So, the fire marshal issued the dreaded order: your property needs a fire watch. This is often done when a fire alarm, fire sprinkler, standpipe, or other fire protection system is out of service due to damage Fire Watch Guards or scheduled maintenance.
Fire watches can feel overwhelming to many property owners and they can also be expensive, given the diversion of manpower or hiring of outside contractors to keep a watchful eye on the building. But the execution of one while a fire protection system is undergoing quick repairs or revisions should be straightforward—when it’s organized properly.
In this blog, we shed light on this oft-misunderstood and underappreciated fire prevention technique, including when fire watches are needed and who should carry them out. And we will dig into the details of what’s required so building owners can execute a fire watch with confidence and in compliance with codes, standards, and laws.
Hot work will be occurring in the building
While “hot work” is most typically associated with welding and cutting, it can mean any type of work that produces a spark or flame, including using a torch or grinding. Hot work is a leading cause of industrial fires and has triggered many other building fires as well, such as this massive 2017 blaze in Brighton, Colo. that destroyed three businesses. Watch the news clip below to see the devastation caused by welding work in an auto body shop in the building:
Between 2013 and 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 4,630 fires incited by hot work, NFPA reports, causing an average of 15 deaths, 198 injuries, and $355 million in direct property damage every year.
Hot work can throw sparks and molten material more than 35 feet during welding, cutting, and grinding. These sparks and hot slag are typically burning above 1,000°F—more than enough to easily ignite paper, wood, flammable liquids, vapors, and any other combustibles in the area.
Unfortunately, there are few locations in the average facility that consistently lack combustible materials within 35 feet in all directions. Cracks in floor openings and ducts can transmit sparks to hidden locations as well. The intense heat generated by hot work can also ignite nearby combustibles, such as walls with combustible coverings or insulation.
Fire watches are required during any hot work activity and for at least 30 minutes after the work is completed in order to reduce the potential for ignitions and large fire losses. There’s a single exception: when there are no fire hazards or combustible materials in the hot work area.
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