THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
Hot Work
(WELDING, CUTTING, AND OPEN FLAME WORK)
Program
2016
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................3
2. PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................3
3. APPLICATION .............................................................................................................3
4. DEFINITIONS ..............................................................................................................3
5. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................... 4
6. PROGRAM PROCEDURES ........................................................................................ 4
7. PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................ 6
Appendix A – Hot Work Permit....................................................................................... 8
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The University of Texas at Tyler
HOT WORK PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
Hot work is typically recognized as any work that involves burning, welding, using fire- or
spark-producing tools, or that produces a source of ignition. The University of Texas at
Tyler (UTT) proactively responds to this potential hazard through implementation of a Hot
Work Program.
PURPOSE
This program establishes written procedures to be followed when welding, cutting, or
conducting other open flame work on UTT property to prevent the outbreak of fire, fire
alarm activations, smoke, and odor migration in buildings.
APPLICATION
This program applies to work performed by any UTT employee, student, or contractor
performing work in existing buildings, new construction in existing buildings, or new
construction attached to existing buildings. It is enforced by the Department of
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S).When hot work is performed outdoors,
necessary precautions should be taken to ensure combustible materials have been
cleared and the risk of fire has been eliminated.
This procedure does not apply to new construction where there is no attachment to
existing buildings or to areas that are specifically designed and equipped for such
operations, i.e. maintenance shop areas and designed welding areas.
DEFINITIONS
Fire Watch is a trained individual stationed in the hot work area who monitors the
work area for the beginning of potential, unwanted fires both during and after hot
work. Individuals must be trained and familiar with the operation of portable fire
extinguishers and methods to activate building fire alarm systems.
Hot Work is any operation producing flames, sparks or heat including cutting,
welding, brazing, grinding, sawing, torch soldering, thawing frozen pipes, applying
roof covering etc.
Hot Work Permit is a special permit, which authorizes “Hot Work” activities at a
specific location and time. The permit will be properly filled out, displayed on site and
returned to the employee supervisor when the hot work is complete. Permits contain
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a checklist to be completed prior to commencing hot work activities and also the
conclusion of the hot work.
Other Open Flame Work is any work utilizing a torch or other flame-producing
device for removing paint or heating pipes, etc. Any work utilizing solder, tar pots, or
linseed oil.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
All welding, cutting and other open flame work shall be performed in accordance with
OSHA requirements, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 51B “Hot
Work Guidelines” and other requirements established by The University of Texas
System (UTS).
A Hot Work Permit (Appendix A) must be completed and approved prior to conducting
any hot work within a UT Tyler facility.
If it is determined that the hot work may affect the facility fire detection system, a Fire
System Shutdown Request must be completed and submitted to EH&S for approval.
No welding, cutting, or other open flame work shall be accomplished in any area where
the automatic fire sprinkler system has been impaired or is otherwise rendered
inoperable.
An annual Hot Work Permit shall be issued for designated welding shop areas
controlled by the Facilities Management Department and School of Engineering.
Compliance with all requirements established in this program shall be the responsibility
of all personnel and contractors performing welding, cutting, or other open flame work,
on UT Tyler property.
PROGRAM PROCEDURES
1. Hot work should not be performed if the work can be avoided or performed in a safer
manner. When practical, objects to be welded, cut or heated should be moved to a
designated safe location, i.e. maintenance shops.
2. If hot work must be performed, a Hot Work Permit must be completed.
3. All precautions on the Hot Work Permit must be met prior to any work commencing.
4. The supervisor or the employee performing the hot work will complete the permit.
5. Hot Work Permits for construction or renovation projects shall be completed by
Facilities Management and issued for the duration of the project.
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6. The Hot Work Permit is only good for the date specified on the permit.
7. A Hot Work Permit must be displayed at the work site during all hot work.
8. All building occupants must be suitably protected against hazards generated by the
work; i.e. heat, sparks, fumes, welding rays, etc.
9. Before hot work begins:
a. An appropriate fire extinguisher must be available and operable.
b. Flammable and ignitable materials and debris must be moved at least 35 feet
from the hot work area or covered/protected by fire resistant material.
c. Explosives, oxygen acetylene tanks, flammable liquids, compress gas cylinders
or stored fuel must be moved at least 50 feet from the hot work area or covered
and protected from the hot work by fire resistant material.
d. Smoke and fire detectors in the immediate area of the hot work must be
temporarily disabled until the hot work is completed. This can only be
accomplished by contacting EH&S.
e. Adequate ventilation is being used (especially when cutting or welding material
with painted or metal coated surfaces). For questions or assistance, on ventilation
issues, contact EH&S.
f. Building occupants have been protected or isolated from the hot work area. If
work impacts building occupants, the work must be coordinated with the building
proctor.
g. Cracks or holes in floors, walls, and ceiling (including ductwork) are properly
covered or plugged.
h. Hot work equipment is operable and in good repair.
i. Drums, barrels and tanks have been cleaned and purged of flammables and
toxics, all tank feeds are closed and the tank vented.
j. A fire watch is implemented if conditions warrant. If no fire hazards or
combustible exposures are present a fire watch is not required.
k. Workers and fire watch personnel are trained in the use of fire extinguishing
equipment and how to activate the fire alarm system.
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10. When hot work is complete:
a. The work area and any potentially affected surrounding areas are inspected for
fire, fire damage or the potential for fire for a minimum of 30 minutes following
completion of the hot work.
b. Smoke / fire alarms that were disabled because of hot work are reactivated by
contacting EH&S.
c. Hot work permit is closed out.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Management
It is the responsibility of management to insure that this policy is implemented in those
areas under their jurisdiction where applicable.
Environmental Health and Safety
1. Develop a written Hot Work program and revise the program as necessary.
2. Establish additional fire safety requirements (e.g. fire guard service, fire watch, etc.),
as required.
3. Assess fire alarm system impact and deactivate detection devices as required.
4. Assist with Hot Work procedural training for supervisors.
5. Periodically audit operations, documentation, and training.
Safety officers
1. Be thoroughly familiar with the Hot Work procedures.
2. Implement the Hot Work program in your areas.
Supervisors including Faculty and Instructors
1. Be thoroughly familiar with the Hot Work procedures.
2. Identify employees who may perform hot work as defined in this program.
3. Provide Hot Work training to employees who perform hot work operations.
4. Maintain records of employee training.
5. Provide Hot Work Permits.
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6. Collect and complete Hot Work Permits to be filed.
7. Ensure compliance with procedures by employees.
Employees
1. Be thoroughly familiar with Hot Work procedures
2. Follow all Hot Work procedures
3. Complete Hot Work Permits
4. Complete required training program
Students
Students should be thoroughly familiar with Hot Work procedures.
Contractors
The contractor shall inform the EH&S and Facilities Management departments of any
hot work required to be conducted on UT Tyler property.
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The University of Texas at Tyler
HOT WORK PERMIT
Date Work to Begin: Date of Issue: Date of Completion/Expiration:
Company Name:
Foreman/Supervisor: Emergency Contact Number:
Phone Number: Hours of Operation:
Location of Site Where Work is to be Performed: Inside Outside
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Work to be Performed:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Equipment to be Used:
Electric Arc Acetylene Generator Other _______________________
Calcium Carbide Gas Cylinders
Fire Alarm & Detection System Impairment Required? Yes No
Cylinder Storage Required? Yes No
Inside Outside
Welding/cutting operations shall be performed in accordance with the requirements established by OSHA,
NFPA 51B Standards, and UT System.
Compliance with all requirements established in the documents listed above shall be the responsibility of all
personnel performing welding/cutting operations.
Emergency Phone Number: 903-566-7300 EH&S: 903-566-7011 Physical Plant: 903-566-7431
Inspection Date: Inspection Time:
EH&S Director (or Designee) Signature: On-site Foreman’s/Supervisor’s Signature:
COPIES: Maintain at Work Site / Send to Physical Plant
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HOT WORK
REQUIRED PRECAUTIONS CHECKLIST
Fire Systems and Equipment
Available sprinklers, hose streams and extinguishers are in service/operable.
Hot Work equipment in good repair.
Requirements within 35 Feet of Work
Flammable liquids, dust, lint and oily deposits removed.
Explosive atmosphere in area eliminated. Floors swept clean.
Combustible floors wet down, covered with damp sand or fire-resistive sheets.
Remove other combustibles where possible. Otherwise protect with fire-
resistive tarpaulins or metal shields.
All wall and floor openings covered.
Fire-resistive tarpaulins suspended beneath work.
Work on Walls or Ceilings
Construction is noncombustible and without combustible covering or insulation.
Combustibles on other side of walls moved away.
Work on Enclosed Equipment
Enclosed equipment cleaned of all combustibles.
Containers purged of flammable liquids/vapors.
Fire Watch/Hot Work Area Monitoring
Fire watch will be provided during and for 60 minutes after work, including any
coffee or lunch breaks.
Fire watch is supplied with suitable fire extinguishers.
Fire watch is supplied with suitable fire extinguishers.
Fire watch is trained in use of this equipment and in sounding alarm.
Fire watch may be required for adjoining areas, above, and below.
Monitor Hot Work area for 4 hours after job is completed.
Other Precautions Taken
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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