About Fire watch

A fire watch is a dedicated safety role focused solely on identifying, monitoring, and responding to fire hazards in environments where fire risks are elevated—such as during hot work operations (e.g., welding, grinding), when fire detection systems are impaired, or in areas with combustible materials.

1. Continuous Monitoring and Patrols
   Fire watch personnel conduct regular inspections of the premises, including high-risk areas like storage rooms, attics, and crawl spaces, to identify potential fire hazards such as faulty wiring, flammable materials, or blocked emergency exits.
    
2. Immediate Response to Fire Incidents
   Upon detecting a fire, fire watch personnel must act swiftly by alerting the fire department (e.g., by calling 911), initiating evacuation procedures, and using fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment to attempt to control or extinguish small fires, if it is safe to do so.
    
3. Communication and Coordination
   Maintaining clear communication with workers, supervisors, and emergency services is crucial. Fire watch personnel are responsible for notifying occupants of fire hazards and coordinating with emergency responders to ensure a swift and efficient response to fire emergencies.
    
4. Documentation and Record Keeping
   Fire watch personnel maintain detailed logs of their activities, including inspections, hazards identified, actions taken, and any incidents that occur during their shifts. These records are invaluable for future reference and analysis.
    
5. Equipment Readiness and Safety Compliance
   Ensuring that firefighting equipment is accessible, functional, and properly maintained is a key responsibility. Fire watch personnel also verify that fire exits and escape routes are unobstructed and that fire alarm systems are operational.
    

• Exclusive Duty: Fire watch personnel must focus solely on fire safety tasks and are prohibited from engaging in other duties during their shifts.
   
• Patrol Frequency: Depending on the assessed level of fire risk, patrols typically occur every 15, 30, or 60 minutes. For example, areas with high flammability may require shorter patrol intervals.
   
• Communication Tools: Fire watch personnel should be equipped with reliable means of communication, such as cell phones or two-way radios, to contact emergency services promptly.