Final answer:
A fire watch must be maintained for at least 30 minutes after welding or cutting operations to prevent any potential fires. Trained personnel should be available to monitor and address any smoldering fires that might occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fire watch must be maintained for at least 30 minutes after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires. This safety protocol is crucial to prevent fires, which may not become apparent until after the hot work has been completed. The people designated for fire watch duty need to be trained and equipped to understand fire hazards and to extinguish a fire should it start.