Safety Tip of the Week – Safe Hot Work Procedure

Safe Hot Work Procedure

Hot work may include spark and high heat producing job tasks such as grinding, welding, soldering, thermal or oxygen cutting, and heating. Advanced planning and safe work procedures help prevent workplace fires caused by hot works activities.

Hot Work Fire March 28th 2009

Whenever possible, hot work activities should take place in designated areas designed to accommodate sparks and high heat safely. Hot work areas should be labeled with warning signs. They should be isolated from flammable and combustible materials and protected with welding and warning screens that limit access. They need a solid, flame-proof floor with no cracks or openings and adequate ventilation.

Pre-Planning

• Identify existing and potential hazards.

• Eliminate or control these hazards.

Safety Precautions

• Physically isolating the work space from surrounding areas;

• Moving combustible materials away from the welding area;

• Ensuring approved equipment is used (torches, valves, regulators, etc.);

• Making sure that equipment is in good condition;

• Testing fire sprinklers to make sure they are working; and

• Controlling possible ignition sources.

• Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage. Bystanders, as well as workers involved directly with welding, can be affected. It is important for everyone to have a basic knowledge of welding hazards.

Ignoring a warning can cause much mourning!!!