After hot work compilation, how long should a fire watch be maintained?

The correct duration for maintaining a fire watch after completing hot work is 30 minutes. This practice is essential because hot work, such as welding, cutting, or grinding, can produce sparks and heat that might ignite flammable materials in the vicinity. The 30-minute fire watch allows time for any potential smoldering fires that may arise from these activities to be identified and addressed.

After the hot work is finished, the period is crucial for monitoring the area to ensure that no fire hazards remain and that any latent embers have cooled completely. This proactive step helps to mitigate the risk of fire incidents on the job site, which can lead to property damage, injury, or even loss of life.

While other durations may seem sufficient, the industry standard is to adhere to the 30-minute rule to ensure thorough vigilance following hot work activities.