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April,
2001 - Fire Watchers
A
"fire watcher" is an employee stationed outside the immediate work
area, responsible for watching for fires resulting from welding/cutting
processes. Fire watchers must be qualified and trained in fire control
and reporting procedures.
The
idea behind fire watchers is that fires may develop from stray sparks,
hot slag or simply excessive heat in areas not readily apparent
to the welder. Therefore, a fire watcher should be posted during
cutting/welding applications for at least 30 minutes after the work
has been completed where:
- combustible
material is present (including building construction) within 35
feet of the welding process;
- wall
or floor openings, within 35 feet of the work area, which expose
combustible materials in adjacent areas;
-
combustible material is located adjacent to the opposite side
of metal walls, roofs, etc., and is likely to be ignited by conduction;
and
- openings
in walls or floors may permit access to sparks or slag which could
find their way to combustible material.
Important:
This
information is offered by the National Welding Supply Association
and your local distributor as general guidance only and may
not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards
Mike
Lopez, NWSA Safety
Consultant
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