Hot Work / Permit-to-Work System
Before starting any Hot Work task, it’s necessary to identify the hazards and then to ensure that they are eliminated or effectively controlled. This can be achieved by using a Permit-to-Work system. This sets out the step by step formal actions and precautions by those responsible for the work.
A Permit-to-Work does not in itself make the job safe, but will help ensure safety if followed as required.
Welding and burning creates high temperatures, molten metal and sparks –this can be a serious fire hazard. During these operations the following precautions must be taken:
Keep watch in the work area, below the work area and on the other side of a bulkhead that is being welded or burned.
- Keep watch in the work area, below the work area and on the other side of a bulkhead that is being welded or burned.
- Remove combustible materials (or to protect them if they cannot be moved).
- Don’t burn near heavy concentrations of dust or of combustible vapours such as those given off by fuel, oil, lubricating oil and other flammable liquids.
- Remove flammable vapours, liquids or solids from a container, pipe or similar work-piece, or from a confined space such as a fuel tank.
- Make sure there is the proper type of fire extinguisher at the scene.
- Secure oxygen and gas cylinders in an upright position.
- Protect gas and oxygen hoses from mechanical damage, or damage from flying sparks, slag and hot metal.
- Provide a gas shut-off valve outside a confined space.
- Remove hoses from confined spaces when the torches have been disconnected.
- Make sure that all bottles have flash-back arrestors installed.
