Just because we’re approaching the end of summer doesn’t mean you can drop your guard when it comes to assessing and identifying fire risks. When it comes to keeping your company safe, nothing is more important than fire prevention and response. But various industries have unique requirements, and some require a fire watch system to be in place.
In this post, we’ll help you determine whether your company needs to implement a fire watch and what that means in terms of training and best practices.
Industries and Employees that Need Fire Watch Training
While training in fire procedures is important for every business, not everyone needs formal fire watch training. Here are some of the industries that require more specialized fire watch training:
Construction
With a whole host of flammable materials, as well as sparks and flames from equipment like welders and torches, construction sites are at high risk for fires. However, a dedicated fire watch can help to prevent accidents from becoming tragedies.
Entertainment
Any time you gather large crowds, you increase your need for fire prevention. Theatres, concert halls, and stadiums also frequently use equipment like pyrotechnics, making a fire watch a necessity.
Hotels
A large number of patrons move in and out of hotels, and it’s not uncommon for a guest to have an issue, like leaving an iron unattended. A fire watch can help to prevent these accidents from spreading. It can also assist in evacuating the area quickly and safely.
Healthcare
Like construction sites, healthcare facilities are home to some hazardous materials, like concentrated oxygen. In addition, because many patients may have mobility issues that prevent them from evacuating a building with ease, a fire watch is an essential part of any facility’s safety plan.
Requirements and OSHA Fire Watch Certification
In order to become OSHA-certified as a fire watch, you’ll need to complete Safety by Design’s fire watch training class and pass an online test. Once you pass the test, you’ll receive a card stating that you’re a certified fire watch.
But what are the responsibilities of an OSHA-certified fire watch? Here are some of the most important components:
- Keep track of all hot work occurring in your area
- Have firefighting equipment available at all times
- Maintain clear and consistent communication between all employees
- Ensure employees are using proper fire prevention protocols
- Keep firefighting equipment in working order
- Check hot work areas for potential hot spots or sparks
- Be present during any hot work—if you have to leave, shut it down
Again, these aren’t all of the requirements, but they’re a good start. For more information, turn to the training experts at Safety by Design.
Fire Watch Training Classes and Other Options
When it comes to fire watch training, nothing beats a course that’s specifically tailored to the OSHA requirements! While other courses, such as OSHA-30 training, will touch on fire safety, a fire watch training class will give you all the information you need to pass the certification test and ensure that your facility is as safe as possible.
Some companies opt to have Safety by Design come out to their facility to perform in-person fire watch training for their entire workforce, making sure that all employees have a solid foundation in fire safety.
Even if you choose to have select individuals take the certification test, your workplace will be much safer!
Fire Watch Best Practices
When it comes to best practices for fire watch, here are some of the key rules to keep in mind:
- Focus on fire hazards throughout the facility—not just where hot work occurs
- Stop work if you discover an unmonitored fire hazard
- Stay in compliance with all required work permits
- Triggering the fire alarm is always the first step when you discover a fire
- Extinguish the fire only if you can do so safely
- Never hesitate to call 911
Safety By Design Offers Fire Watch Training in Houston, Texas
If a fire breaks out, will your team be ready? At Safety by Design, we’ll train all your employees in proper response procedures. Our fire watch training courses are offered in-person, for groups of 10 or more. In addition, our safety experts offer various specialized OSHA training courses, including confined space training, fall protection training, CPR and first aid training, and more.
For all of your fire watch training needs, contact Safety by Design today. We’re here to help keep you and your business as safe as possible!
Call our team today at (832) 290-7296 to schedule your training!
