How long should a fire watch conduct a final inspection after hot work is completed?

The correct duration for a fire watch to conduct a final inspection after hot work is completed is 30 minutes. This timeframe is standard because it provides a sufficient period for any latent heat to dissipate and for potential smoldering materials to cool down. During this inspection, the fire watch should be vigilant in monitoring for any signs of re-ignition or heat that could lead to a fire outbreak.

By performing the final inspection for 30 minutes, the fire watch ensures that all areas where hot work was performed are thoroughly checked. It balances the need for safety with practical considerations, as it is long enough to effectively mitigate risk but not overly prolonged, which could compromise operational efficiency.

A longer duration, such as 60 minutes or until the area is no longer warm, while seemingly thorough, may be impractical in many situations where time and operational schedules are critical. On the other hand, a shorter duration, like 15 minutes, may not allow sufficient time for hidden embers or heat to pose any danger to occur. Thus, 30 minutes is established as a best practice for safety in fire watch protocols after hot work.