Before starting hot work on equipment, what must the fire watch ensure?

• A. Extinguishing equipment is ready.
• B. Guests are relocated to the nearest exit.
• C. The ride is in service.
• D. PPE is not required.

Answer: (A)

Before hot work starts, the fire watch must make sure extinguishing equipment is ready to use. Sparks and heat from cutting, welding, or grinding can ignite nearby materials, so having a charged extinguisher or other appropriate fire suppression tool immediately available is crucial. The fire watch also checks that the area is clear of flammable items and that they can quickly summon help if a fire starts, maintaining the watch for the duration of the work and a period afterward.

Relocating guests, ensuring the ride is already in service, or claiming that PPE isn’t required aren’t how this safety task is applied. PPE is typically part of hot work safety, but the fire watch’s primary responsibility here is the readiness of fire suppression equipment.