Hot Works

The Company’s Permit-to-Work system is designed to ensure that those affected are consulted at the planning stage to check that all eventualities have been considered when organising such activities and are an important means of minimising any risks involved.

Safety First
  • The area where hot work is to take place must be certified free from explosive gasses and vapours.
  • Clear any combustible materials from the working area.
  • Remove items to provide a clear working area.
  • Adequate ventilation must be in place before any hot working takes place.
  • Firefighting equipment is to be available at the site of hot working.
  • Beware of heat transfer through materials onto adjacent materials.

Hot working must be controlled by a Permit to Work system controlled by the senior person on site. Conflicting hot work should be identified and isolated into easily identifiable work packages. These should not be carried out at the same time.

FINAL SAFETY CHECK

IT IS CRUCIAL THAT 1HR AFTER
ALL HOT WORKS HAVE CEASED,
THE FINAL SAFETY CHECK IS
CARRIED OUT CORRECTLY.

Work areas and all adjacent areas to which sparks and heat may have spread are inspected one hour after the work have finished. Take the time to check for any signs of smoldering or flames.

Hot Cutting Procedure
  • Set up hot cutting equipment, oxy and propane gauges, flash arrestors and torch.
  • Where possible use bottle trolley.
  • Always have fire extinguishers, buckets of water and a Fire Warden present.
  • Fill out relevant permits etc.
  • If cutting any tank vessel make sure it is gas free and has certification.
  • Remove all rubbish/debris in area of works.
  • If hot cutting outside near grass/woods dampen the area with water.
  • When cutting always check where hoses are laying and where any falling objects will land.
  • If in basement, check ventilation and confirm where the smoke is going to drift and where the fire alarms are located.
  • Light and set up flame on blow torch. Once lit hold blow torch at approximately 45° to metal, heat metal and once the metal is bubbling gently press oxy trigger on torch and start cutting.
Fire Watch

A Firewatch is a person assigned to observe ongoing hot works to identify and react to hazards. A Firewatch is necessary at any time where hot work is performed. Before hot work begins a hot work permit, must be issued. Inspect the work area for any sources of fuel, such as rubbish, rags and flammable materials and liquids. This applies to lower floors or areas where sparks or slag could fall. Some of the responsibilities of a Firewatch include:

  • Having fire extinguishing equipment readily available.
  • Know how to sound an alarm in the event of a fire.
  • Monitor for fires in all exposed areas, including lower flower or areas.
  • Attempt to extinguish the fire only within the capacity of available equipment, if not sound the alarm.
  • Monitor hot work area for at least one hour after hot work operations stop.

The Firewatch cannot have any other duties while monitoring the hot work, Continuous surveillance must be maintained throughout the course of the hot work, including a 60-minute cool down period after hot work concludes. You must not leave this area when carrying out the surveillance.

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