Hot-Work Fire Watch
Hot-Work Fire Watch for Welding, Cutting, and Roofing
Hot work throws sparks and slag, conducts heat through assemblies, and can leave a smoldering ignition source that does not become a visible fire until long after the tools are put away. Hot-work permit programs therefore call for a dedicated watch during the operation and for a defined period after it ends. 513 Firewatch supplies personnel whose only assignment is that watch.
Hot-work fire-watch requirements may arise under the Ohio Fire Code, applicable OSHA standards, the project's hot-work permit, and site-specific safety procedures.
Review fire watch compliance requirementsOperations we cover
- Welding, cutting, and brazing
- Grinding and abrasive operations producing sparks
- Soldering and torch-applied work
- Torch-applied and heat-welded roofing
- Thawing, heat-shrink, and other open-flame processes
- Work performed in or adjacent to occupied space or concealed construction
How a dedicated hot-work watch is staffed
Personnel are positioned where they can see the work area and the exposed side of the assembly when the permit calls for it, remain free of other duties, know the extinguishing equipment location and use, and stay on station for the post-work monitoring period named on the permit. The permit, facility policy, or authority having jurisdiction sets those durations — we staff to the requirement you provide rather than assuming one.
Documentation your permit file needs
- Permit or work-order reference and location of the operation
- Watch start, operation end, and post-work monitoring end times
- Personnel assigned to the watch
- Precautions observed and any hazards identified
- Notifications made and corrective actions taken
- Final sign-off that the area was left in a safe condition
Hot Work Questions
Do your personnel perform the welding or cutting?
No. Hot-work operations are performed by your trades or contractor. Our personnel are the dedicated watch, which is a separate role from the person doing the work.
How long does the watch continue after the work stops?
That period is defined by your hot-work permit, facility policy, or the authority having jurisdiction. Give us the required duration and personnel remain on station for it and document the end time.
Need Fire Watch Coverage?
Contact 513 Firewatch to discuss the affected system, property conditions, required start time, patrol instructions, and documentation needs.