Hot Work



Hot Work

Name:

Institution:

Index

Page Number

Allied 4, 5, 6, 7

Burner 5,

Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)3, 4

Confined spaces 3, 7

Conformance4

Designated areas3, 4, 5, 6

EHS4, 5

Fire watch4

Fire4, 5, 6, 9

Flammable3, 4

Guarding8

Hazard3, 6

Higher risks 4, 7

Hot work permits 3, 4, 7, 10

Hot work 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9,10

HSW Act 8

Isolation,4, 6

Lower risk 7

Non-welding hot work risk 7

Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 3, 6, 8, 9

Portable Electronic Devices (PED)6

Positive drop test 8

PPE8, 9

PUWER 8

Sources of ignition3, 6

Torch5, 7

Welding, soldering, brazing, and cutting, 3, 6,

Wetting down (reducing combustibility of materials) 4

Work places3, 8

Working surface 4

Hot Work

Hot work refers to any process or activity that can be a source of ignition or sparks that can produce fire when a flammable material is in close proximity or can be a source of fire hazard irrespective of whether a flammable material is present. Hot work is thus any activity that involves burning, flammable substances, welding and use of fire or spark producing devices. Examples of common hot work activities can include soldering, welding, brazing, and cutting. In the presence of flammable materials, processes such as drilling and grinding become hot work operations. It is important to observe caution when carrying out hot work to minimize occupational health and safety hazards such as burning, scorching, or explosions. In some countries, such as Canada and the UK, a hot work permit is a statutory requirement for all individuals or factories that carry out related operations (University of Maryland, 2013; CCOHS, 2012). In the US, Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) (2014), maintains requirements for hot work operations in the marine industry by the use of specific regulations. In addition, it is important not to carry out any hot work operations in a confined space until an authorized person has tested the atmosphere and determined that it is safe, non-hazardous, and free from combustible or flammable materials. Potentially hazardous areas can include fuel tanks, tank batteries, mud tanks, gas separators, as well as confined spaces in which gases can accumulate (OSHA, 2014). Work places in which hot work process take place should have suitable fire extinguisher equipment readily available, for example a hose, sand buckets, water pails, or portable extinguishers (Fire Protection Association, 2013). Various types of hot work operations require the activities to be conducted in designated areas that have undergone expert assessment and passed.

Designate Hot Work Areas

Undertaking hot work operations requires the activities to be carried out in designated areas. A designated hot work area is a permanent location designed for hot work. These areas do not require a daily permit to perform hot work. After initial assessment, audits and verification exercises can be conducted to ascertain conformance to regulatory requirements and adherence to set safety procedures. Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (2012) observes that getting a hot work permit is only a step involved in managing a hot work program aims at reducing the risk of starting fires in work places. According to the Victorian Government Department of Education (2006), all hot work operations should “only be performed where strict controls are in place to prevent risks from occurring.” Consequently, it is necessary to institute various controls before undertaking any hot work processes. These include wetting down (reducing combustibility of materials), isolating work places, removing explosive or flammable materials or residues, using appropriate PPE, using suitable working tools, locating fire extinguishers within reach, and instituting emergency procedures (Fire Protection Association, 2013). A designated hot work area should be Inspected and approved by the facility management or EHS (Tanaka, 2007). In addition, it should be non-combustible, fire-resistive, and free from combustibles and flammables, suitably segregated from adjacent areas, and equipped with heat detectors (as opposed to smoke detectors). The working surface for soldering, grinding, brazing, and other hot work activities should be free from non-combustible materials. Tiled surfaces are encouraged. Fire Protection Association (2013) also advices it is necessary to have additional fire watch personnel to check against fire during hot work operations, especially in areas at higher risks of catching fire.

Necessary Inspections before Undertaking Hot Work Processes

It is essential to inspect various parameters and observe certain essentials prior to using a designated area for conducting hot work processes and allied activities (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2013). All combustible materials, papers, notebooks, and chemicals should be removed from the surrounding environments, minimum 35 foot clearance (Manuele, 2012). It is necessary to inspect the oxy-acetylene hoses for holes, pinched points, cracks, or any other defects and ensure that the hoses fit securely on the gas valve and the burner or torch. In addition, it is vital to replace or repair hoses that present with defects before using. Loose clothing, long hairs, dangling jewelries, and other suspended wears should be knotted well at the time of using the burner (Manuele, 2012). It is also important to notify all lab or shop personnel that a particular burner or touch will be in use for a specific operation. Increasing personnel awareness about events and hot work activities helps to diversify the perspectives of observing caution or raising alarm in case an abnormal activity is noted. A burner or torch that is in use should never be left unattended while all gas supplies should be switched off after use to minimize fire risks. Tanner (2009) advises that in case oxy-acetylene is not going to be in use for an extended duration, it is precautious to remove the regulators and secure cylinders with protective cylinder caps if equipped.

Prohibited hot Work Areas

It is also important to recognize hot work areas where activities should not be undertaken. In addition, it is important to undertake any hot work operations under certain risk circumstances. For example, in areas unauthorized by the facility management or EHS, where the facilities fire systems are in poor condition, where the atmosphere contains excessive explosive vapors, gases, dusts, or exposed liquids (Tanaka, 2007). In addition, working in immediate areas that contain combustible materials should be discouraged completely.

Assessment of non-Designated areas for Hot Work Processes

In scenarios where operations may be necessary in non-designated areas, it is important to carry out a thorough assessment as an additional precautionary measure to minimize risks (Manuele, 2012). Before authorizing hot work in a non-designated area, the employer must visually inspect the area where hot work is to be performed, including adjacent spaces, to ensure the area is free of fire hazards, unless a Marine Chemist’s certificate or Shipyard Competent Person’s log is used for authorization (OSHA, 2014). An additional precaution is that employers should only authorize the conducting of hot work processes only in areas that are free from fire hazards, or those that have adequate controls, such as firewatchers, physical isolation, or other positive monitoring measures.

Types of Hot Work and Guidelines

It is important to note that hot work guidelines apply to all aspects, processes, or operations that involve hot work activities. For purposes of easier understanding, classification of hot work falls in the following categories: welding, burning, and associated grinding, and non-welding hot work (all other ignition sources). Many sources of ignition besides burning, welding, and associated grinding activities, are important sources allied to hot work process that can contribute to fires.

Increased presence of portable electronic devices (PEDs) has introduced many new sources of ignition into hot work operations. According to Tanaka (2007), many of these emerging sources of ignition have been identified, the associated risks analyzed, and precautions put in place to address them. Some sources may have bypassed individuals and experts. That notwithstanding, technological advances have higher chances of creating additional sources of ignitions as well as solutions for addressing the risks.

A hot work matrix is available for use during operations to ensure adequate precautions are available before, during, and after undertaking hot work and other allied processes (Tanaka, 2007). Moreover, a hot work permit also presents various requirements needed for hot work process operations. The matrix is based on risk of devices in use and the physical places in which the devices will be used. Higher risk materials include hot surfaces, sparking devices, open flames, or exposed liquids, among others. Lower risk devices can include, for example, battery-operated gadgets. In some scenarios, some devices may be exempt from the permit process by the use of a self-governed screening process, following several different criteria. The screening process can be undertaken singly, or as a group, for example, during tailgate meetings, safety discussions, or hot work reviews. In certain situations, groups may opt to elect or designate a representative to undertake the screening of proposed devices. It is important to note that all the criteria must be observed for the exemption to take effect.

Precautionary Measures during Hot Work Processes

The non-welding hot work risk matrix provides details for observing precautionary measures during operations. Several requirements are discussed here.

It is important to attend always to oxygen supply lines, torches, and fuel gas supplies. This also involves ensuring that they are not used within confined spaces for over fifteen minutes, and they are always attended (HSE, 2012). It is important to observe that unattended fuel gases, oxygen hoses, and torches, are not left in confined places. In addition, it is important to disconnect all oxygen hoses and fuel gas lines at the source of supply during the closure of every shift to minimize risks. After disconnection, the oxygen hose and fuel gas lines should be left open to air to disconnect the torch. It is also imperative not to reconnect supply unless a thorough assessment on the lines has taken place through a positive drop test to ascertain integrity of the oxygen and fuel gas burning system.

During hot work operations, it is imperative to use protective clothing and equipments that are in good working condition. The University of Melbourne (2013) indicates that observing the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions on how to use the PPE will also be beneficial. All used equipments, such as knives, hammers, ladders, power presses, drilling machines, and circular saws should be stored properly. In scenarios where employees provide their own equipments, it is necessary to carry out checks to ensure that they conform to the required specifications. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), 1998, provides guidelines for equipment management during operations (HSE, 2012). According to PUWER, equipment processes covered in the regulations include modifying, repairing, maintaining, modifying, cleaning, servicing, and transportation (HSE, 2012). The regulations are applicable to all individuals including those who bring along their own equipment, but not to equipment used by the public, such as compressed air devices in garages. Nevertheless, such circumstances have been addressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act) (HSE, 2012). Therefore, factories, offices, offshore installations, entertainment places, hospitals, and others should observe the HSW Act. PUWER regulations are also applicable to temporary work places, such as construction sites, and some parts of shared buildings. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that all equipments used in hot work operations meet the PUWER regulatory requirements. It is necessary to ensure that all equipments are suitable for use, in good condition, well maintained, safe for use, adequately inspected, and that they should not introduce additional risks to the operator. OSHA (2014) provides guidelines for ensuring proper machine guarding systems are available to protect workers from direct exposure to sharp, hot, and very cold surfaces. It is also important to have training and awareness programs in place to remind employees of procedures and regulatory requirements pertaining to use of PPE and observance of safety precautions. In some instances, it may be prudent to integrate a combination of these measures.

It is also important to observe fire-extinguishing precautions, procedures, and equipments are available. It is the employer’s responsibility to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate an effective fire protection program (Tanner, 2009). Management should also ensure that all employees conform to the set program, and follow the procedures laid down. According to OSHA (2014), management should provide the necessary fire-extinguishing equipment in conspicuous and readily accessible locations to fight fires when they arise during hot work operations. Fire Protection Association (2013) also observes that there should be no delay in providing the firefighting equipments. Moreover, management or the employers should institute a well-trained firefighting team that is fit, proactive, and follow instructions (OSHA, 2014). Consequently, it is important to institute random firefighting drills to assess the alertness of the firefighting team (University of Melbourne, 2013; Tanner, 2009). It is also a requirement that an external body, most preferably, the government firefighting departments to increase their knowledge and skills, while training the firefighting team. Management should also institute a system of scheduled audits to ensure that the firefighting team, procedures, equipments, and personnel conform to fire safety requirements.

Appendix

Figure SEQ Figure * ARABIC 1: A hot work permit. Source: static.seton.com/media/catalog/product/Hot-Work-Permits-&-Signs-90188-ba.gif

References

Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). (2012). Welding: Hot Work. Retrieved from: www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/hotwork.html

Fire Protection Association. (2013). Fire safety awareness: Hot work safety. shttps://www.thefpa.co.uk/fpa_home/training/find_a_course/fire_safety_awareness/hot_work/

Health and Safety Executive. (2012). WL – COSHH essentials for welding, hot work, and allied processes. Retrieved from: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/wlseries.htm

Manuele, F. A. (2012). An Overview of the Occupational Health & Safety – Management Systems Standard. Retrieved from: www.asse.org/professionalsafety/?mobify=0

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 2014). General Safety and Health: Hot Work/ Welding. Retrieved from: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/oilandgas/general_safety/hot_work_welding.html

Tanaka, Masatoshi. (2007). Heat stress standard for hot work environments in Japan. Industrial health 45(1), 85-90.

Tanner, R. (2009). Occupational Health and Safety: Controlling Hot Work Fire Hazards. Retrieved from: ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/04/01/Controlling-Hot-Work-Fire-Hazards.aspx

The University of Melbourne. (2013). Policies and procedures: Hot Work Risk Management Procedure. Retrieved from: safety.unimelb.edu.au/publications/procedure/hot-work/

University of Maryland. (2013). Environmental Safety: Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Work Permits. Retrieved from: www.des.umd.edu/fire/hotworkfaq.html

Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (2006). Health, Safety, and Work Safe: Hot Work and Welding. Retrieved from: www.education.vic.gov.au/hr/ohs/hazards/hotwork.htm