UNIVERSITY of NORTHERN COLORADO HOT WORK PROGRAM

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Types of Hot Work Processes Welding / Soldering Grinding Thawing Pipe Any application producing a spark, flame, or heat

Hot Work Definitions Designated Area: Permanent location designed or approved for hot work operations to be performed regularly. Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI): The individual designated by management to authorize hot work. The PAI can NOT be the hot work operator.

Authorization (PAI) Responsible for safe operations of hot work activities Determine potential fire hazards present or hazardous processes. Ensure Fire Protection and extinguishing media is properly located at the site.

Who’s the PAI? Anyone who has received the Hot Work Program training can either be the PAI or the Hot Work Operator. The PAI and the Hot Work Operator must be decided at the beginning of the Hot Work Operation.

Hot Work Operator Operator shall have PAI’s approval before starting hot work operations. The operator shall cease hot work operations if unsafe conditions develop and shall notify management.

Permissible Areas Areas that have been made fire safe Hot work shall be performed in either designated areas or permit-required areas

Designated Area A specific area designed and approved for hot work (e.g.. maintenance shop) Detached outside location that is made of noncombustible or fire-resistant construction Free of combustible and flammable contents, and suitable from adjacent areas

Permit-Required Area An area that is made fire safe by removing or protecting combustibles and flammable contents from an ignition source. An area that requires a Hot Work permit

Hot Work shall NOT be allowed in the following areas Non-Permissible Area Hot Work shall NOT be allowed in the following areas In areas not authorized by Management In fire sprinkler buildings while such protection is impaired In the presence of explosive atmospheres (flammable gases, vapors, dust with air)

Non-Permissible Area In explosive atmospheres that can develop inside uncleaned or improperly prepared drums, tanks, or other containers and equipment that have previously contained such materials. In explosive atmospheres that can develop in areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts.

Fire Watch A Fire Watch is required when hot work is performed in a location where other than a minor fire might develop, or where the following conditions exist.

Fire Watch Combustible materials in building construction or contents are closer than 35 feet (11 m) to the point of operation Combustible materials are more than 35 feet (11 m) away but are easily ignited by sparks. Wall or floor openings within a 35 feet (11m) radius expose combustible materials in adjacent areas, including concealed spaces in walls or floors. 4. Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited.

Fire Watch - PAI When a Fire Watch is required the PAI shall perform the fire watch at the site. A Fire Watch shall be maintained for at least ½ hour after completion of the hot work Where a Fire Watch is NOT required, the PAI shall make a final checkup a ½ hour after the completion of the hot work operation

Fire Watch More than one Fire Watch shall be required if combustible materials that could be ignited by the hot work operation cannot be directly observed by the initial fire watch (PAI).

Hot Work Permit Before hot work operations begin in a permit-required location, a written hot work permit by the PAI shall be required. Before a hot work permit is issued the following 11 conditions shall be verified by the PAI

Hot Work Permit Hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair. Where combustible materials are on the floor, the floor shall be swept clean for a radius of 35 feet (11m). Combustible floors shall be protected by fire-retardant shields. All combustibles shall be relocated at least 35 feet (11m) horizontally from the work site. If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be protected with fire-retardant covers, guards, or curtains, or shielded with metal. Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 feet (11m) of the site shall be tightly covered to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent areas.

Hot Work Permit If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceiling, or roof made of combustible material, fire-retardant shields shall be provided If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceiling, or roof, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side. If it’s impractical to move the combustibles, a fire watch shall be provided on the opposite side from the work. Hot work shall NOT be attempted on a partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that has a combustible covering or insulation, or on walls or partitions of combustible type panel construction. 8. Hot work that is performed on pipes or other metal that is in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceiling, or roof shall NOT be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction.

Hot Work Permit Fire Extinguishers shall be available immediately at the work area. If existing fire hose lines are located within the hot work area defined by the permit, they shall be connected and ready for service but shall not be required to be unrolled or charged. Nearby personnel shall be protected against heat, sparks, slag. Appropriate PPE shall be worn. If hot work is done in close proximity to a sprinkler head, a wet rag shall be laid over the head and then removed at the conclusion of the hot work operation. Special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of sprinkler system.

Hot Work Permit Give completed hot work permits to Environmental Health and Safety for recordkeeping.

University of Northern Colorado Environmental Health & Safety Call for questions or concerns! “Protect Yourself”