Policy

RESPONSIBILITIES

This policy includes the significant OSHA requirements pertaining to cutting, welding and other hot work activities.  This policy does not include personal protective requirements for the welders, which is outlined in the Welding and Cutting Policy.

Each department is responsible for compliance with the criteria set forth in this procedure.  They must insure that all elements of this procedure and related procedures are implemented and followed.

Only trained and authorized employees are allowed to perform Hot Work or be a Fire Watch.

DEFINITIONS

• Hot Work – Cutting, welding, or spark producing tasks where sparks or molten metal could be sprayed, and activities involving open flames (e.g. torch, grinders, electric cutting tools, etc.).  A Hot Work Permit may be required depending on the building classification or the proximity of the work being performed to a hazardous area for the following, but not limited to:  sand blasting, jack hammers, mortar mixers, gasoline powered equipment, electric motors, electric powered equipment, etc. 
• Non-Hazardous Area – A building, or defined area within a building, where it has been determined that the presence of flammable gas, liquid, or vapor is not a foreseeable occurrence (e.g. office building).
• Electric Power Tools – Tools that do not spray sparks (e.g. electric drill, hammer drill, electric impact tools).

Procedures

General

• No Hot Work activities shall be conducted until the required pre-work procedures have been performed and a signed and dated permit is issued.
• The manager is responsible for ensuring the required procedures are performed.  
• Hot Work Permits are specific to the task and location where the Hot Work is being performed rather than an area or location in which the work is taking place.  Therefore, separate permits shall be completed for each task rather than location.
• The individual performing the Hot Work and the designated fire watch shall sign and date the permit after the manager has completed and signed the Hot Work Permit.
• Once the Hot Work Permit is completed the manager will save the permit for 3 years.
• Make sure a copy of the granted permit is posted near the Hot Work operation at all times while in effect.
• The Hot Work Permit is valid for the times specified on the permit and shall not exceed the end of the shift.  When work overlaps into the next shift, the manager must issue and sign a new permit.  If there is a change in personnel prior to the expiration time on the permit, a new Hot Work Permit shall be completed and issued. 

Specific

• To assure maximum preparation of the area where Hot Work will be performed, prior notification of intent to perform such work should be provided to the manager 24 hours in advance, whenever possible.
• Whenever possible, material to be cut or welded should be moved to a designated welding area.  All Hot Work performed outside of designated welding areas shall be posted with “Hot Work In Progress” signage. Also, appropriate flash protection shall be provided for all Hot Work operations (screens or PPE).
• The manager shall ensure that fire extinguishers (min. 10 lb. ABC), compatible with the potential fire hazards present, are available in the immediate area.  All contractors should provide their own fire extinguishers.
• All combustible materials shall be moved 35 feet from the Hot Work area.  When this is not possible, combustibles shall be adequately covered with flameproof material or tarps.  Transfer or movement of flammable or combustible liquids and gases to within 35 feet of the work area is prohibited.  
• Cutting and welding is not allowed in areas where the sprinkler protection is out of service or the Fire Alarm service is impaired. 
• Whenever welding is performed, the area should be separated from adjacent work or traffic area by non-combustible partitions or flash screens.
• No Hot Work is permitted on drums, tanks, or barrels until they have been cleaned to make certain there are no flammables, grease, tar, acids, or other material which, when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapor.  
• Adequate ventilation shall be provided for all Hot Work as needed.  Care must be taken to prevent the creation of an oxygen enriched atmosphere.
• Ducts shall be shut down unless provisions can be made to prevent them from carrying sparks.
• Floors and surroundings shall be swept clean of combustibles such as lint or dust, and wetted down as necessary.
• While preparing the Hot Work area care should be taken to check for floor, wall and ceiling openings so that sparks or embers can not penetrate them or enter into another area of the work area potentially causing a fire.

Fire Watch

A Fire Watch is required whenever Hot Work is being performed outside of a designated welding area or requested by the employee performing the Hot Work.  Duties of the Fire Watch are: 

• Ensure hot sparks do not contact any flammable or combustible material.
  
• Stand by the area with the fire extinguisher at hand, ready to extinguish a fire.  
  
• Fire Watch personnel shall be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers, and informed of the emergency notification and evacuation procedures.
  
• The Fire Watch shall notify the manager when all Hot Work has been completed.

The Fire Watch will continue duty through breaks and checking the work site for smoldering fires and remains at the site 30 minutes after Hot Work is complete and then can leave, but must return 1 hour after hot work has stopped for final check.

Contractors

When a contractor is performing Hot Work, they are responsible for being familiar with and complying with all the requirements of this policy.  It is the division manager’s responsibility to ensure that a review of the company policy on Hot Work has been performed with the contractor before work may begin.

The contractor must have a valid Hot Work Permit.  The Manager shall issue the permit to the contractor after it is signed and completed.

• The manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the contractor has a “Fire Watch”, if required for the Hot Work.  The Fire Watch will be present during the Hot Work and perform an inspection 30 minutes and 1 hour following the Hot Work operation.  
• The contractor will be responsible for providing their own fire extinguishers when performing Hot Work.  The fire extinguishers (minimum 10 lb. ABC) must be appropriate and have sufficient capacity for the work being performed.  
• The contractor will return the completed permit to the manager issuing the permit after completing the 30 minutes and 1-hour fire checks.

Training

All employees involved in conducting Hot Work or issuing Hot Work Permits shall receive training.  The following items shall be covered during the training:

• Information included in the procedure
• Hot Work Permit
• Responsibility of the Fire Watch

Visitors and Transient Personnel

Visitors, contractors (personnel not under the direct supervision of the company), and other transient personnel will be required to comply with all administrative controls specified in this policy.