Why might the fire watch period be extended beyond the standard 30 minutes?

Extending the fire watch period beyond the standard 30 minutes is crucial when there are still potential hazards present in the work area. This ensures that any lingering risks, such as smoldering materials or residual heat from cutting or welding operations, are adequately monitored. The primary goal of the fire watch is to prevent fires by maintaining vigilance after hot work operations have ceased. If potential hazards remain, extending the watch provides a critical safety measure to catch any signs of fire early, allowing for swift action to be taken to mitigate any danger.

This practice is especially important in environments where flammable materials are around or where work conditions can lead to unexpected burning or thermal reactions. By maintaining a longer fire watch period when potential hazards exist, safety is prioritized, reducing the risk of a fire starting after operations have ended.