Hot work operations include welding, brazing, torch cutting, grinding, and torch soldering.  These operations create heat, sparks, and hot slag that have the potential to ignite flammable and combustible materials in the area surrounding hot work activities.  Hot work is covered by 29CFR 1910.252 and NFPA 51B.  Hot work is regularly performed in Bates College facilities.  The college Hot Work Permit was developed in accordance with OSHA regulations and NFPA recommendations with the goal of preventing hot work fires.

Hot Work Operators (HWO) are employees or contractors who perform hot work operations.  An HWO must always obtain a Hot Work Permit before beginning hot work.

A Fire Watch is posted to monitor the safety of hot work operations and watch for fires.  Fire watches are posted by a Permit Authorizing Individuals (PAI) if the situation requires one, during hot work, and for at least 30 minutes after work has been completed.  Any employee who has successfully completed hot work safety training can serve as the Fire Watch.

The 35-Foot Rule

• All flammable and combustible materials within a 35-foot radius of hot work must be removed.
• When flammable and combustible materials within a 35-foot radius of hot work cannot be removed, they must be covered with flame-retardant tarps and a fire watch must be posted.
• Floors and surfaces within a 35-foot radius of the hot work area must be swept free of combustible dust or debris.
• All openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts that are potential travel passages for sparks, heat, and flames must be covered.

Fire Detection and Suppression

• A fire extinguisher must be readily available and accessible.
• Entire building smoke detection and alarm systems cannot be shut down.  Instead, smoke detectors in the area of hot work may be covered or disabled for the duration of hot work to prevent false alarms.
• Automatic sprinkler systems may not be shut down to perform hot work.  Instead, individual sprinkler heads in the area of hot work may be covered with wet cloth to prevent accidental activation.

Fire Watch

A Fire Watch must be posted by a PAI if the following conditions exist:

• The hot work is being conducted in an occupied building
• Combustible materials cannot be removed from within a 35-foot radius of the hot work.
• Wall or floor openings within a 35-foot radius of hot work expose combustible materials in adjacent areas, including concealed spaces in walls or floors.
• Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited.

General Guidelines

• Work should be performed using alternative methods other than hot work whenever possible.
• How work should be performed in designated hot work rooms whenever it is practical.
• A Hot Work Permit is valid for one day and one area and should be posted in the area of hot work for the duration of the activity.
• A copy of every permit shall be filed and kept by EHS for one year
• A fire extinguisher must be present when performing hot work.

Non-permissible Hot Work Situations

Hot work is not permitted when the following conditions exist without review by EHS:

• In sprinklered buildings where the entire sprinkler system is impaired.
• When an entire building fire detection system is shut down.
• In the presence of explosive atmospheres where mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts may exist.
• In tanks, drums, or other containers and equipment that contain or previously contained materials that could create explosive atmospheres.

EHS Training

Individuals involved in hot work are required to complete hot work training, including supervisors, permit authorizing individuals, hot work operators, and fire watch personnel.  The following EHS training must be completed:

• Hot Work Permit Training – required upon initial assignment and refresher training required every five years
• Fire Extinguisher Training – required once a year.  The hands-on classroom training must be completed for the initial class.  A refresher training course may be completed for the yearly refresher requirement.

Departmental Training

Managers may train employees on departmental Hot Work Permit procedures and specific safety procedures for the type of hot work equipment used.  The training shall be completed upon initial assignment and cover the following subjects:

• Safety procedures specific to the equipment used.
• Required personal protective equipment for job tasks.
• Identification of Permit Authorizing Individuals and how they can be contacted.
• Where to file copies of complete Hot Work Permits.
• Locations of designated hot work rooms where a Hot Work Permit is not required.