Fire Watch & Stand by Man Training
❖ Fire and Its Types
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
HAZARD DIAMOND
• HEALTH HAZARD - BLUE
• FIRE HAZARD -RED
• INSTABILITY HAZARD -YELLOW
• SPECIFIC HAZARD -WHITE
WHAT IS HOT WORK?
Any work that produce enough heat or spark to ignite a combustible material resulting in fire.
EXAMPLE- welding, grinding , cutting ,vehicle movement inside process plant etc
1. What is Fire?
• Fire is a chemical reaction (combustion) involving:
o Heat
o Fuel
o Oxygen
o A chain reaction
2. Fire Triangle
• Heat + Fuel + Oxygen = Fire
3. Classes of Fire
Class Type Examples
A Ordinary combustibles Wood, paper, cloth
B Flammable liquids/gases Petrol, oil, paint
C Electrical fires Wiring, appliances
D Combustible metals Magnesium, aluminum
K Cooking oils/fats Deep fryers, kitchens
4. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Type Used For
Water Class A
Foam Class A & B
CO₂ Class C (Electrical)
Dry Powder A, B, C, and D (multi-purpose)
Wet Chemical Class K (kitchen fires)
5. Fire Extinguisher Use – PASS Method
• P – Pull the pin
• A – Aim at the base of the fire
• S – Squeeze the handle
• S – Sweep side to side
6. General Fire Safety Tips
• Know fire exits and escape routes and nearby ASSEMBLY POINT.
• Don’t block fire extinguishers or alarms.
• Report hazards (leaks, damaged wires, etc.).
• Never use water on electrical ,reactive metals or oil fires.
• Raise the alarm if fire is unmanageable.
• Fire extinguishers should be kept in upwind position according to wind direction..
❖ Fire Watch:
• A trained person is assigned to monitor an area for signs of fire during and after hot work (such as
welding, cutting, or grinding) to prevent fire incidents.
1. Purpose of Fire Watch
• To monitor work areas for fire hazards during and after hot work (welding, cutting, grinding, etc.).
• To detect and respond to fires early to prevent injury, damage, or fatalities.
2. When a Fire Watch is Required
• During hot work in areas where:
o Flammable materials are present.
o Fire suppression systems are disabled.
o Work is conducted near combustibles or confined spaces.
• After hot work ends — typically for 30 minutes minimum
3. Fire Watch Duties
1. Stay alert and focused on all times.
2. Make sure fire blankets and suitable fire extinguishers are available before work.
3. Remain in the area during hot work and after (minimum 30 minutes).
4. Inspect the area for combustibles before work starts.
5. Remove combustibles from 15m of working radius. If not possible to remove cover properly with
fire blankets.
6. Ensure fire extinguishers and equipment are ready and inspected and have monthly color code.
7. Watch for sparks, smoke, or fire during the job.
8. Do not leave the area or perform other tasks.
9. Be prepared to use a fire extinguisher (PASS method).
10. Know emergency procedures and exits.
11. Sound the alarm and evacuate if fire is unmanageable.
12. Follow site-specific fire safety and hot work policies.
13. Complete any required documentation or logs.
14. Remove all combustible material from the hot work area
15. Stay at site after job completion at least 30 minutes.
4. Basic Steps: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Step Action Details
P Pull the pin Releases the locking mechanism
A Aim low Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames
S Squeeze the handle Releases the extinguishing agent
S Sweep side to side Move the nozzle slowly side to side at the base until fire is out
Fire extinguisher should be aimed at 3 metre away from the fire source during any fire.
5. Emergency Response
• If fire is small and manageable:
1. Alert others.
2. Shut down Equipment’s (Generator, welding machine. Compressor etc.) if possible.
3. Use the extinguisher (PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
• If fire is out of control:
1. Activate alarm or call emergency services.
2. Evacuate the area.
3. Do not try to fight large fires.
6. Documentation
• Ensure hot work permits are signed and posted.
• Hazard assessment form for normal work. JSA (Job safety analysis)required for hot work inside
confined space or critical works like welding near process plants.
• Maintain Checklist of running Equipment’s . Example. Generator ,pump ,compressor etc.
• Note any observations or incidents.
❖ Stand by Man:
• A Standby Man (also called Hole Watch) is a trained person assigned to monitor workers
performing tasks in confined spaces or other hazardous environments. Their main role is to
ensure safety, respond to emergencies, and maintain communication.
1. Role of the Standby Man
• Ensure safety of workers inside confined spaces.
• Monitor work area continuously/all time.
• Act as the first responder in case of emergency.
• Maintain communication between workers and supervisors.
• Keep an accurate entry/exit log.
• Never leave the post while workers are inside.
• Perform regular headcounts.
• Maintain constant communication (radio, visual, verbal).
• Raise the alarm immediately in an emergency.
• Ensure all safety equipment is in place and ready (e.g. rescue gear, PPE).
• Prevent unauthorized entry.
• Don’t enter in Confined space in case of emergency
• Understood JSA and Rescue Plan
• Only Performed one duty at one time
2. Confined Space
A confined space is an area that:
• It is large enough for a person to enter and work in,
• Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and
• It is not designed for continuous occupancy.
• Chance of the presence of Toxics and Flammable gases
• Excavation, which depth is more than 1.2m, is called confined space.
Examples of Confined Spaces:
• Tanks
• Manholes
• Pipelines
• Storage Bins
• Vessels
• Boilers
• Excavation (1.2m) deep
• Cellar room
Hazards in Confined Spaces:
• Lack of oxygen
• Toxic gases or fumes
• Flammable or explosive atmosphere
• Engulfment (liquids, loose materials)
• Limited visibility or movement
• Electrical or mechanical hazards
• Slip, Trip & Fall Hazard
• Poor Lighting
3. Safety Control Measure (Before Entry)
• Obtain a Confined Space Entry Permit
• Identify and eliminate hazards (gases, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
• Test the atmosphere for (GAS TEST)
o Oxygen levels
RANGE-LESS THAN 19.5%(OXYGEN DEFICIENT RESULTING IN UNCONSIOUS WORKER)
-20.8% SAFE
-ABOVE 23%(OXYGEN ENRICHMENT-FIRE RISK )
o Toxic gases (H₂S -ROTTEN EGG SMELL, CO)
o Flammable gases or vapors
o Lower explosive Limit(LEL -0%)
• Ventilate the space to ensure fresh air supply
• Isolate energy sources (lockout/tagout)
• Prepare rescue equipment (tripod, harness, breathing apparatus)
• Ensure PPE is worn (SAFETY HARNESS, helmet, gloves, mask, DISPOSIBLE WHITE COVERALL etc.)
• Appoint a trained Standby Man (Hole Watch)
• Brief the team on emergency procedures
• Only use 110v portable tools for confined space
• 24v Fire protection Light is allowed only in confined space
4. During Entry
• Maintain constant communication with the standby man
• Use only approved lighting and tools (explosion-proof if needed)
• Monitor air quality continuously
• Follow time limits and work in shifts if needed
• Never enter alone – always have a buddy system
• No unauthorized people allowed inside or near the space
• Stop work immediately if alarms sound or conditions chang
5. Documents for Confined Space
• Valid Work Permit
• JSA (Job Safety Analysis)
• Approved Rescue Plan
• Gas Testing
• LOTO Certification
• Log Sheet
• Tool Checklist
• Training Record
6. In Case of Emergency
• Do NOT enter the confined space.
• Alert the emergency response team immediately.
• Stay calm and assist rescue from outside the space.
• Follow the rescue plan exactly as trained.
