Location
London EC1R
Property
The Hydra Building
Employer
Cledor
Client
Moonstone Management
Background
In early 2025, Cledor was appointed by Moonstone Property Management to provide 24/7 fire warden coverage at The Hydra Building, a five-storey residential development of 36 apartments arranged across two connected blocks.
A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) undertaken under PAS 9980:2022 identified combustible materials within several wall types, including polystyrene insulation and timber substrates at the upper levels. While remedial works were planned, the London Fire Brigade advised that a temporary waking watch should be established to protect residents until the installation of a new fire alarm system and compartmentation improvements were complete.
Deployment and operations
Cledor mobilised a three-shift system (3 x 8-hour rotations), ensuring continuous coverage 24/7. Each shift comprised trained fire wardens and a site supervisor, equipped with:
- High-visibility vests or armbands identifying them as part of the waking watch
- Radios for instant communication
- Airhorns and claxons for emergency alerting
- Flat lists and patrol logs for accurate record-keeping
- Mobile phones for escalation and coordination
Wardens conducted systematic patrols every 30 minutes, covering internal communal areas, stairwells, external elevations and terraces. They also checked fire doors, escape routes and alarm call points, ensuring nothing impeded safe egress.
All personnel completed RoSPA-approved and CPD-accredited e-learning on fire safety awareness, followed by site-specific training focused on evacuation routes, radio communication and resident engagement.
Challenges and coordination
The existing fire alarm system did not meet current standards, necessitating constant human oversight. Cledor coordinated closely with Moonstone and the appointed fire alarm contractor, providing daily reports and ensuring smooth transition during works.
Wardens played an active role in contractor access management, fire safety inspections and liaising with residents, offering reassurance during what could have been an unsettling period.
The London Fire Brigade conducted a compliance visit during this time and commended both the management and Cledor’s team for the professionalism and consistency of the waking watch arrangement.
Demobilisation and outcome
After approximately two months, the new fire alarm system was commissioned and tested, enabling the building to safely revert to a “stay put” strategy. Cledor assisted Moonstone with the handover documentation, ensuring all logs, patrol records and fire-safety observations were formally passed to the managing agent and RMC.
No fire incidents occurred during the deployment – a testament to both the discipline and diligence of the Cledor team and the swift remedial coordination led by Moonstone and the LFB.
Client feedback
“We’ve just had a visit from the London Fire Brigade fire safety officer and he was satisfied with the waking watch – which is great news!”
Moonstone Property Management
