How long must 'Fire Watch' personnel keep watch after welding or cutting is completed?

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Fire Watch personnel are required to keep watch for at least one-half hour after welding or cutting operations have been completed because the risk of fire continues after the work has ceased. Sparks, hot slag, and other ignition sources from the welding process can smolder and ignite materials that may not be immediately apparent, even after operations have been finished.

The half-hour watch period allows enough time for any potential embers or hot spots to cool down and reduces the likelihood of fires starting after the welding or cutting task is completed. This precaution is a critical part of fire safety protocols in welding and cutting operations, ensuring that all potential hazards are monitored and addressed promptly.

The other durations mentioned, such as one hour or fifteen minutes, do not align with standard safety practices that emphasize prompt vigilance immediately following such operations. The provided timeframe of one-half hour establishes a balanced and effective level of oversight without extending unnecessarily, thereby ensuring safety while allowing operations to be resumed efficiently.

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