Definition
Waking Watch
A waking watch is a temporary fire safety measure involving trained personnel patrolling a building continuously to detect fire and alert residents — typically imposed on multi-occupied residential buildings where cladding or passive fire protection defects pose an unacceptable life risk. It is an interim measure pending permanent remediation and can be replaced by a common fire alarm system once BS 5839-1 compliance is confirmed.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Enables fire and rescue authorities to require interim fire safety measures — including waking watches — via enforcement or prohibition notices
- BS 5839-1:2017The standard to which a common fire alarm system must comply in order to remove the need for a waking watch
- NFCC Waking Watch guidanceNational Fire Chiefs Council guidance on when waking watches are appropriate, their scope, and arrangements for replacement systems
Related Terms
- Higher-Risk BuildingsFire Regulations & StandardsHigher-risk buildings (HRBs) are multi-occupied residential buildings that are 18 metres or more in height, or have at least 7 storeys, as defined by the Building Safety Act 2022. They are subject to the most stringent fire and building safety requirements in England, including registration with the Building Safety Regulator, appointment of a Principal Accountable Person, and compliance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.View definition
- Building Safety Act 2022Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Building Safety Act 2022 is major UK legislation establishing a new regulatory framework for the design, construction, and occupation of higher-risk buildings — defined as residential buildings of 18 metres or more, or at least 7 storeys. It created the Building Safety Regulator, introduced the Principal Accountable Person role, and significantly strengthened legal obligations around fire and structural safety in high-rise residential buildings.View definition
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are secondary legislation under the Fire Safety Act 2021, introducing additional fire safety duties for responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings in England from January 2023. Requirements include quarterly inspections of communal fire doors, provision of fire safety instructions to residents, and — for buildings above 18 metres — installation of an evacuation alert system and a building information box for the fire service.View definition
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
- Fire DrillGeneral Fire SafetyA fire drill is a planned practice evacuation of a building conducted to test emergency procedures, familiarise occupants with evacuation routes and assembly points, and assess fire warden performance. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 9999, fire drills should be held at least annually — more frequently for high-risk or high-turnover premises — and outcomes, including evacuation times and any failures, must be recorded.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A waking watch is a temporary fire safety measure involving trained personnel patrolling a building continuously to detect fire and alert residents — typically imposed on multi-occupied residential buildings where cladding or passive fire protection defects pose an unacceptable life risk. It is an interim measure pending permanent remediation and can be replaced by a common fire alarm system once BS 5839-1 compliance is confirmed.
Requirements for waking watch in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Waking Watch and Higher-Risk Buildings are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to waking watch. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.