What is the function of fire watches during repair work?

The role of fire watches during repair work primarily revolves around the monitoring and response to potential fire hazards. They are tasked with staying alert and vigilant during operations that could ignite a fire, such as welding or cutting. Their main responsibility is to observe the surroundings for any signs of smoke, flames, or unusual heat that may arise from the work being done or from adjacent materials.

If a potential fire is detected, the fire watch can act quickly to mitigate the threat, either by sounding alarms, notifying relevant personnel, or using extinguishing equipment available on-site. While immediate extinguishment of a detected fire is crucial (as referenced in one of the other options), the overarching responsibility includes both monitoring the situation closely and being prepared to respond effectively to avoid escalation of any fire hazards.

In essence, their proactive oversight ensures a safer working environment, aligning with their primary objective of preventing fires before they can start or become uncontrollable.