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        WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS

 

 

FIRE WATCH

A fire watch is a system for controlling accidental fires around construction operations which could cause heat, sparks, or fires. A fire watcher is a person with extinguishers or a small hose, who is trained to watch for fires and extinguish them immediately or call for assistance. Welding, cutting, hot roofing, grinding, and similar operations may require one or more persons posted on fire watch.

OSHA requires a fire watch if there is combustible building construction or contents within 35 feet of where you’re working; if there are easy-to-ignite materials within 35 feet; or if there are holes, cracks, or other ways by which sparks could escape to adjacent or concealed areas. Remember, not all sparks die harmlessly. Sparks go rolling, bouncing, flying, or falling into trouble. Sparks, hot slag, and molten metal start many fires. A fire watch is also needed where there are combustibles on the other side of nearby metal walls, ceilings, or partitions that are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation. A fire watch must be maintained through lunch or any rest breaks and must extend beyond completion of the work by at least 30 minutes. Afterward, a careful inspection of the immediate area and adjacent areas will help detect smoldering embers which could start fires after everyone is gone.

A fire watcher is assigned during most hot work permit situations. A permit system is a proactive way to control hazards during welding or cutting operations. When a welder and a supervisor or safety officer sign a permit, a determination is made whether a fire watcher is required. Once this decision has been made, one or more fire watch personnel will be assigned. That’s where you come in.

When you’re assigned to fire watch, you need to take your job seriously. There are many things you need to think about before being on fire watch. Do you know where the nearest fire exit is? Do you know how to turn in an alarm? Have you made a visual inspection of the work area? Is your fire extinguisher the right kind for the job? Do you have any back-up extinguishers? Do you have a means of signaling the people you are working with? Who is going to take your place when you are on break or out to lunch?

Remember; never try to extinguish fires that are beyond the capacity of the equipment available to you. For more information see 29 CFR 191 0.252(a)(2)(iii).

 

 

Date______________ Company______________________________JobName/No._________________________

Topics Pertaining To Your Project ________________________________________________________________

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Employee Safety Recommendations             ___________________________________________________________

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Meeting Attended By:  Please sign your name and date.

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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.

Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________