What is the purpose of a fire watch?

The purpose of a fire watch is to monitor fire hazards during hot work operations. When activities such as welding, cutting, or grinding take place, there is an inherent risk of sparks or heat igniting nearby flammable materials, creating a dangerous situation. A fire watch is established to observe the work area for signs of fire, ensure that ignition sources do not escape, and to take immediate action if a fire does occur. This role is critical in maintaining safety during operations that could lead to fire incidents, thereby protecting workers, property, and the surrounding environment.

In this context, managing worksite delays, structuring worker breaks, and ensuring productivity are not related to the specific responsibilities of a fire watch and do not address the primary safety focus on preventing fires during hazardous work.