Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) Practice Exam

Which of the following activities requires a fire watch during construction?

1. Painting

2. Cutting and welding

3. Installing drywall

4. Electrical wiring

The correct answer is: Cutting and welding

A fire watch is necessary during activities that pose an elevated risk of igniting a fire, particularly when working with heat-producing tools or processes. Cutting and welding generate sparks and hot metal fragments, which can ignite flammable materials in the construction environment. The use of these tools requires careful management, including the presence of someone designated to monitor for potential fire hazards. In contrast, activities such as painting, installing drywall, and electrical wiring do not typically involve processes that produce heat or sparks to the same degree and are therefore considered lower risk for fire. While certain conditions or materials associated with these activities could potentially require scrutiny—such as flammable paints or materials used in electrical work—cutting and welding inherently demand the oversight of a fire watch due to the immediate and active risks they introduce. This proactive measure helps ensure safety and compliance with fire prevention regulations on construction sites.