| Purpose |
To protect workers from injuries and facilities from damages caused by improper hot work operations, such as burns, fires, and explosions. |
| Definition |
Hot work refers to activities involving an ignition source near flammable or combustible materials. Common tasks include burning, welding, grinding, riveting, soldering, and using fire- or spark-producing tools. Hot work often occurs in environments such as construction sites, maintenance areas, and confined spaces, where improper execution may lead to fires, explosions, or injuries. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Chemical:
- Fire/Explosion
- Fumes/Smoke Inhalation
- Compressed Gas Hazards
Physical:
- Burns
- Eye/Skin Injuries
- Confinement Risks
- Smoke/Dust Exposure
- Electrical Shock
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Appropriate Fire Extinguisher based on the work area
(Class A for solids, Class B for liquids, Class C for electrical fires)
- Proper Ventilation
- Fire-Resistant Barriers and Blankets
Administrative:
- Hazard Assessment
- Hot Work Permit
- WHMIS/HazCom Training
- Designated Fire Watch
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Flame Resistant Clothing
- Welding Goggles
- Face Shield
- Gloves
- CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure Workers are provided with the training and instructions in the use of the equipment and devices.
- Ensure Workers complete a hazard assessment prior to starting work.
- Ensure Fire Watch is active throughout the task and remains for the required duration post-operation.
- Provide fire-resistant blankets and shields for fixed combustible materials if needed.
- Make all specialized equipment available to the Worker.
- Ensure the worker is aware of flammable liquids and gases on the work site.
- Coordinate the activities of other trades to avoid overlapping in the area where hot work is taking place or conflicting simultaneous operations (such as hot work and gas like activation).
- Issue or authorize the Hot Work Permit prior to commencing any hot work.
- Ensure the Hot Work Permit is issued for a determined amount of time.
- Review worker compliance with Hot Work Permit conditions during site walkthroughs.
- Close/sign off the Hot Work Permit after the hot work and Fire Watch are completed.
Do not
- Allow hot work to start before you sign the Hot Work Permit.
- Extend the duration of the Hot Work Permit.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Obtain a Hot Work Permit and follow all its requirements.
- Hot Work Permits must include:
- Task description.
- Work location.
- Valid time period for the permit.
- The Fire Watch process includes:
- Remaining on-site until any smoldering embers are extinguished.
- Inspecting walls, ceilings, and floor cavities for excess heat or sparks after hot work.
- Inspect the work area thoroughly before starting. Look for combustible materials in the structures nearby (partitions, walls, ceilings).
- Complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting the Hot Work.
- Verify the availability of fire-resistant blankets and shields for fixed combustible materials.
- Confirm proper storage of flammable liquids and gases away from the work site.
- Inspect tools and equipment and perform regular maintenance checks.
- Report malfunctioning PPE, extinguishers, or other tools immediately to supervisors.
- Move all flammable and combustible material away from the work area.
- Follow SDS and Applicable Legislation.
- Notify nearby workers of the hot work activity.
- Cover nearby materials with fire resistant blankets, shields or other material, if combustibles cannot be moved.
- Ensure the appropriate fire extinguishers are available and easily accessible.
- Actively monitor surroundings for sparks or embers during the task.
- Notify supervisors if Hot Work Permit conditions are at risk of being violated (e.g., overlap with other activities such as gas line activation).
- After hot work has been completed, inspect the area to ensure there are no smoldering embers and that wall surfaces, studs or wires have not heated up.
- Complete the Fire Watch as per permit’s requirements.
Do not
- Start hot work without a completed Hot Work Permit.
- Complete hot work without task-specific training.
- Continue hot work activities after the Hot Work Permit has expired.
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