CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorSafety and RepairMedium
A roofing crew is performing hot work involving torch-applied modified bitumen on a commercial roof. Cal/OSHA requires a fire watch to be maintained during and after the hot work. For how long must the fire watch remain on site after the hot work has been completed?
- AAt least 1 hour
- BAt least 15 minutes
- CAt least 2 hours
- DAt least 30 minutes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. At least 30 minutes
Cal/OSHA regulations require that a fire watch be maintained for at least 30 minutes after the completion of hot work operations to ensure any smoldering embers or latent heat does not ignite a fire.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While longer is always safer, 1 hour is not the minimum specified by Cal/OSHA.
- B. 15 minutes is insufficient time for a fire watch according to Cal/OSHA regulations.
- C. 2 hours is a common recommendation for some jurisdictions or high-risk scenarios, but Cal/OSHA's minimum is 30 minutes.
Cal/OSHA Hot Work Fire Watch Duration
Cal/OSHA requires a fire watch to remain on site for a minimum of 30 minutes after hot work operations are completed.
- Prevents delayed ignition.
- Applies to all hot work (torch, welding, etc.).
- Fire watch must be properly equipped.
Memory trick: Thirty minutes, watch the fire's last gleam, then you can leave, like a fading dream.