Hot Work Permit Program
Overview
Anytime work requires brazing, cutting or welding, that utilizes open flame and/or could produce sparks that could accidentally start a fire, the contractor or employee doing the work is required to obtain a Hot Work Permit. The permit may be obtained in person at the EH&S Office (Facilities Management), or by completing the Hot Work Permit Application at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the hot work.
Non-permissible Areas
Hot work shall not be allowed in the following areas:
- Hot work shall not be attempted on a partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that has a combustible covering or insulation, or on walls or partitions of combustible sandwich-type panel construction.
- Hot work that is performed on pipes or other metal that is in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceilings, roofs, or other combustibles shall not be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction.
- For the following non-permissible areas:
- Areas not authorized by Environmental Health and Safety
- Sprinklered buildings while such protection is impaired
- In the presence of explosive atmospheres (that is, where mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air exist)
- Explosive atmospheres that can develop inside unclean or improperly prepared drums, tanks, or other containers and equipment that have previously contained such materials
- Explosive atmospheres that can develop in areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts
Hot Work Permit
Apply for a Hot Work Permit Application
Permit may be issued when the following conditions are met:
- All combustibles are relocated at least 35 ft (11 m) horizontally from the work site. If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be protected with fire-retardant covers or otherwise shielded with metal or fire-retardant guards or curtains. Edges of covers at the floor shall be tight to prevent sparks from going under them, including where several covers overlap when protecting a large pile.
- Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 ft (11 m) of the site is tightly covered with fire-retardant or noncombustible material to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent areas.
- Conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles are shielded.
- For hot work done near walls, partitions, ceilings, or roofs of combustible construction, fire-retardant shields or guards are provided to prevent ignition.
- For hot work done on a wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, precautions are taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side by relocating combustibles. If it is impractical to relocate combustibles, a fire watch on the opposite side from the work will be provided.
- Fully charged and operable fire extinguishers that are appropriate for the type of possible fire are available immediately at the work area. If existing hose lines are located within the hot work area defined by the permit, they are to be connected and ready for service, but are not required to be unrolled or charged.
- If hot work is done in close proximity to a sprinkler head, a wet rag is to be laid over the head and then removed at the conclusion of the welding or cutting operation. During hot work, special precautions must be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection or suppression systems (for example, special extinguishing systems or sprinklers).
- Nearby personnel are suitably protected against heat, sparks, slag, and other potential hazards.