What is the purpose of having a fire watch during torch operations?

The purpose of having a fire watch during torch operations is to monitor for fire hazards and ensure safety. This role is critical in environments where hot work, such as welding and cutting, is conducted, as these activities can easily ignite flammable materials or cause sparks that lead to fires.

The fire watch is responsible for observing the work area for any signs of smoke or fire, and they are trained to take immediate action to extinguish small fires, alert personnel, or notify the fire department if necessary. Their continuous presence helps mitigate risks associated with welding and cutting operations, thereby minimizing the chances of an uncontrolled fire erupting.

In contrast, other roles mentioned, such as assisting the welder with equipment, providing first aid, or managing logistical tasks, do not directly relate to the primary function of the fire watch, which is focused solely on fire prevention and safety during torch operations.