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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fire Watchman

💰 $18 - $30 per hour

SafetyConstructionIndustrialSkilled TradesManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

As our Fire Watchman, you will be entrusted with the crucial responsibility of preventing fires before they start. You will be stationed in areas where 'hot work'—such as welding, cutting, brazing, or grinding—is performed. Your primary mission is to observe these operations and the surrounding environment, identify any potential fire hazards, and be prepared to take immediate action. This includes sounding an alarm, attempting to extinguish an incipient stage fire, and ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel. This role is not passive; it requires active surveillance, a deep understanding of fire behavior, and the authority to halt any work deemed unsafe. You are the designated safety guardian for our most high-risk operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer
  • Construction Worker
  • Security Guard

Advancement To:

  • Site Safety Technician
  • Lead Fire Watch
  • Safety Coordinator / Officer

Lateral Moves:

  • Confined Space Attendant
  • Safety Watch

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Maintain a constant and dedicated watch over hot work areas, including welding, cutting, brazing, and grinding operations, to detect and prevent the outbreak of fire.
  • Thoroughly inspect the entire work area before, during, and after hot work to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards, such as combustible materials or flammable liquids.
  • Ensure that all combustible materials are moved to a safe distance (at least 35 feet) from the work zone or are properly covered with fire-resistant tarpaulins.
  • Verify that appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and sand buckets, is readily accessible, fully charged, and in proper working order.
  • Remain on-site for a minimum of 30-60 minutes (as per site policy) after the completion of all hot work activities to monitor for smoldering fires or sparks in concealed spaces.
  • Possess the authority and responsibility to stop any hot work activity immediately if unsafe conditions or practices are observed.
  • Be prepared to activate the nearest fire alarm and notify emergency services and site supervision in the event of a fire that cannot be immediately controlled.
  • Attempt to extinguish incipient stage fires using the appropriate fire extinguisher or other on-site equipment, provided it is safe to do so.
  • Maintain clear and continuous communication with workers performing the hot work, alerting them to any immediate hazards or the need to stop.
  • Ensure that hot work permits are correctly filled out, authorized, and posted in the work area before any operations commence.
  • Monitor atmospheric conditions in enclosed or confined spaces, paying attention to oxygen levels and the presence of flammable gases or vapors when required.
  • Understand and follow all site-specific emergency action plans, including evacuation routes and designated assembly points.
  • Patrol adjacent areas, including floors below and areas behind walls, to ensure that sparks, heat, or slag do not ignite hidden combustibles.
  • Ensure that all hot work equipment, such as welding leads and gas hoses, is in good condition and free from defects that could create a fire hazard.
  • Prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the hot work zone and ensure proper signage and barriers are in place.
  • Maintain an accurate and detailed log of all fire watch activities, including start/end times, locations, and any incidents or observations.
  • Be familiar with the different types of fires (Class A, B, C, D, K) and know which type of extinguishing agent is effective for each.
  • Check for and eliminate potential ignition sources in the vicinity of hot work, including frayed electrical cords and static electricity buildup.
  • Ensure that floors are swept clean of combustibles and that any cracks or holes in floors, walls, or ceilings are properly covered or plugged to prevent spark passage.
  • Conduct a final, thorough walk-down of the area at the end of the watch period, using sight, touch, and smell to detect any signs of smoldering.
  • Secure the area upon completion of the watch, ensuring all equipment is properly stowed and the area is left in a safe condition.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with the general setup and teardown of the work area, including placing fire-resistant blankets and moving equipment.
  • Support the site safety team with routine safety inspections and hazard identification in areas outside of direct hot work.
  • Help maintain inventory and inspection records for fire extinguishers and other safety equipment on site.
  • Act as a Confined Space Attendant or hole watch when primary fire watch duties are not required, monitoring personnel and conditions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Fire Extinguisher Operation: Proficient in the P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique for various extinguisher types (ABC, CO2, etc.).
  • Hot Work Procedures: Deep understanding of safety protocols for welding, cutting, grinding, and other spark-producing activities.
  • Hazard Recognition: Ability to quickly identify potential fire hazards, such as flammable materials, poor ventilation, or unsafe work practices.
  • OSHA Standards: Knowledgeable of relevant OSHA regulations, particularly 29 CFR 1910.252 (Welding, Cutting, and Brazing).
  • Emergency Response Protocols: Familiarity with site-specific emergency action plans, alarm systems, and evacuation procedures.
  • Permit-to-Work Systems: Experience with reviewing and understanding the requirements of a Hot Work Permit.
  • Atmospheric Monitoring: Basic knowledge of using gas detectors to monitor for flammable vapors and oxygen levels.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification: Often required or preferred to provide immediate assistance in case of injury.
  • Communication Equipment Operation: Ability to use two-way radios or other communication devices effectively.
  • Confined Space Entry Procedures: Understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with confined space work.

Soft Skills

  • Vigilance & Alertness: Ability to remain focused and observant for extended periods without distraction.
  • Decisiveness: Capable of making quick, critical decisions in a high-pressure emergency situation.
  • Clear Communication: Ability to convey instructions and warnings clearly and calmly to workers and supervisors.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in inspecting work areas and monitoring for subtle signs of a fire hazard.
  • Calm Under Pressure: Ability to remain composed and act logically during an emergency.
  • Assertiveness: Confident in stopping work when necessary to enforce safety rules, regardless of project pressures.
  • Reliability & Punctuality: Dependable and always present during the entirety of the assigned watch period.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate in Fire Science, Occupational Safety, or a related vocational program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Fire Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years. Entry-level candidates are often welcome with proper training.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in a construction, manufacturing, shipyard, or industrial environment.
  • Prior military, firefighting, or emergency response experience is highly valued.
  • Possession of an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 card is a significant plus.
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