Safe Work Procedure: Hot Work

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 safety precautions and procedures to be followed when performing hot work. 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 may be involved in or exposed to hot work activities. It covers work in both hazardous and non-hazardous locations where a potential for fire or explosion exists [1].

2. Definitions

Hot Work: Work involving electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing, or similar flame producing operations [2].

Hazardous Location: An area where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers [1].

Flammable Substance: A substance that is easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly [1].

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The lowest concentration of a flammable gas or vapor in air that will ignite [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that a hot work permit is issued before any hot work begins, indicating the nature of the hazard, required atmospheric testing, safe work procedures, precautionary measures, and required protective equipment [1].
• Ensure that workers are properly trained and competent to perform hot work safely [3].
• Verify that the hot work location is cleared of combustible materials or suitably isolated [1].
• Ensure that fire protection and extinguishing equipment are properly located at the site [4].
• Ensure fire watches are available at the site when required [4].

3.2 Workers

• Obtain a hot work permit before starting any hot work [1].
• Inspect equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition [3].
• Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required [1].
• Follow safe work procedures and precautionary measures outlined in the hot work permit [1].
• Participate in pre-job briefings to understand the hazards and controls [3].
• Report any incidents, near-misses, or hazards to the supervisor immediately [5].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of hot work procedures [5].
• Conduct regular inspections of hot work areas to ensure compliance with safety procedures [3].
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to hot work [5].
• Provide training and guidance to workers on hot work safety [3].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Fire	Burns, explosions, property damage	Clear work area of combustibles, use fire-resistant blankets, have fire extinguishers readily available 2, 8
Explosion	Severe injury, fatality, property damage	Test atmosphere for flammable substances, purge containers, eliminate ignition sources 2, 3
Exposure to fumes and gases	Respiratory irritation, poisoning, long-term health effects	Use ventilation, wear respirators, monitor air quality 10, 18
Electric shock	Electrocution, burns	Inspect equipment, use GFCI, ensure proper grounding [6]
Burns from hot materials	Skin burns, eye damage	Wear appropriate PPE, use caution when handling hot materials 16, 17
Eye injuries	Loss of vision	Wear appropriate eye protection (welding helmet, safety glasses) [7]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE suitable for the hazards associated with the hot work being performed [1].

• Welding Helmet - Protects eyes and face from arc radiation, sparks, and molten metal. Ensure the helmet has the correct filter lens for the welding process [7].
• Safety Glasses - Provides additional eye protection under the welding helmet or when performing non-welding hot work. Use safety glasses with side shields [8].
• Gloves - Protect hands from burns, cuts, and electric shock. Use gauntlet gloves that are flameproof [7].
• Flame-Resistant Clothing - Protects the body from sparks and heat. Woolen clothing is preferable to cotton. All outer clothing should be free from oil or grease [7].
• Hearing Protection - Protects ears from excessive noise. Use earplugs or earmuffs as needed [9].

Inspect all PPE before use for damage. Replace damaged PPE immediately [3].

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper equipment and tools suitable for the hot work being performed [3].

• Welding Machine - Used for joining metal parts. Ensure it is properly grounded and in good working condition [10].
• Cutting Torch - Used for cutting metal. Inspect hoses and connections for leaks [11].
• Grinder - Used for grinding and cutting metal. Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition and the guard is in place [2].
• Fire Extinguisher - Used to extinguish fires. Ensure it is readily available and fully charged [12].
• Ventilation Equipment - Used to remove fumes and gases. Ensure it is properly positioned and functioning 10, 18.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use for damage. Remove any defective equipment from service [3].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must be trained and competent in the safe operation of hot work equipment and the recognition of associated hazards [3].
• Training must include the proper use of PPE, fire prevention techniques, and emergency procedures [13].
• Workers must be trained in the specific procedures applicable to their job tasks [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the hot work [3].
• Review the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures [3].
• Discuss the safe work procedures and emergency procedures [3].
• Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities [3].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Obtain a hot work permit from the designated authority [1].
• Clear the work area of all combustible materials within a 35-foot radius [1].
• Cover or protect immovable fire hazards with fire-resistant blankets or shields [12].
• Ensure adequate ventilation is provided to remove fumes and gases 10, 18.
• Inspect the atmosphere for flammable substances using a gas detector 2, 3.
• Ensure that suitable fire extinguishing equipment is immediately available [12].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hot Work Permit

Detailed description of step 1: Obtain a hot work permit before starting any hot work. The permit must be completed and signed by the designated authority [1].

• Sub-step 1.1: Identify the scope of work and potential hazards [1].
• Sub-step 1.2: Specify the required safety precautions and control measures [1].
• Sub-step 1.3: Ensure that all workers have read and understand the permit [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Hot work must not begin until a hot work permit is issued [1].

Step 2: Area Preparation

Detailed description of step 2: Prepare the work area to prevent fires and explosions [1].

• Sub-step 2.1: Clear the area of combustible materials or suitably isolate them [1].
• Sub-step 2.2: Implement procedures to ensure continuous safe performance of the hot work [1].
• Sub-step 2.3: Test the atmosphere to ensure it does not contain flammable substances exceeding 20% of the LEL 2, 3.

Safety considerations for this step: Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere is required 2, 3.

Step 3: Performing Hot Work

Detailed description of step 3: Perform the hot work safely, following all safety precautions and control measures [1].

• Sub-step 3.1: Use the correct PPE for the task [1].
• Sub-step 3.2: Ensure ventilation is adequate to remove fumes and gases 10, 18.
• Sub-step 3.3: Monitor the work area for fire hazards and take immediate action if necessary [12].

Safety considerations for this step: Never leave hot work unattended [12].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Fire Prevention: Ensure that hot work is only permitted in areas that are or have been made fire safe [4].
• Flammable Substances: If a flammable substance is or may be present, ensure that no hot work is performed until suitable tests have been conducted [14].
• Container Safety: Do not perform any welding, cutting, or other hot work on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers until they have been thoroughly cleaned 7, 11.
• Ventilation: Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided to remove fumes and gases 10, 18.
• Equipment Inspection: Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition [3].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the area immediately [12].
• Call emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency [5].
• Follow the instructions of emergency responders [5].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fire: Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. If the fire is too large, evacuate immediately [12].
• Explosion: Evacuate the area immediately and seek shelter [1].
• Exposure to Fumes: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary 10, 18.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Emergency Contact 1]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Emergency Contact 2]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately [5].
• An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to prevent recurrence [5].
• The incident report must include the date, time, location, and description of the incident, as well as any injuries or damages [5].

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) 1, 6
• Occupational Health and Safety Code 2, 5
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020) 3, 13, 19
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon) 4, 7, 9, 12, 14
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon) [12]
• Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC) 10, 11, 16, 18, 20

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

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