A fire watch is implemented to ensure the fire safety of a building or area in the event of any hot work, or situation that may pose an increased risk to persons or property. The term “Fire Watch” is used to identify a procedure for the detection of fire by a designated person. Canadian occupational regulations stipulate that the employer is responsible for ensuring workers involved in hot work operations have received adequate instruction and that fire watch workers have demonstrated competency in the use of a portable fire extinguisher.

Only workers who have been trained in the recognition and avoidance or hazards and the safe use of a portable fire extinguisher may perform fire watch tasks. Any time an assessment by the workers supervisor reveals any gaps in the worker’s knowledge or skills, the employer needs to ensure these gaps are addressed through further training and instruction. The fire watch has the responsibility to make certain the hot work area is maintained in a fire-safe condition throughout performance of the hot work and has the authority to stop the hot work if unsafe conditions are observed. Training will help to ensure that fire watch workers understand what their responsibilities are and that they are proficient in the use of a portable fire extinguisher.