When is an F08 Fire Safety Director required?

An F08 Fire Safety Director is required in high-rise office buildings, large hotels, and certain public assembly spaces to oversee emergency procedures and fire safety systems.

How quickly can I get certified fire guards on-site?

Metro Fire Safety offers 24/7 emergency coverage. In most cases, we can have certified F01 or F08 personnel on-site the same day.

Are your fire guards licensed and insured?

Yes. All of our fire safety personnel are FDNY-certified, fully insured, and trained to meet the latest NYC Fire Code requirements.

Do I need fire guard staffing during hot work?

Yes. NYC Fire Code requires fire guards to be present during hot work operations like welding or torch cutting to prevent and respond to fire hazards.

What is the difference between an F85 and F89 certification?

The F89 Fire Life Safety Director certification replaced the F85, providing expanded training in emergency preparedness, non-fire emergencies, and building safety protocols for NYC properties.

Does every NYC building need a Fire Life Safety Director?

Not every building, but all high-rise commercial buildings, assembly spaces, hotels over 75 feet, and other FDNY-specified properties are required to have a certified Fire Life Safety Director on staff.

Can Metro Fire Safety provide 24/7 Fire Life Safety Director coverage?

Yes. Metro Fire Safety offers full-time and emergency Fire Life Safety Director staffing across all five boroughs, ensuring continuous compliance and building protection.

What other fire safety services does Metro Fire Safety provide?

Metro Fire Safety provides FDNY-certified Fire Guards (F01/F85), Fire Watch staffing, fire drills, emergency action planning, and comprehensive compliance support for NYC buildings.

How do I hire a Fire Life Safety Director in NYC?

To hire a licensed Fire Life Safety Director, contact Metro Fire Safety NY by phone at (212) 239-9051 or visit www.MetroFireSafetyNY.com. We provide same-day staffing and full FDNY compliance support for all building types.

When Is an F01 Fire Guard Required in NYC?

In New York City, staying compliant with FDNY fire code isn’t optional — it’s critical for safety and liability. One of the most commonly required positions is the F01 Fire Guard, especially during construction, alarm outages, or temporary safety risks. But when exactly is an F01 fire guard required?

What Is an F01 Fire Guard?

An F01 Fire Guard is a security professional certified by the FDNY to perform fire watch duties. Their job is to monitor buildings, construction sites, or events for potential fire hazards when fire protection systems are out of service.

Common Situations Requiring an F01 Fire Guard

1. Alarm or Sprinkler System Is Down
If your building’s fire alarm or sprinkler system is undergoing maintenance or has been disabled, you are required to post F01-certified personnel for fire watch coverage.

2. Hot Work Operations
Any welding, soldering, or flame-producing activity requires an F01 fire guard to monitor the site during and after the work is complete.

3. Construction or Demolition Sites
Vacant buildings or buildings under renovation often lack active fire protection systems. An F01 guard is needed to patrol and report any hazards.

4. Large Events or Film Shoots
Special events or productions may create temporary fire hazards. An F01 guard ensures that fire code is met during setup, filming, and breakdown.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to post a certified F01 Fire Guard can result in:

FDNY fines or stop-work orders
Insurance violations
Increased liability in the event of a fire

How to Get Certified Fire Guards Quickly

At Metro Fire Safety, we provide FDNY-certified F01 Fire Guards ready for deployment 24/7 throughout NYC. Whether it’s emergency coverage or a scheduled job, we’ve got you covered.

Need fire watch coverage now? Contact us today.