What is the primary distinction between a fire watch and a fire guard?

The primary distinction between a fire watch and a fire guard lies in the requirements surrounding certification and the scope of responsibilities. A fire watch is typically assigned to ensure safety during hot work operations but does not necessarily need to have specific certifications, such as the F-60 Certificate of Fitness. This means that while fire watches are tasked with monitoring potential fire hazards during operations, they may not need to meet the same regulatory standards for professional qualifications as fire guards.

On the other hand, fire guards, who are often trained and certified, undertake a more formal role in maintaining fire safety, with specific duties that might include the oversight of fire watches, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, and taking immediate action in emergency situations. This difference in certification and operational scope underscores why the correct answer highlights that not all fire watches need to possess an F-60 Certificate of Fitness.