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 outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures to be followed when conducting hot work activities, including but not limited to welding, cutting, grinding, and brazing. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in or present in areas where hot work is being performed.]

[This procedure applies to all areas where hot work is conducted, including workshops, construction sites, and maintenance areas.]

[This SWP should be used in conjunction with the site's fire safety plan and any other relevant safety procedures.]

2. Definitions

Hot Work [Any work that involves burning, welding, cutting, grinding, or using spark-producing tools.]

Fire Watch [A designated person responsible for monitoring the hot work area for fire hazards during and after hot work operations.]

Flammable Materials [Substances that easily ignite and burn rapidly, such as gasoline, propane, and paper.]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

[Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform hot work.]
[Provide and maintain all necessary equipment and PPE.]
[Ensure that a fire watch is in place when required.]

3.2 Workers

[Follow all safety procedures and instructions.]
[Use required PPE properly.]
[Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.]

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

[Conduct regular inspections of hot work areas.]
[Provide guidance and support on hot work safety.]
[Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Fire	Burns, property damage	Ensure adequate ventilation, remove flammable materials from the area, use fire-resistant barriers, have fire extinguishers readily available.
Explosion	Injury, property damage	Inspect for explosive atmospheres, ventilate the area, use non-sparking tools.
Fumes and Gases	Respiratory irritation, poisoning	Use respiratory protection, ensure adequate ventilation, monitor air quality.
Burns	Skin damage	Wear appropriate PPE, use heat-resistant gloves and clothing.
Eye Injuries	Vision damage	Wear safety glasses or face shields.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

[Proper PPE must be worn at all times during hot work activities to minimize the risk of injury.]

[Safety Glasses/Face Shield] - [To protect eyes from sparks, debris, and fumes.]
[Welding Helmet] - [To protect eyes and face from arc radiation and burns during welding.]
[Gloves] - [To protect hands from burns and cuts. Use heat-resistant gloves for welding and cutting.]
[Fire-Resistant Clothing] - [To protect skin from sparks and burns. Wear long sleeves and pants made of fire-resistant material.]
[Respirator] - [To protect from inhalation of harmful fumes and gases, especially in poorly ventilated areas.]

[Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.]

6. Equipment and Tools

[Use only approved and well-maintained equipment for hot work. Inspect all equipment before use.]

[Welding Machine] - [Use properly grounded welding machines with appropriate settings for the material being welded.]
[Cutting Torch] - [Inspect hoses and connections for leaks. Use flashback arrestors.]
[Grinder] - [Use grinders with guards in place. Ensure grinding wheels are in good condition.]
[Fire Extinguisher] - [Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher readily available in the hot work area.]
[Ventilation Equipment] - [Use local exhaust ventilation to remove fumes and gases from the work area.]

[Inspect all equipment before each use. Remove any defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair.]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

[All workers must be trained and certified in hot work safety and the proper use of equipment. Training should include fire safety, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures.]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

[Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety procedures. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.]

7.3 Work Area Preparation

[Before starting hot work, prepare the work area to minimize fire and explosion hazards.]

[Remove all flammable materials from the area or cover them with fire-resistant blankets.]
[Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of fumes and gases.]
[Inspect the area for explosive atmospheres and take necessary precautions.]
[Post warning signs to alert others of hot work in progress.]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

[Step 1 Title: Obtain Hot Work Permit]

[Before starting any hot work, obtain a hot work permit from the designated authority. The permit should specify the location, time, and scope of work, as well as the required safety precautions.]

[Sub-step 1.1: Complete the hot work permit application.]
[Sub-step 1.2: Obtain approval from the designated authority.]
[Sub-step 1.3: Post the permit at the work site.]

[Ensure that the permit is valid and all conditions are met before starting work.]

[Step 2 Title: Set Up Work Area]

[Prepare the work area to ensure it is safe for hot work.]

[Sub-step 2.1: Remove or protect flammable materials.]
[Sub-step 2.2: Ensure adequate ventilation.]
[Sub-step 2.3: Set up fire-resistant barriers.]

[Double-check that all flammable materials are removed or adequately protected.]

[Step 3 Title: Perform Hot Work]

[Conduct the hot work activity following established safety procedures.]

[Sub-step 3.1: Wear appropriate PPE.]
[Sub-step 3.2: Use equipment safely.]
[Sub-step 3.3: Monitor for hazards.]

[Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards such as sparks, fumes, and fire.]

[Step 4 Title: Fire Watch]

[A designated fire watch must be present during and after hot work to monitor for fires.]

[Sub-step 4.1: Continuously monitor the work area for at least 30 minutes after completion of hot work.]
[Sub-step 4.2: Have a fire extinguisher readily available.]
[Sub-step 4.3: Be prepared to extinguish any fires that may start.]

[The fire watch must be trained in fire safety and the use of fire extinguishers.]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

[Never perform hot work in areas where flammable liquids or gases are present.] - [Explosions and fires can occur.]
[Always use proper ventilation to avoid inhaling harmful fumes and gases.] - [Respiratory damage can occur.]
[Ensure that all equipment is in good working condition before starting work.] - [Equipment failure can lead to accidents.]
[Always wear appropriate PPE to protect against burns, eye injuries, and other hazards.] - [PPE is the last line of defense against injury.]
[Follow all safety procedures and instructions.] - [Safety procedures are designed to prevent accidents.]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

[In the event of a fire or other emergency, follow these steps:]

[Activate the fire alarm.]
[Evacuate the area.]
[Call emergency services.]
[Provide first aid if necessary.]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

[Fire] - [Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. If the fire is too large, evacuate and call emergency services.]
[Explosion] - [Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services.]
[Exposure to Fumes] - [Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary.]

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

[Emergency Services: 911]
[Site Security: [PHONE NUMBER]]
[First Aid: [PHONE NUMBER]]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

[All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.]

[The investigation will involve gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the incident. Corrective actions will be implemented to address the root cause.]

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