Fire Watchers

Course

OBJECTIVES: To have designated personnel available at the job site whose purpose is to provide surveillance of the work area when Hot Work is being performed. To provide immediate assistance and communicate any emergency that may arise to affected persons. To define a Designated Safe Welding Area (DSWA).

DEFINITIONS: Fire Watch - A person specifically designated on a Hot Work site for the purpose of providing surveillance of the work area and immediate assistance and communication in case of any emergency.

DSWA - An area that does not require special preparation to isolate either horizontally or vertically from hazardous area.

DSWA A designated working area must meet one of the following conditions. The boundary area is located at least 35 ft horizontally from any combustible material or any process equipment containing hydrocarbons. the floor area within 35 ft is either the ground, or made entirely of solid steel plate or solid concrete and a risk analysis id performed to determine the probability of a flammable gas mixture to be present when performing hot work. a permanent fire resistant barrier separates the welding areas from combustible materials or process equipment containing hydrocarbons closer than 35 ft, and the floor is entirely solid steel plate, solid concrete, or ground. All designated Safe Welding Areas must be approved by the PIC.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESONSIBLE PERSON When a Standby Firewatch is required the Responsible Person on Location/Facility will ensure that the Standby Fire Watch has completed the approved training for this duty. The Responsible Person shall ensure that the Standby Fire Watch knows the location of ESD & Alarm stations as being part of the pre-job work site inspection and is aware of any hazards identified. The Responsible Person will ensure appropriate fire protection equipment is positioned at the work-site and it has been inspected for proper operation prior to start of Hot Work.

Shall assign a Standby Fire Watch when required.

CAUTION : Under no circumstances should other fire extinguishers be removed from their permanent locations for standby fire watch service .

FIRE WATCH HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SHUTDOWN WORK WHEN CONDITIONS ARE UNSAFE

STANDBY FIRE WATCH RESPONSIBILITIES May serve as fire watch for more than one job if in close proximity to each other ( i.e. both jobs can be fully monitored simultaneously) Ensure all safety precautions for the Hot Work remain in place at all times and the work site is kept clean and in a safe condition Ensure that the appropriate fire fighting equipment is always available and close at hand. Fire hoses if stipulated on the Hot Work Permit must be kept charged. (Never leave a charged fire hoses unattended) Identify the nearest ESD/alarm stations and escape routes Maintain all barriers and warning signs throughout the work period and keep the site clear of all flammable materials. Ensure compliance with all permits that may be needed for the job Wear an identification vest or armband whenever on site Signs the Hot Work Permit to state he understands his duties and responsibilities.

PROCEDURES The standby fire watch will Continuously observe the work site. If any sparks or sources of ignition escapes from designated Hot Work area, he will immediately stop the Hot Work until the escape area has been sealed off. He must give clearance for Hot Work to resume. Monitor the area with a gas detector periodically in a Designated safe Welding Area (offshore) if assigned by the PIC, and continuous if in a undesignated welding area. Will immediately activate nearest Fire Alarm. Only then he should attempt to extinguish the fire and only if it is safe to do so. Will not perform any other duties while serving in this capacity. If he must leave the assigned location for any reason he will stop all Hot Work activities and ensure the work site is properly cooled down and in a safe condition before departing.

WILL REMAIN AT HOT WORK LOCATION FOR 30 MINUTES AFTER HOT WORK CEASES TO ENSURE NO FIRE EXISTS AND WORK AREA IS RETURNED TO A SAFE CONDITION.

QUALIFICATIONS OF STANDBY FIRE WATCH

All designated Fire Watch must have completed and be able to demonstrate the required tasks listed below: Basic and Intermediate Fire Fighting Courses Demonstrate the operation of Fire Extinguishers/ Fire Hose Reel/ Fire Monitor

Demonstrate the use of the emergency alarm system

Knowledge of Atmospheric/Gas Testing procedure Be trained to demonstrate the proper use of monitoring equipment and testing procedure. Knowledge of the MPN Hot Work Permit Procedure.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH,

FIRE WATCHERS!!!