ANSWER
You basically need a fire watch to be in place any time hot work requiring a permit is done in an underground mine.
EXPLANATION
The only exception when a fire watch for a hot work operation requiring a permit would NOT be required would be where all of the following things are true:
• The hot work doesn’t create ignition risk
• There’s no combustible material nearby, either because it doesn’t exist or has been completely removed
• There is combustible material nearby but is completely shielded, wetted down, or protected in such a way that there’s no residual combustion risk—risk that’s simply been reduced doesn’t eliminate the need for a fire watch
Also keep in mind that if required, the fire watch must remain in place even after the hot work is done to detect smouldering materials, rekindling, or other lingering or residual fire or ignition risks. Post-fire watches may be necessary for 30 to 60 minutes or even more depending on the situation and risks involved. The hot work permit should specify the required post-fire watch duration for the particular operation.
Thanks for the question and I that answers it.
OHS Insider, Editor-in-Chief
