Hot Works Fire Watch

A fire watch is the dedicated monitoring of a hot works area during and after the activity to detect and extinguish fire.
The fire watch must continue for a minimum of 60 minutes after hot works are completed — many fires start hours later.
The fire watch person must remain at the location for the full duration and must not be given other duties simultaneously.
Sparks and hot particles from welding, grinding, and cutting can lodge in gaps, insulation, and combustible materials undetected.
The fire watch person must have a suitable fire extinguisher immediately available and know how to use it.
The hot works permit specifies the fire watch duration — some insurers and sites require longer than the 60-minute minimum.
Before the fire watch begins, the area must be checked above, below, and behind the work location for hidden combustibles.
At the end of the fire watch period, a final inspection must confirm no smouldering, heat, or smoke is present.
The fire watch must be formally signed off on the hot works permit when the watch period is complete.
If the fire watch person detects fire or smouldering, they must raise the alarm and attempt to extinguish only if safe to do so.

Delayed ignition	Sparks lodge in hidden locations and ignite combustible materials hours after hot works finish — the fire watch catches these delayed fires.
Insurance requirement	Most construction insurance policies mandate a post-works fire watch — failing to provide one can invalidate your fire insurance claim.
Dedicated role	The fire watch person must focus solely on watching for fire — combining it with other tasks means fires are missed.

Do

Don't

Assign a dedicated fire watch person for every hot works operation on site.
Ensure the fire watch continues for at least 60 minutes after hot works finish.
Provide the fire watch person with a suitable, charged fire extinguisher at the location.
Check above, below, behind, and around the hot works area before the watch begins.
Keep the fire watch person at the location for the full duration without other duties.
Carry out a final inspection for heat, smoke, or smouldering at the end of the period.
Sign off the fire watch completion on the hot works permit form.
Raise the alarm immediately if fire or smouldering is detected during the watch.
Extend the fire watch period when site rules or insurance require longer than 60 minutes.
Brief the fire watch person on the fire alarm, escape route, and emergency procedure.

DON'T end the fire watch before the minimum 60-minute period has elapsed.
DON'T assign the fire watch person to other duties during the watch period.
DON'T carry out a fire watch without a fire extinguisher immediately available.
DON'T forget to check hidden voids, cavities, and insulation near the hot works area.
DON'T leave the fire watch location for any reason during the watch period.
DON'T sign off the fire watch without a thorough final inspection for heat or smoke.
DON'T leave the hot works permit incomplete — the fire watch must be formally recorded.
DON'T attempt to fight a fire that is beyond the capacity of a single extinguisher.
DON'T assume 60 minutes is always sufficient — check the permit for the required duration.
DON'T start the fire watch without knowing the fire alarm and evacuation procedure.

See also: Hot Works Permit Requirements | Fire Safety Awareness on Site

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