What is the purpose of a fire watch?

The primary purpose of a fire watch is to surveil for potential fires after hot work has been conducted. Hot work, which includes activities such as welding, cutting, grinding, or using open flames, can ignite combustible materials and pose a significant risk of fire. A fire watch serves as a precautionary measure to monitor the area for any signs of fire or smoldering materials after these activities have taken place. The individual assigned to the fire watch is responsible for remaining vigilant, identifying any fire hazards, and having the means to extinguish a fire if it occurs, ensuring the safety of personnel and property.

The other choices, while important in their respective contexts, do not directly align with the core function of a fire watch. Ensuring equipment accountability, monitoring weather conditions, and inspecting fire hoses may be relevant tasks in their own right, but they do not address the immediate fire risk associated with hot work operations and the proactive measures needed to prevent potential fires in those situations.