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| Appendix E5 |
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| Hot Work Permit Program |
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Hot work includes but is not limited to anything that may generate flames, sparks, or high levels of heat. A Hot Work Policy statement should be developed, distributed, and signed by senior management. It should also state that the worker is required to follow the procedures to help control the additional hazards present during and immediately after hot work is performed. Minimum requirements that make up a Hot Work Permit (HWP) program include at least:
• A Hot Work Permit Program (HWP) should be established to keep all the supervisory staff
informed of the extra fire hazard being created in their work area.
• The Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI) who has jurisdiction for the area in which the work
is to be performed is the only person authorized to issue a HWP.
• The PAI is responsible for confirming that the identified location is "fire safe," which means
protecting or removing combustibles from the ignition sources.
• The permit will have an expiration time, not to exceed one day. If necessary another permit
will be issued.
• The HWP is to be returned to the PAI immediately after the work is completed.
• Workers who use hot work equipment (welders, acetylene torch, etc.) need to be trained in
safety practices.
• Hot work should be prohibited in or on vessels containing flammable or combustible
substances, until they have been completely cleaned, ventilated, purged, and inerted.
• If there is a chance of flammable or combustible vapors in the atmosphere, the air should
be monitored.
• A fire watch needs to be assigned to the specific site where the work is to be performed.
The fire watch should be a competent worker primarily assigned to detect and extinguish
smoldering fire.
• The fire watch is to inspect the work area during and up to 30 minutes (or longer) after
completion of the hot work operations or at the expiration of the HWP, whichever is sooner.
• At least one fire extinguisher for each hazard present within a 35-foot radius should be
available. Sometimes a single A:B:C type extinguisher can provide the necessary
extinguishing agent.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29CFR1910.251, NFPA 51B, the National Fire Prevention Association's (NFPA) "Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work", and the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) standard Z87.1-1989 offer more detailed guidelines pertaining to hot work.
A Sample
Hot Work Permit and Hot Work
Precautions Checklist may be used as guidelines to help you develop a procedure that will work best for your company.
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