Hot Work Permit Program
Introduction
The intent of this program is to establish
procedures to prevent fires as a result of brazing, cutting, grinding,
soldering, thawing pipes, torch applied roofing, and welding operations,
activities that
produce an open flame or that produce heat,
sparks, or hot slag (hot work). This
program requires the issuance of a hot work permit before campus personnel OR
outside contractors may begin any hot work.
Scope
This program applies to
or supervise hot work activities in existing
buildings, new construction in existing buildings, and
new construction attached to existing
buildings. This program does not apply
to areas that are specifically designed and equipped for such operations, e.g.,
designated welding areas.
Responsibilities
1. Department performing hot work
Recognizes
its responsibility for the safe use of cutting and welding equipment
Establishes
designated areas for cutting and welding
Ensures
hot work procedures are being implemented and followed in areas other than
designated welding areas
Ensures that
supervisors, cutters, and welders are suitably trained in the operation of the
equipment
and the safe use of the process
2. Supervisor/Project Manager
Ensures that
all employees and contractors are following the hot work procedure
Ensures that
a hot work permit is issued prior to the start of work
Ensures
that all cutting and welding equipment is in satisfactory condition and good repair
Ensures that
employees are suitably trained in the operation of the equipment
Ensures
that outside contractors follow proper hot work procedures when working on
University property
3. Employee
Follows and
uses hot work procedures
Obtains a hot
work permit prior to starting work
Ensures
that all cutting and welding equipment is in satisfactory condition and good
repair
Attends and
actively participates in training sessions
Protects
nearby personnel and passers by against heat, sparks, etc. when working in
occupied buildings.
4. Office of Environmental Health and
Safety
Supplies Hot
Work Permit forms
Provides
assistance with program implementation and administration
Provides
assistance in training supervisors, employees, and project managers
Updates Hot
Work Program as needed
Procedures
Hot work
should not be performed if the work can be avoided or performed in a safer
manner.
When
practical, objects to be welded, cut, or heated must be moved to a designated
safe location,
i.e. a designated
welding area.
1) A hot work permit must be acquired
before the hot work begins. Hot work permits can be obtained through the
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Manager.
2) Both sides of the form must be filled
out completely, and all precautions met prior to performing any hot work. The hot work permit will be valid only for
the date(s) and time
specified on the permit. A copy of the permit must remain at the hot
work location until
work is completed. A copy of the completed permit will be kept on
file with the EH&S office.
3) All-new construction and whole-building
renovations may be covered under a blanket hot
work permit. However, the precautions used must be reviewed
by the Supervisor/Project Manager prior to each hot work project.
4) All personnel (employees, contractors,
building occupants) must be suitably protected
against hazards generated by the work, e.g.,
heat, sparks, fumes, welding rays, etc. This
may include, but is not limited to, the use
of personal protective equipment, shields,
screens, or local exhaust ventilation.
5) The Plymouth Fire Department (536-1253)
may be notified as to the location, date & time
of hot work procedures prior to the begin
of work.
6) If fire alarms need to be temporarily
disarmed, contact Facilities Services at 535-2254.
7) When hot work is completed, the Supervisor/Project
Manager will notify the Plymouth Fire
Department. Facilities
Services must be advised as well in order to reactivate fire alarms.
Prohibited Conditions
A hot work permit will not be issued if
ANY of the following conditions exist:
Sprinkler protection is impaired;
Appropriate fire fighting equipment is
not readily available;
Combustible or flammable materials are
within 35 feet and cannot be moved or protected;
Floor and wall openings cannot be
covered;
Cutting or welding on pipes or other
metals can conduct enough heat to ignite nearby
combustible
materials; or
Any condition that could result in undue
hazards by performing the work.
Fire Watch Employee/Contractor
The fire watch assigned
employee/contractor must not be actively engaged in any operation or work
during hot work activity
The assigned employee/contractor must ensure
that proper fire fighting equipment is readily available (i.e. appropriate
extinguisher for type of operation and material)
Prior to any hot work activity, the
assigned employee/contractor must locate the nearest fire alarm pull station
and inspect hot work area
The assigned employee/contractor shall extinguish
a fire ONLY when it is safe to do so and within trained capabilities.
NOTE: A Fire Watch is REQUIRED to remain in the
area for 30 minutes after operations cease.
