Table of Contents

19.1 Introduction

19.2 Procedures

19.3 Hot Work Permits

19.4 Training

19.5 Arc Welding and Cutting

Related Documents

Hot Work Permit PDF Hot Work Hot Work two per page PDF

19.1 Introduction #

Hot Work is any work activity which produces an open flame or sparks (e.g., welding, brazing, metal grinding, etc.). Because of this, these activities present a risk of fire in the work area. The Hot Work Safety program attempts to prevent uncontrolled fires through proper work procedures, monitoring, and documentation, and  worker exposure to health and safety concerns. Employees that  perform hot work will need to receive the comprehensive training outlined in this program.

Reference Regulations: 

Welding and Cutting (MIOSHA General Industry Part 12) 

Welding and Cutting (MIOSHA Construction Part 7)  

19.2 Procedures #

Only authorized employees shall be allowed to perform Hot Work procedures. If an employee is required to do any of the following, Hot Work Safety Program shall be used:

• Cutting
• Welding
• Brazing
• Torch soldering
• High speed metal grinding
• Use of an open flame

General Requirements #

Hot work should only be done when there are no other means of accomplishing the work. 

To the extent feasible, hot work should be performed in shop areas specifically designed for such work (welding or machine shops). When this is not possible, a hot work permit will be used to manage the process and assure adequate precautions have been taken.

When conducting hot work in a confined space, a Hot Work Safety permit and a Confined Space Entry Permit must both be used.

During welding or cutting,  exhaust ventilation and  respiratory protection may be required to minimize exposure to  metal fumes and gases. Including materials containing or coated with zinc, lead, cadmium, beryllium, or mercury, and using fluorine containing fluxes or filler materials. Contact the EHS for assistance in assessing these situations.

Work Area Preparation (Fire Prevention Rules) #

Hot work is not permitted:

• Outside a designated area unless a hot work permit is completed 
• Within 50 feet of explosives, stored cylinders, or stored fuel.
• In the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Combustible and flammable materials must be moved a minimum of 35 feet from the hot work area or covered with fire resistant material. Wet down wooden floors or cover them with a fire resistant material (such as fire resistant blankets), except when laid over concrete. NOTE: Arc welders must be protected from electric hazards. See Arc Welding section below.

Use fire resistant material, such as fire blankets, to cover cracks or openings in walls and floors (including ductwork) that are within 35 feet of the work and through which sparks could pass.

Have a 10lbs or greater  “ABC” rated or other appropriate fire extinguisher immediately available to the work area during the hot work. 

Hot work shall not be performed on drums, barrels, tanks, etc., until reviewed by EHS,  and confirmed cleaned and purged of all flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials, gases or vapors. An opening in the tank shall be maintained during welding or cutting to vent gases or vapors.

Smoke and fire detectors/alarms, in the immediate area of the hot work, must be temporarily disabled. Shutdowns must be scheduled through the F&O Shutdown Coordination Request system (647-2059) or Shutdown Coordination Request System Link .

Inform the building facility manager, or other contact person, of the location and estimated duration of the hot work job.

19.3 Hot Work Permits #

The hot work permit tracks each step of the job, and functions as a procedure guide and warning tag. The permit must be used for hot work jobs done outside of designated hot work areas specifically intended for hot work (such as the welding and machine shops). 

• Permit Auditing Individuals must verify the hot work location has been examined and the precautions checklist   has been completed prior to issuing the hot work permit.
• The hot work operator will complete the remainder of the permit, sign it, and conspicuously display it where the hot work is performed.
• The hot work permit applies to a specific location, a specific time frame not to exceed one normal work shift, to specific hot work activities where
• A Fire Watch Person(s) will be assigned to observe the operator and work area(s) during work and a minimum of 60 minutes after the hot work tasks are complete
• Contractors should follow hot work procedures outlined in the Contractor Safety Guideline 
• Warehouse Spaces require an additional  2 hour Fire monitoring after the 60 minute fire watch is complete.  

Permit Close Out #

At the completion of the hot work, the fire watch or hot work operator will:

• Inspect the work and surrounding areas for the possibility of smoldering or fire; 
• Assure that all hot work equipment has been removed from the area; 
• If appropriate, contact Facilities Service Center 647-2059 to re-activate the fire detection system, if not already coordinated. 
• Sign the close out section of the permit, indicating appropriate inspection and monitoring procedures were completed; and
•  Hot Work Permits shall be retained  for annual program review. 

Fire Watch #

A Fire Watch is needed for all hot work activities, outside of designated areas,  and is responsible for the following:

• Present while the work is being performed and a minimum of 60 minutes after
• Stopping work when a hazard is identified 
• Managing the area to maintain a safe work condition throughout the hot work
• Keeping constant watch 
• Looking for stray sparks, smoldering fires or other fire hazards
• Being familiar with the facilities and procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire

The Fire Watch must have a charged and inspected fire extinguishing equipment readily available and of sufficient quantity to extinguish a probable uncontained fire, and be trained in its use. They must also be familiar with the procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire.

Monitoring #

The fire monitor can be a person or system used to periodically monitor for fires after the fire watch has ended if required by PAI, U-M Fire Marshal or EHS.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) #

Use PPE (e.g., eye, face, head, hand, arm, torso, foot, foot, respiratory, hearing, etc.) in accordance with the hazard assessment completed in compliance with the PPE Program. 

Protection of Occupants #

Occupants not directly involved with the hot work must be protected from hazards from the hot work area using one or more of the following techniques:

• Restricting access to the work area by using existing walls or partitions;
• Providing general or local exhaust ventilation to the hot work area;
• Keeping occupants a safe distance from the work area; or
• By erecting temporary screens.

Gasses, vapors and fumes from the hot work must be prevented from entering the building’s ventilation system. Ventilation intakes in the area of the hot work will be sealed or shut off, and the hot work gases, vapors and fumes filtered or vented to the outside of the building to the extent feasible.

19.4 Training #

EHS  provides training to employees that will conduct hot work operations. All employees should be trained in the following topics:

• hot work safety permit procedures
• general fire prevention procedures
• use of fire extinguishers
• use of personal protective equipment for conducting hot work operations

19.5 Arc Welding and Cutting #

Electrical insulation, or other protection, will be used when welding or cutting processes require open circuit voltages higher than 100 volts, to prevent the operator from making accidental contact with the electrical voltage.

When electrodes are not in use, place them so they cannot make electrical contact with an employee, fuel or gas tanks, or conductive objects. Retract or remove electrodes when the welding machine is not in use. Do not use cylinders to strike an arc.

Chlorinated solvents should never be used on materials just prior to welding. If chlorinated solvents have been used, the material surface must be fully dried before welding can begin.

In damp conditions, or areas with a high relative humidity, workers shall be protected from possible electrical shock hazards.

Do not cool electrodes by immersion in water. Do not curl or loop welding cable around your body.