Fire Protection »
Fire Watches
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Fire watches (Figure 1) are used to prevent and/or extinguish fires at the
incipient (beginning) stage. They monitor the hot work sites to ensure that
conditions do not change when combustible materials cannot be effectively
removed, protected or shielded. Fire watches also require specialized training
and are assigned to minimize damage that may be caused by a fire. If a fire
occurs, they take appropriate actions to protect all workers.
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Figure 1. Fire watch observing hot work on a vessel.
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Fire
Watches |
Potential Hazards:
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Combustible materials cannot be removed, protected or
shielded.
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Climbing ladders with heavy fire extinguishing equipment.
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Possible exposure to welding or toxic fumes.
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Transfer of heat from one space to another or to spaces below.
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Fire in adjacent spaces.
- Coverings used to protect equipment may not be fire retardant.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- For employees performing fire watch activities, a
written policy must be created and maintained specifying: [1915.504(a)]
- A fire watch (Figure 2) must be posted during hot work when any of the following
conditions are present: [1915.504(b)]
- Slag, weld splatter, or sparks might pass through an opening and cause a
fire (Figure 3). [1915.504(b)(1)]
- Fire-resistant guards or curtains are not used to prevent ignition of
combustible materials on or near decks, bulkheads, partitions, or overheads.
[1915.504(b)(2)]
- Combustible material closer than 35 feet to the hot work cannot be removed, protected with
flame-proof covers, or shielded with metal or fire-resistant
guards or curtains. [1915.504(b)(3)]
- Hot work is performed on or near insulation, combustible coatings, or
sandwich-type construction that cannot be shielded, cut back, or removed, or
in a space within a sandwich type construction that cannot be inerted. [1915.504(b)(4)]
- Combustible materials adjacent to the opposite sides of bulkheads, decks,
overheads, metal partitions, or sandwich-type construction may be ignited by
conduction or radiation. [1915.504(b)(5)]
- Hot work is close enough to cause ignition through heat radiation or
conduction on: [1915.504(b)(6)]
- Work is close enough to unprotected combustible pipe or cable runs to
cause ignition. [1915.504(b)(7)]
- A Marine Chemist, a Coast Guard-authorized person, or a shipyard
Competent Person requires that a fire
watch be posted. [1915.504(b)(8)]
- A fire watch must not be assigned to other duties while hot work is in
progress. [1915.504(c)(1)]
- A fire watch must: [1915.504(c)(2)]
- Have a clear view of and immediate access to all areas included in the fire
watch. [1915.504(c)(2)(i)]
- Be able to communicate with workers exposed to hot work. [1915.504(c)(2)(ii)]
- Be authorized to stop work if necessary and restore safe conditions within
the hot work area. [1915.504(c)(2)(iii)]
- Remain in the hot work area for at least 30 minutes after completion of the
hot work unless the employer or its representative surveys the exposed area
and makes a determination that there is no further fire hazard. [1915.504(c)(2)(iv)]
- Be trained to detect fires that occur in areas exposed to the hot work.
[1915.504(c)(2)(v)]
- Attempt to extinguish any incipient stage fires in the hot work area that
are within the capability of
available equipment and within the fire watch's training qualifications. [1915.504(c)(2)(vi)
and
1915.508]
- Alert employees of any fire beyond the incipient stage. [1915.504(c)(2)(vii)]
- Activate the alarm if unable to extinguish fire in the areas
exposed to the hot work. [1915.504(c)(2)(viii)]
- Be physically capable of performing fire watch duties. [1915.504(c)(3)]
- Assign additional fire watch in adjacent spaces.
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Figure 2.
Fire watches in spaces with fire extinguisher.
Figure 3.
Fire watch with hot work (sparks) in the background.
Figure 4. Flame-retardant protective covers on cable to protect against
hot work damage.
Figure 5. Figure 5. 1½ inch fire hose ready to be charged on main deck of
vessel.
Figure 6.
Fire truck on dock attempting to extinguish fire on vessel.
Figure 7. Local fire department on site for response.
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations |
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When a fire occurs, attempt to extinguish. If not successful, evacuate space and
sound the alarm.
[1915.504(c)(2)(vi)
and (viii)]
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Fire watch should ensure that protective covers remain in place and watch where
sparks are flying.
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Have appropriate carrier for fire extinguishing bottles (Figure 8) when climbing ladders.
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Fire watch has appropriate PPE for the condition such as:
- respiratory protection equal to the protection for the welder
- eye protection and shielding allowing them to evaluate the surrounding area
- Use adequate protective covering that is flame-resistant when conducting
hot work.
- Train workers to recognize protective coverings that are not fire
retardant.
- Label fire retardant coverings for easy recognition.
- Sample Fire Safety Plans.
Shipbuilders Council of America, (2006).
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Figure 8.
Fire extinguisher with carrying strap. |
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