How long should a fire watch keep looking for fires after hot work is completed?

The appropriate duration for a fire watch to remain vigilant after hot work is completed is 60 minutes. This timeframe is established to ensure that any potential fires that could result from hot work, such as welding or cutting operations, are detected and addressed promptly.

During the hot work process, sparks, heated materials, and slag can cause fires in nearby combustible materials. Even after the work has ceased, these lingering hot items can ignite surrounding materials, which is why it's crucial for the fire watch to continue monitoring for at least an hour post-operation.

Having a fire watch for 60 minutes allows for sufficient time to ensure that all materials have cooled down and that no smoldering embers or sparks are present to ignite a fire, thereby enhancing workplace safety and compliance with safety regulations. This practice helps mitigate the risk and ensures that the area is secure before allowing a full return to regular activities.