Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is hot work?
Any work that uses an open flame or generates heat or sparks that could cause a fire?
What types of work are typically associated with hot work?
Welding, soldering, cutting, brazing, and even drilling, grinding, and the use of powder-actuated tools.
What are the four different "roles" involved in hot work?
Management, permit issuer, hot work operator, fire watch.
What is the role of management in hot work?
In short, it is to ensure that hot work is performed safely on site.
What is the role of the permit issuer in hot work?
In short, this is the person that management authorizes to issue hot work permits to hot work permit operators.
What is the role of the hot work operator in hot work?
This is the person (or persons) who performs hot work. He or she must follow all hot work safety procedures.
What is the role of the fire watch in hot work?
This person is present while hot work is performed and for 30 minutes after it has been completed. The fire watch is there to ensure safe conditions are maintained and to put out any fires that occur.
What is a designated hot work area?
This is the first place you should try to do hot work when it's necessary. It's a place that's free of materials that can explode or catch fire, that's constructed of fire-resistant or non-combustible materials, and that's separated from other work areas.
What is a permit-required hot work area?
An area where hot work can be performed, but only after a hot work permit is issued.
What is a hot work permit?
A permit that must be received before hot work begins (unless the hot work happens in a designated hot work area). The hot work permit is signed by the hot work permit issuer and the hot work operator.
Where can I find a sample hot work permit?
Check out the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work.
What about performing hot work within a confined space?
There are additional permits to acquire and precautions to follow.
What kind of PPE should be worn during hot work?
This may vary, but consider flame-resistant clothing, flame-resistant gloves, eye protection including welding helmet, safety shoes, and a respirator.
Is it necessary to train contractors on hot work issuers at my work place?
Yes, and they should be covered by your hot work permit process too.