Which facility types are prioritized for ordering a fire watch when an alarm system is unreliable?

High life safety and healthcare facilities are prioritized for ordering a fire watch when an alarm system is unreliable because these types of facilities house vulnerable populations and environments that require immediate and reliable fire safety measures. In healthcare settings and similar facilities, the occupants may include patients who cannot evacuate themselves quickly or efficiently in the event of a fire, making proactive measures critical.

Furthermore, high life safety facilities often hold a significant number of individuals who may not be fully aware of their surroundings or able to respond adequately to an emergency situation. In such cases, having a dedicated fire watch ensures that if a fire occurs, there is someone present to monitor for danger, inform the occupants, and assist with evacuation if needed.

While other facility types—like factories, sports complexes, and restaurants—also need fire safety measures, the level of risk and the potential impact of a fire event are greater in healthcare and high life-safety facilities. The heightened need for immediate responses in these locations justifies their prioritization for fire watches when alarm systems fail.