Fire Watch Training E-Learning – Ireland

Module 1: Introduction to Fire Watch
• Understanding the purpose of fire watch.
• Role and responsibilities of a fire watch person.
• Importance of fire prevention and workplace monitoring.
• Situations where fire watch may be required.
• Understanding hot work activities.
• Difference between fire watch, fire warden and fire marshal responsibilities.
• Maintaining awareness and vigilance during assigned duties.

Module 2: Understanding Fire Hazards and Fire Behaviour
• The fire triangle: heat, fuel and oxygen.
• Common causes of workplace fires.
• Sources of ignition.
• Flammable and combustible materials.
• Fire spread and smoke development.
• Recognising potential fire hazards.
• Identifying conditions that may increase fire risk.

Module 3: Hot Work Safety and Fire Prevention
• Understanding hot work activities.
• Welding, cutting, grinding and soldering hazards.
• Risks associated with sparks, heat and molten materials.
• Identifying combustible materials in the work area.
• Clearing or protecting flammable materials.
• Understanding hot work permits.
• Checking fire prevention arrangements before work begins.
• Importance of communication between workers, supervisors and fire watch personnel.

Module 4: Fire Watch Duties and Monitoring Procedures
• Responsibilities before, during and after hot work.
• Inspecting the immediate work area.
• Monitoring sparks, heat and surrounding materials.
• Checking nearby rooms, concealed spaces and adjacent areas where fire could develop.
• Maintaining an appropriate observation position.
• Ensuring suitable firefighting equipment is available.
• Maintaining communication with the work team.
• Recognising unsafe conditions and stopping work where necessary.
• Recording observations and reporting concerns.

Module 5: Fire Detection, Warning and Emergency Procedures
• Recognising early signs of fire.
• Identifying smoke, unusual heat, burning smells and sparks.
• Understanding workplace fire alarm systems.
• Raising the alarm and contacting emergency services.
• Following workplace emergency procedures.
• Understanding evacuation arrangements and assembly points.
• Communicating information during an emergency.
• Protecting employees, contractors and visitors.

Module 6: Firefighting Equipment and Initial Response
• Types of workplace fire extinguishers.
• Understanding different classes of fire.
• Selecting appropriate firefighting equipment.
• Basic awareness of extinguisher operation.
• Understanding the limitations and risks of firefighting.
• When it may be appropriate to tackle a small, early-stage fire.
• Maintaining a safe escape route.
• Knowing when to withdraw and evacuate.
• Never putting personal safety at risk.

Module 7: Post-Work Fire Watch and Final Checks
• Importance of continued monitoring after hot work.
• Identifying smouldering materials and hidden ignition sources.
• Checking surrounding areas and potential fire spread locations.
• Understanding post-work monitoring periods.
• Recording completed fire watch checks.
• Reporting outstanding hazards and concerns.
• Confirming that the work area is safe before it is left unattended.
• Understanding the importance of final inspections before premises are vacated.

Module 8: Fire Watch Records and Workplace Responsibilities
• Understanding workplace fire safety procedures.
• Responsibilities of employers, supervisors and designated fire watch personnel.
• Following hot work permit requirements.
• Maintaining fire watch logs and inspection records.
• Reporting unsafe conditions and fire hazards.
• Communicating with relevant personnel.
• Understanding the importance of training and supervision.
• Supporting a proactive workplace fire prevention culture.

This course is suitable for employees and personnel who may be assigned fire watch responsibilities or work in environments where fire hazards and hot work activities are present, including:
• Fire Watch Personnel.
• Construction Workers.
• Welding and Fabrication Employees.
• Maintenance Technicians.
• Engineering Personnel.
• Industrial and Manufacturing Employees.
• Facilities Management Teams.
• Contractors and Subcontractors.
• Health & Safety Officers.
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders.
• Operations and Maintenance Managers.
• Employees involved in hot work activities.
No previous fire watch training experience is required.

Fire Prevention
Understanding fire hazards and maintaining effective monitoring can help prevent fires from starting or spreading during high-risk workplace activities.

Workplace Safety
Fire watch personnel play an important role in identifying unsafe conditions and helping protect employees, contractors, visitors and property.

Emergency Preparedness
Recognising early signs of fire and understanding emergency procedures helps ensure that appropriate action can be taken quickly.

Hot Work Safety
Activities such as welding, cutting and grinding can create sparks and heat capable of igniting combustible materials. Effective fire watch arrangements help reduce these risks.

Organisational Responsibilities
The training supports workplace fire safety arrangements, risk assessment procedures and employee awareness of fire prevention responsibilities.

Participants will:
• Understand the purpose and responsibilities of fire watch.
• Recognise common workplace fire hazards.
• Understand the fire triangle and basic fire behaviour.
• Identify risks associated with hot work activities.
• Understand hot work permit procedures.
• Recognise the importance of continuous fire monitoring.
• Identify early warning signs of fire.
• Understand workplace fire alarm and evacuation procedures.
• Recognise common types of firefighting equipment.
• Understand the limitations of initial firefighting.
• Apply appropriate post-work fire monitoring principles.
• Understand the importance of fire watch records and reporting procedures.

Delivery Method
• 100% Online E-Learning.
• Self-paced learning.
• Accessible on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile devices.
• Learners can complete the course at a time convenient to them.
Assessment
• Online multiple-choice assessment.
• 20 questions.
• Minimum 70% pass mark.
• Instant results upon completion.
• Up to three assessment attempts.

This training supports employer and workplace fire safety responsibilities under:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 – Employer duties relating to workplace safety, risk assessment, employee information, instruction and training, and emergency procedures.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, as amended – Including requirements relating to workplace fire detection, firefighting equipment, emergency routes and exits.
• Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 – Relevant fire safety duties relating to premises, fire prevention and the protection of occupants.

Samson Training delivers professional workplace safety training designed to support fire prevention, emergency preparedness and employee wellbeing.
Our approach focuses on:
• Practical fire safety awareness.
• Understanding fire watch responsibilities.
• Workplace-relevant hot work scenarios.
• Clear fire prevention principles.
• Flexible online learning.
• Supporting organisational safety procedures.
• Consistent professional training standards.
We position fire prevention as an essential part of workplace safety and operational risk management.

What is Fire Watch Training?
Fire Watch Training provides employees with an understanding of the responsibilities involved in monitoring workplace activities and areas where fire risks may be present, particularly during and after hot work activities.

Who should complete Fire Watch Training?
The course is suitable for employees, contractors, maintenance personnel, construction workers and other individuals who may be assigned fire watch responsibilities.

Does the course cover hot work safety?
Yes. The course covers hot work hazards, fire prevention measures, permit procedures, monitoring responsibilities and post-work checks.

Does the course cover fire extinguishers?
Yes. Learners receive awareness-level information on different types of fire extinguishers, their uses and limitations, and the importance of personal safety when responding to a fire.

How long does the course take?
The course typically takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Is there an assessment?
Yes. Learners complete a 20-question multiple-choice assessment and must achieve a minimum score of 70%.