Hot Work

What Does Hot Work Mean?

Hot work is a process that involves welding, soldering, brazing, cutting, grinding, drilling and burning or melting metals or other substances such as glass. Use of open flame in the furnace or sparks or such ignition tools are considered hot work procedures. These types of work are fire hazards when flammable material is present or not. Hot work procedures require a hot work permit from the safety department of the factory or the establishment before the workers begin.

Safeopedia Explains Hot Work

All types of hot work are fire hazards irrespective of presence of any flammable material in the vicinity. Examples of potential hazardous areas are well heads, fuel tanks, mud tanks, tank batteries, gas separators, oil treating equipment or devices and confined spaces. A hot work permit is required for maintenance operations involving cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, grinding and open flames in any area. It is necessary to test for the presence of flammable gases in the work area before starting any hot work.

The tools associated with the hot work include electric, oxyacetylene, laser or similar welding or cutting equipment, grinders, gas torches or blow lamps for brazing, soldering, thawing pipes, torch applied flooring or roofing materials or removal of any materials. The hot work permit system is utilized to ensure that the individuals performing the work are aware of the hazards associated with hot work and that they implement control measures to help mitigate risks. The hot work permit also provides a step by step check list for hot work and a reminder to employers and workers of their fire prevention responsibilities.