solutions offer constant surveillance of all critical points within a building.
This not only includes the detection of smoke or fire but also monitors the integrity of escape routes and barriers against fire spread.
The integration of such technology ensures that any irregularities are immediately identified and addressed, offering a proactive approach to fire safety.
Substantial cost savings
The initial investment in fire safety technology can be offset by the significant savings over time, especially when compared to the ongoing costs of a waking watch.
For instance, the residents of Latitude 52 faced nearly £900,000 in fire safety-related charges over two years, a financial burden that could have been drastically reduced with the adoption of a comprehensive wireless fire system.
The scalability and flexibility of technological solutions also mean that they can be tailored to the specific needs of each building, ensuring effective protection without unnecessary expenditure.
Insurance implications and risk management
The use of combustible cladding has not only increased the risk of fire outbreaks in high-rise buildings; it has also led to a surge in insurance premiums.
Insurers now demand more stringent fire safety measures as a precondition for coverage.
The adoption of comprehensive fire systems like Hyfire’s wireless solutions, pending the replacement of defective cladding, are becoming vital to meet these demands.
In light of this, property managers must engage in proactive risk management, incorporating advanced fire safety systems to align with the insurers’ requirements, mitigate potential fire hazards, and ensure insurability of the property.
Long-term safety and property value
Fire systems have a direct correlation with the long-term viability and value of property assets.
The installation of state-of-the-art wireless systems is an investment in the building’s infrastructure that can offset the devaluation caused by combustible cladding, even if it cannot be immediately replaced.
Such systems, beyond providing immediate safety benefits, signal to prospective buyers and tenants that the building is managed with a forward-looking approach to safety and compliance, potentially boosting its market value and appeal in a waking that Waking Watch cannot.
Installation logistics and occupant considerations
The logistical challenges of upgrading fire systems in occupied buildings are significant.
Wireless systems present a less intrusive option, with minimal installation impact, avoiding the need for disruptive cabling work and significantly reducing the time required on-site.
This benefits both the installers and residents by ensuring quick, efficient, and non-invasive upgrades to the building’s fire safety infrastructure.
Once they systems are commissioned, they also offer far less intrusion than the physical presence of a Waking Watch service, as well as removing the daily reminder that human patrols provide.
Future-proofing fire safety measures
Adopting adaptable and scalable fire safety solutions ensures that buildings are prepared for both current and future safety standards.
Modern fire safety systems are designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind, ensuring that they remain effective as standards evolve.
The modular design of Hyfire devices, for example, allows for straightforward reconfiguration, making wireless an enduring solution that can be updated or expanded in line with new technologies or regulations, or repurposed as part of a BS8629-compliant evacuation alert system once the cladding issue has been rectified.
Moving forward: policy and implementation
The incident at Latitude 52 serves as a critical reminder of the need for a paradigm shift in fire safety strategies.
With a backlog of up to a decade in cladding remediation, it also underscores the importance of transitioning from temporary, human-dependent measures to semi-permanent, technology-based solutions.
Policymakers and building owners must prioritise the installation of advanced fire safety systems, not only to enhance the safety and security of residents but also to ensure economic viability of residential buildings.
Government and industry support
The transition to technology-driven fire solutions requires the support of both government and industry stakeholders.
Initiatives to provide funding and incentives for the installation of modern fire safety systems can facilitate this shift, ensuring that residents are not burdened with prohibitive costs.
Moreover, regulatory frameworks must evolve to recognise and encourage the adoption of these advanced technologies, setting new standards for fire safety in residential buildings.
A call for change
The case of Latitude 52 is a poignant illustration of the limitations and risks associated with waking watches.
It serves as a catalyst for change, urging a move towards smarter, more reliable, and cost-effective fire solutions for cladding-blighted buildings.
By embracing technological advances, we can ensure the safety of our buildings and the wellbeing of their residents, leaving the outdated and costly methods of the past behind.
About the author
Martin Lee is Business Development Manager for the UK and Ireland at Hyfire.
He brings over 26 years of experience in the fire industry, having previously held senior sales roles with several globally recognised manufacturers.
Now at Hyfire, Martin is charged with developing the brand and promoting it to key partners, end users, and consultants.
He envisions a future where wireless continues to grow and becomes the default choice for installers and end users.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.