A fire watch is implemented to ensure the fire-safety of a building or area in the event of any act, e.g., hot work, or situation that may pose an increased risk to persons or property. The term "Fire Watch" is used to identify a procedure for the detection of fire by person(s) designated when automatic detection systems are disabled.
One or more qualified persons are to be on fire watch duty
A fire watch is required when Hot Work is being performed.
A fire watch may be required in the event of temporary failure of the
alarm system or where activities require the interruption of any fire detection, suppression or alarm system component.
The persons performing a fire watch are not permitted to perform any other duties.
Fire watch personnel are to keep diligent watch for fires in the areas affected. The person or persons performing the fire watch are not to be permitted to perform any other duties. The building shall be patrolled at least once per hour on a 24 hour basis until the fire alarm and or fire protection system has been restored to normal operating condition.
Fire watch personnel are to be familiar with facilities and procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire and have a means of notifying the Emergency Services.
Fire watch personnel are to have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use.
The quantity of personnel involved in the fire watch is to be adequate such that each floor, level, and room of the fire area is covered including all common areas, public corridors, stairwells, storage/locker rooms, mechanical/machinery rooms, electrical, boiler and other fuel fired appliance rooms, parking garages, service rooms and offices are to be patrolled during the Fire Watch.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF A FIRE WATCH
Watch out for fire hazards in the workplace while work is performed by other employees.
Maintain the conditions and requirements stated on the safety permit.
Keep flammable materials from ignition sources.
Stop operations if you find any hazardous condition.
In the event of fire, extinguish it immediately or turn a fire alarm on.
Call 911 or the emergency alarm number.
ANY CONDITION IN THE WORKPLACE, WHETHER USUAL OR UNEXPECTED, DETERMINES YOUR BASIC DUTIES AS A FIRE WATCH. SOME OF THEM ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Make sure you and other employees are aware of the exact location of fire-fighting equipment in the immediate area.
Maintain constant means of communication as much as possible, keep visual and voice contact with other employees.
Before and during each shift, inspect the entire work area and look for potential release of flammable vapors or liquids.
Be prepared to operate fire extinguishers, hydrants, fixed monitors, and hose carts anytime.
Never leave the job site while the work is being done. If you have to leave, stop the job and notify workers that you are “standing-by-for”.
When all operations are done, do not leave the work site unless you’re sure that there are no hot sparks, burning embers and other fire hazards.
Return all fire-fighting equipment to their original location.
