What is a fire watch, and when is it required?

A fire watch is defined as the presence of a designated individual whose primary responsibility is to monitor for fires during hot work operations, such as welding, cutting, or grinding, where sparks and heat are generated and can ignite combustible materials. The requirement for a fire watch emerges when there are potential fire hazards present due to these activities. This includes not only the immediate vicinity of the hot work but also any areas where sparks may potentially reach combustible or flammable materials.

The presence of a fire watch is critical because it ensures immediate action can be taken if a fire does start, thus minimizing the potential for damage and injury. The designated person conducting the fire watch must be trained in fire safety and response protocols, enabling them to operate extinguishers properly and alert emergency services if necessary.

This role is not to be confused with security personnel or other groups focused on site safety or emergency response for non-fire-related incidents. The function of a fire watch is distinct and specifically oriented towards mitigating fire risks during high-temperature work activities.