Fire Spark Watch - Shutdown

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor all hot work activities to ensure sparks, slag, and heat do not create fire hazards.
• Inspect surrounding work areas before, during, and after hot work operations.
• Remove or protect combustible materials when possible.
• Maintain continuous surveillance of the work area while hot work is being performed.
• Remain on fire watch for a minimum of 30 minutes after completion of hot work, or longer if required by site procedures.
• Keep approved fire extinguishers readily accessible and ensure they remain fully charged and unobstructed.
• Immediately respond to and report any signs of smoke, fire, or unsafe conditions.
• Activate emergency procedures if a fire cannot be safely extinguished.
• Maintain clear communication with welders, supervisors, and other crew members.
• Verify required hot work permits are in place before work begins.
• Ensure escape routes and emergency access remain clear.
• Assist with housekeeping to reduce combustible debris around work areas.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous industrial, construction, manufacturing, or mill experience preferred.
• Ability to recognize fire hazards and unsafe work conditions.
• Basic understanding of hot work safety procedures.
• Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work days, nights, weekends, overtime, and extended outage schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and industrial structures.
• Work in hot, cold, dusty, humid, and noisy environments.
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including: Hard hat, Safety glasses, Hearing protection, High-visibility clothing, Steel-toe boots, Gloves, Respiratory protection when required.

Safety Knowledge

• Understand and comply with: Hot Work Permit procedures, Fire extinguisher operation (PASS method), Emergency evacuation procedures, Hazard communication requirements, Lockout/Tagout awareness, Confined space awareness (as applicable), Fall protection awareness, Good housekeeping practices, Site emergency notification procedures.

Work Environment

• This position is performed in an active industrial sawmill during scheduled maintenance outages.
• Employees will work around heavy machinery, conveyors, elevated work platforms, cranes, welding operations, grinding, cutting, and other maintenance activities.
• The environment may include airborne wood dust, elevated noise levels, and changing weather conditions.

Safety Expectations

• Stop work when unsafe conditions exist.
• Report all incidents, near misses, and hazards immediately.
• Follow all company and customer safety policies.
• Participate in safety meetings and inspections.
• Wear required PPE at all times.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.