Safety Tip of the Week – Hot Work Safety

Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage.

Experts estimate that 6% of all fires on industrial properties are caused by welding or cutting. The main cause is the sparks or hot slag welding necessarily produces.

Pre-planning:

Pre-planning includes a hazard assessment to:

• Identify existing and potential hazards; and
• Eliminate or control these hazards.

Questions to Consider before Beginning Hot Work:

• Does everyone understand the scope of the work?
• Have all the affected employees been notified?
• Have security, emergency response personnel, and affected workers in the area been notified?
• Has the permit been filled out?
• Has the area been inspected before hot work is to start?
• Are all flammables/combustibles removed from the area?
• Has the area been evaluated to ensure that no flammable vapors are present?
• Is a fire extinguisher available?
• Are immovable fire hazards covered with a tarp or other non-combustible covering?
• Have employees been told to immediately stop hot work if conditions change, odors become present, etc., until the area is re-inspected?

THOSE WHO WORK THE SAFEST WAY…LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!!