HOT WORKING The distinction between hot working and cold working does not depends solely on temperature, but rather o the processing temperature. Seal any cracks in ducts. indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. For further information please see full disclaimer. Français, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Home About the Ministry Newsroom Videos and Photos Contact Us. Hot work does not generally include candles, cooking operations, electric soldering irons and Bunsen burners used on lab benches and in fume hoods. Make sure that all equipment is in good operating order before work starts. If ventilation or purging cannot reduce the combustible dust or mist airborne concentration to a level below that which may create a hazard of explosion, the space must be rendered inert by adding an inert gas and be continuously monitored to ensure the atmosphere remains inert. A draft example of the hot work permit is available from . Getting a hot work permit before performing hot work is just one of steps involved in a hot work management program that helps to reduce the risk of starting a fire by hot work in areas where there are flammable or combustible materials. While this web resource will also be available to Ministry of Labour inspectors, they will apply and enforce the OHSA and its regulations based on the facts as they may find them in the workplace. hot work any trades activity that uses or produces flames, sparks, or heat that would act as an ignition source for any flammable or combustible material. If your organization performs operations or maintenance involving open flame, sparks or high heat, the answer to this question is likely yes. Examples of hot work include welding, cutting, grinding and the use of non-explosion proof electrical equipment. For further information please see full disclaimer. Foremost among those was the use of combustible gas detectors before and during hot work. Inspect the area following work to ensure that wall surfaces, studs, wires or dirt have not heated up. Post a trained fire watcher within the work area, including lower levels if sparks or slag may fall during welding, including during breaks, and for at least 60 minutes after work has stopped. The space should be ventilated or purged to reduce the combustible dust or mist airborne concentration to a level below that which may create a hazard of explosion. Do you need a Hot Work program? All types of hot work can easily start a fire without proper safety procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: Brazing, Grinding, Soldering, Thawing Pipe, Torch Applied Roofing and Welding. Verify precautions listed below or do not proceed with work. Comply with the required legislation and standards applicable to your workplace. Safety topics - Hot work. Examples of cold work include valve adjustment and brush painting. Welding, soldering and cutting are examples of hot work. Failure to comply with hot work management and regulations are a leading cause of fires. © Copyright 1997-2020 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Document last updated on September 12, 2017. In some cases, hot work is associated with teaching and research activities. Close doors and windows. This Hot Work permit is required for any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. All precautions of this program must be applied prior to commencing any welding or hot work by company employees or contractors. This includes operations such as brazing, cutting, drilling, welding, grinding, soldering and torch work. Maintain a fire watch during operations and for 30 minutes after work has been completed . It is good practice to incorporate a safety factor that provides for adequate warning should the levels be approached. Hot work is often associated with welding and cutting, but also includes any work activity with potential to produce ignition sources or excess heat such as burning, brazing, grinding, soldering, or torch applied roofing. If combustibles cannot be moved, cover them with fire resistant blankets or shields. Vacuum away combustible debris from inside ventilation or other service duct openings to prevent ignition. Prevent sparks from entering into the duct work. "Hot work" is work that could produce a source of ignition, such as a spark or open flame. Hot work is common in building construction and is a necessary part of operation and maintenance activities. Fires are often the result of the "quick five minute" job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Fires are often the result of the "quick five minute" job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Skip to content Workers must wear adequate respiratory protective equipment and adequate equipment to allow persons outside the confined space to locate and rescue them, if necessary. Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. Purpose. Make sure that the first-aid boxes are available and easily accessible. Make sure you are following your hot work procedure. Look for combustible materials in structures (partitions, walls, ceilings). It is the responsibility of the workplace parties to ensure compliance with the legislation. Secure, isolate, and vent pressurized vessels, piping and equipment as needed before beginning hot work. You may be able to substitute hot work with other methods. Workers must wear adequate respiratory protective equipment and equipment to allow persons outside the confined space to locate and rescue them, if necessary. Getting a hot work permit before performing hot work is just one of steps involved in a hot work management program that helps to reduce the risk of starting a fire by hot work in areas where there are flammable or combustible materials. Before initiating hot work, can this job be avoided? CSA standard W117.2-12 - Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard Z49.1:2012 Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes were created to protect persons and property from injury, illness, and damage from fire and explosions that may occur from these processes. Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2009 - 2019, The space is purged and continuously ventilated to maintain an atmosphere of less than 5% of the. Remove any spilled grease, oil, or other combustible liquid. Eliminate explosive atmospheres (e.g., vapours or combustible dust) or do not allow hot work. Authorized Signature Date An adequate warning system and exit procedure are in place to provide adequate warning and allow safe escape if the levels in a) or b) above are exceeded. Examples are paper, plastics, wallboard coverings, and wood; this also would apply to flammable metals, such as aluminum and magnesium. What to do to prepare an area for hot work, c. What to do if hot work cannot be avoided in a particularly hazardous area, e. How to obtain a hot work permit, when they are required, and who can administer them, a. Disclaimer: This web resource has been prepared to assist the workplace parties in understanding some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations. The 2014 version of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Standard 51B "Fire Prevention in the Use of Cutting and Welding Processes" serves as the basis for many current fire prevention practices adopted by industry. 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