74 BULLETIN 801, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
WATCHMAN SERVICE. 
Watchman service is an asset of variable value. The reliable 
service of one or more alert and able-bodied watchmen should be 
provided for plants of any considerable size. This is a form of 
protection which may be worth very much or nothing, depending 
on the character and duties of the watchmen. The regular tour 
of the watchman should be assured by well- distributed watch stations 
and a recording clock. The watch stations should be so distributed 
that in visiting them in sequence every part of the plant can be 
viewed. The equipment may consist of a portable watchman's clock 
carried by the watchman. The clock provides a specially ruled 
paper dial which is punched by the keys contained in and securely 
attached to the different watch station boxes. The paper dial is 
not otherwise accessible to the watchman. These paper disks are 
removed daily and filed in the office, thus effecting a record of the 
time at which the stations were visited. This form of equipment 
and service is adapted to most warehouses. 
Large plants should be equipped with the central station watch 
service. In this case the recording clock is located at the watch 
office and the record of reports is punched on a paper tape. The 
watch stations provide a signaling mechanism electrically connected 
to the central station. When the watchman turns a key the number 
of this station together with the hour is registered upon the tape 
record at the watch office. If the signal is not given at or soon after 
the schedule time some one from the office is sent to the box to in- 
vestigate the delinquency. In case any watchman on his rounds 
discovers fire, he uses this same station for turning in an alarm, 
which is transmitted to and automatically registered at the central 
watch office. The wachman then gives his attention to the fire, 
and is assured of prompt assistance directed from the watch office, 
while the other watchmen not otherwise directed continue their 
rounds. 
Any system of watch service should be based upon a regular 
schedule, or tour, for the watchman, prepared by some one who 
has a knowledge of fire protective service. Insurance bureaus are 
glad to render this assistance. The interval set between visits of 
the watchman depends upon the general hazard, but should not 
exceed half an hour. 
PRIVATE FIRE BRIGADE. 
Organization for systematic team work in dealing with a fire 
should not be neglected. Years may pass without even an ah.rm, 
but this is not a good reason for not training employees of the plant 
as a private fire brigade. Each individual should understand fully 
