Hole Watch / Fire Watch

Job Description

Job Description

 *Benefits Eligibility: This position is eligible for benefits beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

*Recruiting Agencies: Thorpe Specialty Services does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting agencies.

General Summary

Hole Watch / Fire Watch is responsible for ensuring the safety of workers in confined spaces by monitoring for hazards, particularly fire risks, and providing assistance in emergency situations. The role involves constant vigilance to ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to while workers are engaged in tasks like welding, cutting, or working in confined spaces. This position plays a critical role in preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Role and Responsibilities

• Monitor Work Environment: Continuously monitor confined spaces for any hazardous conditions, particularly the presence of fire risks, toxic gases, or unsafe atmospheric conditions.

• Fire Watch Duties: Remain alert for potential fire hazards when hot work activities such as welding, cutting, or grinding are being performed. Be prepared to act quickly in the event of a fire, using fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment as necessary.

• Assist in Confined Space Entry: Ensure proper safety procedures are followed after and during entry into confined spaces. Monitor atmospheric conditions, including oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances, using detection equipment.

• Communication: Maintain continuous communication with workers inside the confined space and report any unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

• Safety Monitoring: Check that all workers are properly equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and that safety protocols are being followed.

• Evacuation Assistance: Be prepared to assist with the safe evacuation of workers in case of an emergency, following emergency procedures and protocols.

• Ensure Compliance with Safety Standards: Adhere to all safety regulations, including OSHA guidelines, and report any safety violations to the appropriate personnel.

• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that fire extinguishers, emergency alarms, and other fire safety equipment are in good working condition and accessible in case of an emergency.

• Incident Reporting: Document and report any incidents, accidents, or near misses to the supervisor or safety manager. Complete any required reports as part of the incident investigation process.

• Maintain Work Area: Keep the work area clean and free of potential hazards, such as combustible materials, during hot work and confined space operations.

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular checks of the work environment to ensure that all safety systems are operational, including fire suppression and ventilation equipment.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Prior experience in safety or construction-related roles preferred, particularly in confined space work and fire watch duties.

• Knowledge of fire safety protocols and confined space entry regulations. • Ability to use fire suppression equipment, including fire extinguishers and hoses.

• Ability to operate gas detectors and other safety monitoring tools.

• Basic first aid and CPR certification is preferred.

• Strong awareness of safety protocols and the ability to stay alert and focused for extended periods.

• Good physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods and perform light physical tasks.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to report hazards and incidents clearly and accurately. Preferred Skills:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification, particularly related to confined space entry or fire watch duties.

• Firefighting or emergency response training.

• Experience in industrial environments, especially in areas where welding, cutting, or hot work is performed.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on industrial job sites, in confined spaces, and potentially in hazardous environments.

• The role requires continuous vigilance, often in a high-risk setting, while ensuring the safety of workers engaged in potentially dangerous activities.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-retardant clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, and respirators must be worn at all times.

• The position may require working in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions, depending on the job site. Physical labor may be required, including the ability to lift and move equipment or materials.

• Flexibility to work extended hours or on weekends as project schedules require.

• The job may involve standing for long periods, walking, and lifting moderate weights (e.g., equipment, tools). • Ability to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.

• Ability to work in confined spaces and in environments with limited mobility. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses/spoggles, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment at Thorpe Plant Services, Inc. is on an “at-will” basis. There is no contract of employment between Thorpe Plant Services, Inc. and anyone or all its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee.

No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will.

Thorpe Specialty Services and its affiliates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.