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!!
Download flyer: STOTW_747_Hot Work Safety Download Spanish flyer: STOTW_747_Hot Work Safety_esp
