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Triton Security
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Research from September 2024 revealed that over 5,000 high-rise buildings in Scotland are clad with flammable materials*, affecting approximately 25,000 residents.
This underscores the ongoing need for vigilant fire safety measures and remediation efforts to address potential hazards in these structures.
In the wake of these fire safety concerns, Scotland has intensified its focus on protecting residents in high-rise buildings. A pivotal measure in this endeavour is the implementation of Waking Watch systems. This article delves into the significance of Waking Watch, recent legislative revisions in Scotland and the imperative of bolstering fire safety in high-rise structures.
*ProjectScot
A Waking Watch involves trained wardens conducting continuous patrols throughout a building to detect signs of fire and facilitate a prompt evacuation if necessary.
Waking Watch wardens are responsible for:
Regular Patrols: Waking Watch teams conduct systematic patrols throughout the premises, paying special attention to communal areas and high-risk locations such as stairwells, storage rooms and shared facilities. These patrols help identify fires before they can spread as well as hazards such as obstructed fire exits, improperly stored flammable materials and potential ignition sources.
Immediate Response: In the event of a fire, Waking Watch personnel act swiftly by raising the alarm, alerting residents and contacting emergency services. Their rapid action helps contain the situation and prevent the fire from spreading, allowing for a more coordinated emergency response.
Assisting Evacuation: Many residents in high-rise buildings require additional assistance during an evacuation due to mobility issues or disabilities. Fire wardens and Waking Watch personnel provide physical assistance where needed so that residents reach designated assembly points safely. They also help guide emergency responders to vulnerable individuals who may need specialised evacuation support.
Monitoring Systems: Fire safety equipment such as alarms, sprinklers and emergency lighting must always be functional. Waking Watch teams routinely check and report any issues with fire safety, fixing faults before they compromise the safety of the building and its occupants.
Resident Education: Educating residents about fire safety plays an important role in preventing fire incidents. Waking Watch teams and fire wardens conduct regular safety briefings, fire drills and awareness sessions to ensure that occupants understand emergency evacuation procedures, recognise high-risk behaviours and know how to respond to a fire alarm effectively.
In response to fire safety defects identified in certain high-rise buildings, the Scottish Government has mandated the implementation of Waking Watch systems.
Notably in 2023, a 24-hour Waking Watch was instituted in a Glasgow high-rise following a fire safety inspection that revealed significant defects, particularly related to cladding. This measure remains until permanent solutions are enacted.
Also, the Single Building Assessment*, helps to identify fire safety risks in high-rise buildings across Scotland. If serious hazards are found, Scottish Ministers have the authority to order evacuations to protect residents. The goal of this initiative is to assess the level of fire risk in buildings, particularly those with unsafe cladding and take immediate action where required. If a building is deemed unsafe, the government can enforce evacuation and mandate corrective safety measures to protect lives.
These actions underscore the government’s commitment to resident safety and its proactive stance in mitigating fire hazards.
Gov.scot*
Accurate and current data on fire incidents is essential for informed decision-making.
Recent Scottish statistics indicate that in the fourth quarter of 2023-24, there were 196 deliberately started building fires in Scotland, a decrease from 234 in the same period the previous year.
Specific data on accidental fires in high-rise buildings is limited; however, the overall trend shows a reduction in fire incidents, reflecting the effectiveness of improved safety measures.
While these figures are promising, continuous efforts are necessary to maintain and further this downward trend.
High-rise buildings pose unique fire safety challenges that demand a proactive and well-planned approach. Some of the most pressing challenges include:
Cladding Concerns: One of the most alarming risks in recent years has been the discovery of unsafe cladding on thousands of buildings across Scotland. Combustible cladding materials, like those linked to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, pose a serious risk by accelerating the spread of fire across building exteriors. Despite efforts to remove and replace hazardous cladding, many buildings remain vulnerable, leaving residents at continued risk.
Complex Evacuations: Moving people swiftly and safely from multiple storeys presents significant logistical difficulties. Residents with limited mobility, disabilities, or age-related impairments may require additional assistance, increasing evacuation time and requiring well-trained staff to provide support. In large buildings, crowded stairwells and limited exit routes can further complicate evacuation procedures. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing individualised escape strategies for those who require assistance. Property managers and fire wardens should ensure that PEEPs are in place, regularly updated and communicated to all relevant staff.
Fire Spread Potential: The design and construction of a high-rise building can influence how quickly fire spreads. Poor compartmentation, inadequate fire doors, and insufficient firestopping measures can all allow flames and smoke to travel unchecked, endangering lives and making fire containment difficult for emergency services. Without proper fire-resistant barriers, a small fire can escalate into a major incident within minutes.
Addressing these issues requires a combination of robust fire safety systems, thorough risk assessments and well-trained fire safety personnel. Waking Watch patrols play a critical role in mitigating these risks by providing constant monitoring, assisting with swift evacuation and ensuring that fire safety measures are properly implemented.
The deployment of Waking Watch services provides key advantages outlined below:
Early Fire Detection: Trained personnel can spot and respond to fire hazards before they escalate.
Increased Resident Safety: A visible fire safety presence reassures residents and helps prevent panic during emergencies.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting fire safety regulations helps building owners avoid fines and legal consequences while ensuring residents are protected.
While Waking Watch is a necessary short-term solution, permanent measures are needed to improve fire safety in high-rise buildings. One of the most urgent areas of focus is cladding remediation. Removing and replacing hazardous cladding materials is essential to reducing fire risks. The Scottish Government is actively working to assess and address these risks. Until unsafe cladding is fully removed, residents remain at risk, reinforcing the need for immediate and decisive action.
Investing in improved fire safety infrastructure is another important step. Modern fire detection and alarm systems, along with sprinkler installations, significantly improve a building’s ability to detect, control and suppress fires before they escalate. Upgrading outdated fire safety technology ensures that high-rise buildings are better equipped to prevent fire incidents and protect residents.
Resident fire safety training is equally important in ensuring preparedness. Regular fire drills, evacuation rehearsals and awareness campaigns help occupants understand what to do in the event of a fire. Building managers and landlords must prioritise fire safety education so that every resident knows how to respond effectively in an emergency.
Triton Security provides expert fire safety solutions designed for high-rise buildings in Scotland. From Waking Watch services to fire risk assessments, we help keep your residents safe, compliant and prepared for any emergency. Contact us today to discuss.
