A guide to hot works best practice

Hot works refers to the use of any tool that causes flame or sparks which can create fire, such as welding, oxy cutting, heating, and grinding. The main concern with hot works is that it inherently produces heat and sparks which can cause fires. With portable tools like caddy welders, it is easy to weld almost anywhere. Often jobs can be conducted more safely by removing items and repairing them in a workshop, or by removing combustible materials and covering openings where sparks may fall. 

Many serious fires have been caused by a quick tack weld while there was inadequate supervision1. Hot works fires can involve third party contractors, particularly if efficiency is prioritised over safety.
 

Best practice

Enforce strict procedures and supervision

Prohibit any hot works undertaken without permission. Everyone should be made aware that unauthorised hot work will not be tolerated. Building management should liaise with any person or contractors planning to perform hot work and ensure that appropriate precautions will be exercised.  Hot works often occurs during building refurbishments when the fire protection systems (sprinklers or smoke detectors) may be isolated and hazardous works are undertaken.   

Size doesn’t matter

Small sites often feel that a formal procedure may be unnecessary because hot work is rare. However, it is precisely for this reason that hot work procedures are needed as people may not be familiar with the hazards and precautions. 

Hot works permit system 

The permit requires that precautions are exercised. This means that before planning any hot work on site, a person must obtain authorisation and be issued a hot works permit. If a contractor is carrying out the works, they should be directed to read and implement this procedure. 

Communicate to everyone

Post warning signage around the site to highlight how seriously the site treats this hazard.
 

Hot works supervision procedure

A hot works permit covers procedures to be followed by anyone (staff, tenants or contractors) involved in hot works, to ensure it is conducted in a safe, well planned manner.  The procedures cover the authority to issue work permits, situations where a permit is required, hazards to be considered, hazard controls, and closure of the permit.

These are the steps involved with carrying out hot works: 

1. The permit should be completed for all hot works (except in designated Hot Work Areas like a suitable workshop). 
2. The permit should be completed and then reviewed by the site representative prior to any work commencing. 
3. A copy should be signed and kept for reference, only after necessary precautions are verified.
4. The completed permit should be hung in the work area as evidence of authorisation and agreed conditions. 
5. After the job is completed, the permit should be returned to the Issuer and closed.

The person who issues the hot works permit should be trained in hazard identification and control. They should:

• Inspect the area to identify all hazards and determine the necessary precautions to prevent a fire, accident, or injury. Hot works should be restricted to safe areas.
• Ensure that fire protection equipment (e.g. sprinkler system) is active and that extinguishers and water buckets are available.
• Nominate a Fire Watch who can stop the works if a dangerous situation occurs. 
• Arrange to clean the area of all combustibles and ensure safe working conditions. 
• Ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment is available. 
• Instruct the persons to perform the work (explain hazards/controls) and verify they are qualified. 
• Inspect any hazardous and Special Risk areas and/or containers.
• Remove or cover any tins of solvent for at least 11 metres from the welding area.
• Ensure that protective covers/shields are used to confine sparks, welding flashes or hot slag. 
• Ensure surrounding areas are wet down, and barricade/signpost the boundaries.
• Ensure that all equipment to be used is in good repair and suitable for use.
• Ensure any incident involving hot works is reported.
• Only if satisfied, sign the hot works permit and hand one copy to the person completing the work.