AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsSafetyHard
A welding inspector is reviewing the fire prevention plan for a multi-story building construction site. Welding operations are planned for the fifth floor. According to best practices for fire prevention, what is the minimum distance a fire watch should maintain from the hot work operation?
- A5 feet (1.5 meters)
- B25 feet (7.6 meters)
- C35 feet (10.7 meters)
- D10 feet (3 meters)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 35 feet (10.7 meters)
OSHA and NFPA standards typically require a fire watch to be within 35 feet of the hot work operation to effectively monitor for and extinguish fires, especially in areas where sparks can travel.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 5 feet is too close to effectively monitor for sparks and fire spread.
- B. 25 feet is better, but 35 feet is the generally accepted minimum for comprehensive fire watch coverage.
- D. 10 feet is insufficient for the travel distance of sparks, especially in elevated or open areas.
Fire Watch Distance
A fire watch must be stationed within a specific distance, typically 35 feet (10.7 meters), of hot work operations to monitor for and promptly extinguish any fires.
- Sparks and slag can travel significant distances.
- 35 feet is a common regulatory minimum.
- Fire watch must have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.
- Fire watch remains for at least 30 minutes after hot work.
Memory trick: Thirty-Five Feet, No Retreat for the Heat!