HOT WORK PROCEDURES

1
HOT WORK PROCEDURES

• Welding and Hot Work, such as brazing or grinding
  present a significant opportunity for fire and
  injury. CCR Title 8 Sub Chapter 7, sections 4794
  - 4848, sections 4850 - 4853

2
Welding / Hot Work Procedures

• Hot Work Procedures Are - Any activity which
  results in sparks, fire, molten slag, or hot
  material which has the potential to cause fires
  or explosion.
• All combustibles shall be relocated at least 35
  feet from the work site.
• Where relocation is impractical, combustibles
  shall be protected with flameproof covers,
  shielded with metal guards, curtains or wet down
  to help prevent ignition of materials.
• Where cutting or welding is done near walls,
  partitions, ceiling, or a roof of combustible
  construction, fire-resistant shields or guards
  shall be provided to prevent ignition.
• Ducts, conveyor systems, and piping that might
  carry sparks to distant combustibles shall be
  protected, shut down or closed off.
• Designate a fire watch, a second fire watch may
  be required on the back side of walls were
  welding is taking place.

3
Welding / Hot Work Procedures (continued)

• Portable welding curtains or shields installed to
  protect other workers in area
• Insure Hot Work Permit is initiated. By
  Supervisor
• Required PPE on site.
• Respirator or dust mask
• Gloves
• Face shield with required tent protection
• Equipment inspected
• hoses, fittings, tips cleaned, regulators
  gages, electric leads checked, correct voltage
  setting on unit, e.g

4
When Cutting or Welding Shall Not Be Permitted

• In areas not authorized by management.
• If sprinkler protection is impaired.
• In potentially explosive atmospheres, e.ga
  flammable atmosphere.
• In storage areas of exposed, readily ignitable
  materials.
• Were dust accumulation is 1/16 of an inch within
  35 feet of the area.
• All dust accumulation shall be removed before
  welding / hot work is started.

5
The Fire Watch

• It is their ONLY duty, during welding.
• How to operate a fire extinguisher to extinguish
  a fire. Not to cool beer!
• Know location of fire alarm and how to activate.
• Remain on site at least one half hour after
  completion of work.

6
Fire Prevention Measures

• Welding areas should meet the following
  requirements
• Floors swept cleared of combustibles 35 ft.
  radius of work area.
• Flammable and combustible liquids kept 35 ft.
  radius of work area.
• Adequate ventilation providing 20 air changes per
  hour
• Suction hood or fan draw air out of area
• At least one Co2 or dry chemical fire
  extinguisher on site
• Protective dividers to contain sparks and slag
• Welding curtains
• Non-combustible walls
• Fire resistant tarps blankets

7
SOP Electric Welding

• Perform Safety Check
• Ensure electrical cord, electrode holder and
  cables are free from defects no cable splices
  within 10 feet of electrode holder.
• Ensure welding unit is properly grounded. This
  helps to avoid over heating
• All defective equipment shall be repaired or
  replaced before using.
• Remove all jewelry rings, watches, bracelets,
  etc
• Ensure PPE e.g.. welding hood, gloves, rubber
  boots or soled shoes, apron, fume mask are
  available and in good condition.
• Ensure fire extinguisher is charged and
  available.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and lighting is in
  place.
• Set Voltage Regulator to Manufactures
  specifications.
• Avoid electrical shock DONT wrap cables around
  any body part.

8
SOP Gas Welding

• Perform Safety Checks
• Ensure fittings are tight
• Inspect hoses for for cuts and frayed areas.
• Repair or replace any defective equipment before
  using
• Set gauges to desired PSI.
• Ensure that sufficient PPE is made available
  they are ?
• Fire extinguisher charged and ready.
• Locate welding screens to protect employees
  DONT block you exit.
• Ensure that adequate ventilation and lighting are
  in place.

9
Hot Work Permit

• Identifies the procedures to be followed
• Managers / Supervisors
• Employee performing the welding
• Fire watch
• Contractors
• Permit remains on the job site
• Exceptions to the permit requirements
• General Safety Rules for Welding, Cutting and Hot
  Work
• Permit and check list.