HOT WORK SAFETY
What is Hot Work?
Hot work is any work which produces heat / sparks capable of igniting any flammable or
combustible materials.
Examples:
• Welding, burning, soldering, brazing, blasting, gas cutting, chipping by spark producing
tools.
• Hot tapping involving welding and drilling in pipelines.
• Use of non-flame proof electrical equipment like cameras, mobile phones, non-intrinsically
safe radio pagers etc.
• Use of certain power driven tools like pneumatic concrete breaker inside hazardous areas
like plant ISBL area, tank farm etc.
The following jobs though not qualify as hot jobs as per definition, require hot work
permit:
• Use of equipment operated by internal combustion engines inside hazardous areas.
• Work involving radioactive sources.
• Work beneath or adjacent to insulated electrical power cables (e.g. LT, HT lines) within 3
meter radial distance.
• Painting of equipment or pipelines, building at temperatures above 50 deg. C.
• Pressures spray painting in ISBL.
• Online leak sealing (furmaniting) in pipelines and equipment’s.
Safe Precautions for Hot Work:
In a petrochemical Industry like IEPL, where we are handling many flammable chemicals, it is
utmost important that we control our hot work jobs properly. Some precautions as recommended
in the Work Permit Procedure IEPL-HSEF-2.304A are:
• Conduct hazard assessment in the proposed hot work area to determine any potential fire
risks.
• Work permit shall be obtained for use of hot work, high or low energy ignition sources.
• Ensure that only approved apparatus, such as torches, manifolds, regulators and pressure
reducing valves, are used.
• Only authorized personnel shall be allowed to use flame or spark-producing equipment’s.
• Ensure that all individuals involved in the hot work operations are trained in and are
familiar with Hot Work requirements and safe operation of their equipment.
• If the object to be welded or cut cannot be readily moved, all moveable fire hazards in the
vicinity shall be moved at least 15 meters from the worksite.
HOT WORK SAFETY
• Combustible and flammable that cannot be relocated shall be isolated from ignition sources
by flame-proofed covers or otherwise shielded with metal or fire-resistant guards or
curtains.
• Determine that fire protection and extinguishing equipment are properly located and
readily available.
• One person shall be nominated as a “Safety watch / Standby”, to ensure the safe execution
of the job, initiate emergency action in case of any unwanted circumstances, will remain at
the job site at-least for ½ hour after completion of the job to make sure that there is no live
sparks
• Gas testing shall be conducted for all hot work before issuing the permit, also at the start of
the job,
• Fire extinguishing equipment appropriate to the potential hazard such as water hose, fire
resistant blanket etc., shall be readily available for use whenever and wherever hot work is
performed.
• Ensure sufficient local exhaust ventilation is provided to prevent accumulation of any
smoke and fume.
• Flash-back arrestor shall be provided on oxy-acetylene lines to prevent burn-back into
hoses and the regulator.
• Hoses showing leaks, burns, worn places or other serious defects shall be replaced
immediately.
• Friction lighters shall be used for ignition. Matches, cigarette lighters or hot metals shall not
be used for lighting torches.
• Welding cable and other equipment shall be placed so that it is clear of passageway, ladder
and stairways.
• Only qualified welders should be employed.
• Helmets and hand shields with filter lenses and cover plates shall be used by welders, his
helpers and nearby personnel when viewing the arc. Safety glasses with side shields,
goggles or other approve eye protection shall also be worn during arc welding or cutting
operations.
• The welder should use fire retardant material clothing. Synthetic clothing shall not be worn
by the welder. Clothing should be free from oil or grease. Welders shall keep the sleeves
and collars buttoned. Pants shall overlap shoe tops to prevent spatter from getting into
shoes. All welders and cutters shall wear protective flame resistant gauntlet gloves.
