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Why should I get a "Hot Work Permit"? Working with ignition sources near flammable materials is referred to as "hot work." Welding and cutting are examples of hot work. Fires often are the result of the "quick five minute" job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Hot work procedures include getting a hot work permit as one of the steps taken to ensure a fire is not started by welding or cutting in areas where there are flammable or combustible materials. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 51B "Fire Prevention in the Use of Cutting and Welding Processes" serves as the basis for the fire codes and many fire prevention practices adopted by industry. What are some precautions to take when working near combustible materials? - Make sure that all equipment is in good operating order before work starts.
- Inspect the work area thoroughly before starting. Look for combustible materials in structures (partitions, walls, ceilings).
- Sweep clean any combustible materials on floors around the work zone. Combustible floors must be kept wet with water or covered with fire resistant blankets or damp sand.
- Use water only if electrical circuits have been de-energized to prevent electrical shock.
- Move all combustible materials away from the work area.
- If combustibles cannot be moved, cover them with fire resistant blankets or shields. Protect gas lines and equipment from falling sparks, hot materials and objects.
- Block off cracks between floorboards, along baseboards and walls, and under door openings, with a fire resistant material. Close doors and windows.
- Cover wall or ceiling surfaces with a fire resistant and heat insulating material to prevent ignition and accumulation of heat.
- Inspect the area following work to ensure that wall surfaces, studs, wires or dirt have not heated up.
- Vacuum away combustible debris from inside ventilation or other service duct openings to prevent ignition. Prevent sparks from entering into the duct work. Cover duct openings with a fire resistant barrier and inspect the ducts after work has concluded.
- Post a trained fire watcher within the work area during welding and for at least 30 minutes after work has stopped.
- Comply with the required legislation and standards applicable to your workplace.
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Document last updated on July 26, 2001
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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