When is a Fire Watch Required in California Hot Work?
A plain-English overview with links to official guidance.
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Always consult your safety officer and authority having jurisdiction.
Typical triggers for a fire watch
- Active hot work (welding, cutting, brazing) near combustible materials
- Areas with limited visibility or access that require active monitoring
- Post-work monitoring for smoldering materials for a defined period
California adopts hot-work safety rules in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. See fire watch duties in Section 8397.15 and general hot work procedures in Section 6777. Always confirm project-specific requirements and permits.