Safe Work Procedure: Hot Work Permit

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and precautions to be taken before, during, and after conducting hot work operations. Hot work includes any work that involves burning, welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, or the use of spark-producing tools . This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are involved in or may be affected by hot work activities. It ensures that hot work is performed safely, minimizing the risk of fire, explosion, and personal injury.

This SWP is applicable in areas where:

• Flammable substances are present or may be present ,
• Explosive atmospheres may exist
• Hot work is performed on equipment or installations containing flammable substances or residues

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including but not limited to:

• Confined Space Entry Procedures
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures
• Fire Prevention and Protection Procedures
• Emergency Response Plan

2. Definitions

Hot Work:
Operations capable of providing a source of ignition . This includes riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating .

Hot Work Area:
The location where hot work is being performed or where sparks, heat, or open flames could reach .

Flammable Substance:
A substance that can easily ignite and burn rapidly .

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
The lowest concentration of a flammable substance in air that will ignite , .

Hot Tap: A procedure used to connect to existing pipelines or vessels without interrupting service .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that a hot work permit is issued before any hot work begins , .
• Verify that the hot work area is safe and free of hazards .
• Ensure that workers are trained and competent to perform the hot work safely , .
• Provide and ensure the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) .
• Ensure that fire protection and extinguishing equipment are properly located at the site .
• Ensure fire watches are available at the site when required .

3.2 Workers

• Obtain a hot work permit before starting any hot work , .
• Inspect the work area for hazards and ensure it is safe .
• Use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) .
• Follow safe work procedures and precautionary measures .
• Participate in pre-job briefings and hazard assessments .
• Report any incidents, near-misses, or hazards immediately , .

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of hot work procedures , .
• Conduct regular audits of hot work activities to ensure compliance , .
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to hot work , .
• Provide training and guidance on hot work safety , .

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Fire	Burns, property damage	Clear combustibles from the work area , provide fire extinguishers , maintain a fire watch .
Explosion	Severe injury, fatality	Test the atmosphere for flammable substances , ensure proper ventilation , purge containers and piping .
Exposure to fumes and gases	Respiratory irritation, poisoning	Use local exhaust ventilation, wear appropriate respiratory protection .
Burns	Skin damage	Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, aprons, and face shields .
Eye injuries	Vision impairment	Wear safety glasses or welding helmets with appropriate filter lenses .
Electrical shock	Electrocution	Inspect equipment for damage, use GFCI protection, ensure proper grounding .
Confined Space Hazards	Asphyxiation, toxic exposure	Follow confined space entry procedures, test atmosphere, provide ventilation , .

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times during hot work operations to protect against potential hazards .

• Welding Helmet: Provides eye and face protection from arc radiation, sparks, and flying debris. Ensure the helmet has the correct filter lens shade for the welding process .
• Safety Glasses: Worn under the welding helmet or face shield to provide additional eye protection from flying particles .
• Gloves: Leather or flame-resistant gloves protect hands from burns and cuts .
• Apron: Leather or flame-resistant apron protects the body from sparks and heat .
• Flame-Resistant Clothing: Protects against burns. Woolen clothing is preferable to cotton. Cotton clothing, if used, should be chemically treated to reduce its combustibility , .
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be used in noisy environments .
• Respirator: Use appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate to remove fumes and gases .

Inspect all PPE before use for damage. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions .

6. Equipment and Tools

Ensure that all equipment and tools are in good working condition and suitable for the hot work being performed , .

• Welding Machine: Use a welding machine that is properly grounded and in good working order .
• Cutting Torch: Inspect hoses and connections for leaks. Use a spark lighter to ignite the torch .
• Grinder: Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition and the grinder has a spark guard .
• Fire Extinguisher: A fully charged fire extinguisher of the appropriate type (ABC or BC) must be readily available .
• Gas Detectors: Use calibrated gas detectors to monitor the atmosphere for flammable substances .

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use. Remove any defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance , .

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must be trained in hot work safety procedures , .
• Workers must be competent in the use of hot work equipment , .
• Workers must be trained in fire prevention and protection , .
• Workers must be trained in the use of PPE .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any hot work. The briefing should cover:

• The scope of the work
• Potential hazards
• Safe work procedures
• Emergency procedures
• PPE requirements
• Location of fire protection equipment
• Roles and responsibilities

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Clear the work area of all combustible materials , .
• Cover or protect immovable combustibles with fire-resistant blankets or shields , .
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area .
• Test the atmosphere for flammable substances , .
• Post fire watch personnel, if required , .
• Ensure fire extinguishing equipment is readily available .

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Obtain Hot Work Permit

Obtain a hot work permit from the supervisor before starting any hot work , .

• Complete all sections of the permit accurately.
• Ensure that all required signatures are obtained.
• Keep the permit at the work site until the work is completed , .

Safety considerations for this step:

• Hot work shall not begin until a hot work permit is issued .
• The permit shall document that the fire prevention and protection requirements have been implemented prior to beginning the hot work operations , .

Step 2: Prepare the Work Area

Prepare the work area to prevent fires and explosions , .

• Remove all combustible materials from the work area or protect them with fire-resistant covers , .
• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases or vapors .
• Test the atmosphere for flammable substances using a calibrated gas detector , .
• Ensure that fire extinguishing equipment is readily available .

Safety considerations for this step:

• The hot work location must be cleared of combustible materials or suitably isolated from combustible materials .
• Testing must show that the atmosphere does not contain a flammable substance in a mixture with air, in an amount exceeding 20 percent of that substance's lower explosive limit for gas or vapors, or the minimum ignitable concentration for dust .

Step 3: Perform Hot Work

Perform the hot work safely, following all precautions and safety measures .

• Wear appropriate PPE, including a welding helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing , .
• Use equipment that is in good working condition and properly maintained , .
• Control sparks and slag to prevent them from reaching combustible materials .
• Monitor the work area for fire hazards .

Safety considerations for this step:

• Procedures must be implemented to ensure continuous safe performance of the hot work .
• Tests must be repeated at regular intervals appropriate to the hazard associated with the work being performed , .

Step 4: Post-Hot Work Inspection

Inspect the work area after completing the hot work to ensure there are no fire hazards .

• Maintain a fire watch for at least 30 minutes after completing the hot work .
• Inspect the surrounding area for smoldering materials or hot spots .
• Ensure that all fire protection equipment is in place and ready for use .
• Remove the hot work permit from the work area and file it appropriately , .

Safety considerations for this step:

• Additional personnel should be assigned to guard against fire while the actual welding, cutting, or heating operation is being performed, and for a sufficient period of time after completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire exists .
• Such personnel should be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used .

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Fire Prevention: Ensure that all fire prevention measures are in place before starting hot work .
• Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases or vapors .
• Atmospheric Testing: Test the atmosphere for flammable substances before starting hot work and at regular intervals , .
• Equipment Inspection: Inspect all equipment before use to ensure it is in good working condition , .
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that emergency procedures are in place and that all workers are aware of them .

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the area .
• Call emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency .
• Administer first aid to any injured personnel .
• Follow the facility's emergency response plan .

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fire: Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Evacuate immediately if the fire is too large to control .
• Explosion: Evacuate the area immediately and seek shelter .
• Gas Leak: Shut off the gas supply and ventilate the area .

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported immediately to the supervisor , .

An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence , .

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) , ,
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon) , , , , , , , ,
• Occupational Health and Safety Code ,
• Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC) ,
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020) ,
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
• Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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