Safety Tidbit 8.10 – Hot Work
References:
2. https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/toolbox_talk_hot_work.pdf
3. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1917/1917.152
Bradley McKosky, a Junior in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA, graduating in the Spring of 2024.
Hot work operations carry significant risks, such as death, injury, or thousands to millions of dollars worth of property damage. Following established safety rules and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial, such as a face shield, respirator, leather welder's vest, gauntlet gloves, and cotton or denim clothing. To ensure the safety of employees and work areas, it is essential to be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved and specific hot work procedures.
Scope of Hot Work:
Hot work involves cutting, welding, thermite welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, and thawing pipe. The safety risk when performing hot work is high because it introduces an ignition hazard into the work area.
Roles and responsibilities:
The employee's part in this process includes using equipment safely and informing colleagues about hot work activities. Before diving into their tasks, they must secure a hot work permit from their supervisor and gain approval from the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI). They must also be prepared to halt operations if conditions become unsafe, keep a fire extinguisher close by, wear required PPE, and complete hot work training beforehand.
In contrast, the fire watch, a separate individual from the hot work operator, must alert others about hot work activities while maintaining safe work practices. They are also responsible for stopping work if it becomes unsafe, having a fire extinguisher readily available, and understanding the facility's alarm procedures. Additionally, they must activate the alarm, tackle small fires when safe, and diligently monitor the area for at least an hour after operations cease.
Finally, the facility manager is responsible for establishing a procedure for documenting hot work hazards and advising contractors about potential fire hazards specific to the site. They must also stay informed about any jurisdiction-specific regulations that must be complied with for smooth and safe operation.
General Hot Work Safety Rules:
● Whenever possible, move hot work to an approved, designated area.
● Maintain the 35-foot rule, keeping combustible materials at a safe distance or protecting them using approved welding curtains, blankets, or pads.
● Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available and accessible.
● If the 35-foot rule cannot be maintained, a trained Fire Watch must be present.
● Wear appropriate PPE and use proper ventilation.
● Inspect equipment before use and ensure proper grounding.
● Equip units with back-flow prevention and flashback arrestors.
● Lighting a torch with a match or lighter is not safe.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines and precautions, hot work operations can be performed safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries on the worksite.
I hope this was helpful, and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan
P.S. Please let me know if you have a new safety or health question.
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