Under what circumstances should a fire watch be utilized?

A fire watch should be utilized during operations that could ignite a fire, such as welding or grinding, because these activities generate sparks or heat that can easily ignite surrounding materials. Having a dedicated fire watch in place ensures that there is someone monitoring the work area for signs of fire, equipped to respond quickly to any potential risks or incidents. This is a crucial safety measure, as it helps to protect workers and minimize the chance of a fire spreading in environments where flammable materials or conditions are present.

In this context, a fire watch is not necessary during regular construction activities or site inspections, since these do not inherently produce a flame risk. Additionally, relying solely on a fire alarm being triggered before activating a fire watch would not be proactive enough to prevent fires. A fire watch is essential during high-risk operations to actively monitor and safeguard against fire hazards.