What role does a fire watch have during construction activities?

A fire watch plays a critical role in ensuring safety during construction activities by monitoring for potential fire hazards. This position is essential when flammable materials are present or when operations may produce sparks or heat, such as welding or cutting. The fire watch is tasked with observing the work environment and identifying any signs of fire or smoke, ensuring that any ignition sources are managed effectively.

This responsibility encompasses not only vigilance over active construction sites but also maintaining clear emergency access routes and being prepared to implement fire safety protocols if a situation arises. They must also keep fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment readily available and operational, ready to respond quickly in the event of a fire. While supervising workers, conducting safety training, and handling equipment for fire extinguishing may be part of overall safety operations at a construction site, the primary focus of the fire watch is specifically the continuous monitoring for fire hazards, making this role vital in preventing fire incidents.