HOT WORK SAFETY PROCEDUER

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KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – RIYADH – P.O

8592 RIYADH 12333
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00966112057012
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HATEM FOAAD ALSABBAN HSE ENGINEER

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H.S.E department Page 1 of 12

 Table of contents
NO. Title
1 Purpose
2 Scope
3 Definitions
4 Responsibilities
5 Hot work management
5.1 Hazards and risks from hot work
5.2 Personal protective equipment for hot work
5.3 Training
5.4 Hot work permit system
6 Hot work process
6.1 General rules
6.2 Containment of sparks
6.3 Set up work area
6.4 Security checks
6.5 Disc cutting producing sparks
6.6 Cylinder storage and handling
6.7 Housekeeping

7 References

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 1. Purpose:
The purpose of Hot Work Procedure is to establish hot work requirements that ensure all
hazards are evaluated and the appropriate safety measures and controls are administered prior
to and during any process that involves cutting, welding, thermite welding, brazing, soldering,
grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other
similar activity that has open flames or spark producing work.

2. Scope:
This procedure applies to all personnel undertaking or supervising hot works at the Project.

3. Definitions:
TERM DEFINITION

Combustible, Resources such as wood, plastic, rubber, paint, oil, grease, solvent,
Flammable or compressed gas, powdered metal, volatile fumes or gas, and explosives,
Explosive Materials which could ignite or explode when exposed to heat or flame.
Places such as workshops where flammable and combustible materials have
been removed, compressed gas cylinders are secured and located at least 15
Designated Hot feet (4.5m) away from the actual hot work, ventilation considerations have
Work Areas been made, fire extinguishing equipment is available, welding screens,
where applicable, are in place to protect other workers in the area, and the
area has been posted as a hot work area by management.
Any trained employee or contractor who is in attendance during the entire
hot work operation and are available to extinguish a fire and follow
emergency procedures, and also remains at least 30mins to observe after
the hot work is finished.
Fire Watch
A fire watch may also be designated to constantly patrol a building area,
searching for fire hazards when other means of fire detection are not
applicable (mechanical fire alarm system not operations, absence of fire
alarm systems, etc.)
Operations including cutting, welding, thermite welding, brazing, soldering,
Hot Work grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof
systems or any other similar activity.
The area exposed to sparks, hot slag, radiant heat, or convective heat
Hot Work Area
because of the hot work.
Hot Work
Electric or gas welding or cutting equipment used for hot work.
Equipment
Hot Work Operator An individual designated to perform hot work.

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 Permits issued by the responsible person at the facility under the hot work
Hot Work Permit permit program permitting welding or other hot work to be completed in
specific locations.
A permitted program, carried out by approved facilities designated
Hot Work Program personnel, allowing them to oversee and issue permits for hot work
conducted by their personnel or at their facility.
Person that is responsible for the safe operations of hot work activities
under their supervision.
Responsible person trained in the safety and fire safety considerations
Hot Work Supervisor
concerned with hot work.
Responsible for reviewing the sits prior to issuing permits as part of the hot
work permit program and following up as the job progresses.
Bituminous roofing systems using membranes that are adhered by heating
Torch-Applied Roof
with a torch and melting asphalt back coating instead of mopping hot
System
asphalt for adhesion.
Operator Any employee who operates an open flame or spark producing apparatus.

4. Responsibilities:
ROLE(CONTRACTORS) RESPONSIBILITIES
 Ensure the Hot Work Procedure is implemented.
 Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements when
Construction personnel are required to perform hot work.
Manager  Provide personnel with safe systems of work including all resources
and necessary equipment to conduct hot work safely.
 Provide personnel with information, training, and supervision.
 Ensure that all equipment is registered, inspected, and maintained in
Site Engineer
accordance with legislative and manufacturer requirements.
 Inspect area where Hot Work Permit is active, to ensure compliance
with the conditions on the permit.
 Stop work where noncompliance to any safety standard is identified
Site HSE Engineer
and ensure rectification of the noncompliance prior to allowing work to
recommence.
 Provide personnel with information, training, and supervision.
 Review the hot work permit to ensure appropriate controls are in place
to manage the hazards involved with the work.
 Identify in writing on the Hot Work Permit, any special conditions or
Site Supervisors precautions required whilst the hot work is being undertaken.
 Notify the emergency response department prior to commencing any
high-risk hot work of the intent to perform hot work providing the
relevant details of the intended work, including location, access,

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 approximate duration, specific fire risks, fire-fighting facilities, name,
and contact number of key personnel.
 Inspect area where Hot Work Permit is active, to ensure compliance
with the conditions on the permit.
Foreman  Stop work where noncompliance to any safety standard is identified
and ensure rectification of the noncompliance prior to allowing work to
recommence.
 Inspect the work area and advise Foreman or Site Supervisor of any
noncompliance to the Hot Work Permit conditions or controls.
 Check Hot Work Permit for authorisation and any conditions /
precautions.
 In the event of a fire:

• Immediately call for work to stop.

• If possible and safe to do so, attempt to put the fire out with the
appropriate extinguisher.
Fire Watch • Otherwise remain clear of the fire hazard and warn other
personnel in the area of the danger.
• Call EMERGENCY and advise them of the situation.
• Contact the Foreman and/or Site Supervisor of the situation.
 Do not leave the fire watch post unless relieved by a competent
replacement Fire Watch.
 Monitor the hot work area as deemed appropriate in the Hot Work
Permit.
 Report to the Site Supervisor when the area is deemed safe, so they
can inspect and sign off the Hot Work Permit.
 Inspect work area and areas to where sparks and slag etc, may be
expected to fall, for combustibles and flammable materials. Visually
check for solids (paper, rags, etc) and liquids (oils, painting…etc). All
flammable or combustible materials should be removed, covered, or
wet down as appropriate.
 Take reasonable steps to minimise the amount of slag, sparks, etc.,
which may fall to the lower floors, by use of fire blankets, shrouds, etc.
Employees Floors to which sparks may fall must be barricaded off.
 Ensure equipment is in good repair.
 Observe / comply with all Hot Work Permit conditions.
 All electrical welding leads and welding equipment should be kept free
of water laying on the ground or other environmental conditions
containing moisture that may lead to an electrical short occurring.
 Comply with the Permit to Work and other connected permits where
required.

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 5. Hot work management:
5.1 Hazards and risks from hot work:

Hazards associated with hot work include:

• Fire caused by heat, sparks, molten metal, or direct contact with the flame.
• Explosion when cutting up, repairing, or working in the vicinity of drums, tanks, pipes,
vessels, which contain or may have contained flammable materials.
• Fire / explosion caused by a gas leak, backfire, or flashback.
• Fire / burns from the misuse of oxygen.
• Burns from contact with the flame, explosions, or hot metal.
• Crush or impact injuries resulting from explosion or when handling cylinders.
• Exposure and / or inhalation of toxic gases during welding.

5.2 Personal protective equipment for hot work:

All parts of the body that could be exposed to heat, infra-red and ultra-violet radiation shall be
covered.

The following PPE must be worn while performing hot work:

• Face shields providing maximum eye and face protection, must be worn to provide
protection from ultra-violet and infra-red radiation. The correct shade filter lens must be
worn for the type of hot work being performed.
• Leather flame-resistant gloves to prevent heat and radiation burns and to provide a
degree of thermal and electrical insulation.
• Leather flame-resistant jackets to prevent heat burns and reduce exposure to radiation.
• Leather safety boots with rubber soles and steel toecaps, to prevent burns to the feet
and protection against falling heavy objects. Thick rubber soles are required to provide a
degree of electrical insulation.

Ensure the following when performing hot work:

• Outer clothing is free from fuels, oil, or grease.

• Pockets closed to prevent sparks or molten slag from entering.
• Trousers and overalls do not have turned up cuffs.

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5.3 Training:

The requirements for training and assessment of competency are:

• All employees performing hot work permitted tasks shall be trained and assessed as
competent to conduct those tasks.
• Fire Watch personnel must be deemed competent in relevant hot work training.
• Records of the training that is provided to employees and the achieved competencies
shall be maintained.

5.4 Hot work permit system:

Hot work is any work that involves burning, welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, using
fire or spark producing tools, or other work that produces a source of ignition. The Hot Work
Permit System is intended to assure that the individuals involved in construction, renovation,
repairs, and maintenance at the Project are aware of the hazards associated with hot work and
that they implement control measures to help mitigate them.

The term ‘Hot Work’ refers to processes that require the use of open flames or that produce
sparks through heat and friction that could ignite into a fire. Hot works can pose a significant
fire risk, from both the initial risks of ignition and a cause of rapid fire spread. Hot Works include:

• Riveting
• Welding
• Flame cutting.
• Brazing
• Soldering
• Thawing
• Grinding and drilling (when flammable materials are present)
• Use of any equipment that incorporates a flame.

A Hot Work Permit is issued by Contractor’s site engineer for the following activities:

• Welding including Hot Air or Arc Cutting with flame.

• Burning
• Soldering and Brazing
• Naked flames
• Any area where gas may be present.
• Any appliance producing – heat, sparks, or flame.
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5.4.1 Usage of hot work permit:

A ‘Hot Work Permit’ shall be followed in order to ensure actions are taken to mitigate and
minimize risks before, during and after the works. The permit is appropriate when there are
flammable materials near the works, and when the work environment is not ordinarily used for
such activities.

Fundamentally, the permit is used to:

• Ensure there is a formal check confirming appropriate work processes are being adhered
to.
• Provide time limits for safe working.
• Provide for special PPE or communication methods.
• Coordinate work activities.
• Ensure proper supervision throughout.

Typically, the hot work permit identifies the following:

• Administrative details (permit title, number, job location, etc.)

• Description of the work to be undertaken.
• Employee/s carrying out the work.
• Likely length of time to complete the work.
• Identified hazards.
• Mentioning the required precautions.
• Work methods that are required.
• Types of fire-fighting equipment available.

In addition, the permit will identify the requirements that must be met within the work area
which include the following but not limited to:

• Combustible material removed before work commences.

• Floors swept clean and combustible surfaces covered with heat protection mat.
• Walls covered and combustibles moved away.
• Elimination of explosive atmosphere in the area.
• Removal of flammable liquids and gas cylinders.
• Appropriate screening, protection, and display of safety notices.

5.4.2 Permit cancellation:

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 The Hot Work Permit is cancelled once the current work is done or there is a change in work
conditions. The permit is then closed and cannot be reinstated as a valid hot work permit. The
permit receiver is the person that signs and closes a work permit and is responsible for leaving
the work area in good condition without stacked materials or random storage for any materials.

Some reasons for cancelling a hot work permit include:

• Permit has reached its expiry date.

• Hot Work activities are completed.
• Scope of work activities has changed and now requires a different type of permit.
• Workplace condition has changed and now a new or different type of permit is required.
• Work permit has been violated.

6. Hot work process:

6.1 General rules:

Employees involved in hot work shall:

• Keep their work area free of any fire hazards (accumulation of combustible, flammable
or explosive material).
• Know the location of firefighting equipment, fire alarm pulls stations, communication
systems, etc. and how to use them.
• Inspect their equipment before starting any hot work to ensure it is free from defects and
safe to use.
• Correctly use the appropriate PPE, bearing in mind the provisions set forth in this
document.
• Obtain authorization to carry out hot work before starting to work. Notify their
immediate supervisor before carrying out any hot work.
• The fire watch person has inspected the area and removed all combustible, flammable,
and explosive materials within a minimum radius of 60 feet (18m).
• When removal is not possible the materials shall be protected with fire resistant material
such as fire blankets or welding screens and this information shall be noted on the permit.
• The work area and equipment being utilized must be inspected before, during and after
the performance of work, in order to detect any substandard condition.
• No hot work shall take place unless the Fire Watch is present and all safety precautions
have been taken (an exception to the Fire Watch requirements in pit areas where there
are not combustible materials within 40 feet (12 m) of the hot work, e.g. welding on open
buckets).

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 • The Fire Watch must have a fire extinguisher in operating condition, which must be within
a least 6 feet (1.8m) of the work being performed. The Fire Watch person must position
themselves so they can extinguish a fire from the upwind side of the fire.
• The completed Hot Work Permit must be displayed in a visible place in the work area.
• All hot work must be suspended if the conditions under which the permit was issued
change, e.g. gas leak, fuel spill, adverse weather conditions, etc.
• When hot work is suspended due to changing conditions, the work can be resumed only
when the safety conditions are re-established, and a new Hot Work Permit is issued.
• Fire Watcher must be familiar with the location and use of fire alarms, fire-fighting
equipment, first aid equipment, radios, and telephones for emergency cases.
• Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the work area. A distance of 40
feet (12m) should be used as a minimum guideline.
• Fill out the hot work permit listing all pertinent safety precautions, get signatures, and
then post it in the hot work area.
• Ensure an adequate fire extinguisher or water hose is at hand, the permit is posted in the
area, observe the hot work activity as it progresses and extinguish any fires resulting from
the hot work.

6.2 Containment of sparks:

The area affected by sparks from hot work should be minimised. An enclosure constructed of
fire-resistant material should be employed for hot work, i.e. grinding and welding, which can
spread sparks over a considerable area.

Fire resistant enclosures are not required when the sparking is confined to the equipment being
used.

Containing sparks is especially important when hot work is performed in elevated positions.
This may involve:

• Setting up a welding habitat or screens

• Placing fire blankets over nearby drains / ducts
• Placing fire blankets over floor area
• Wetting down the work area
• Barricading the area around or below the hot work.

Where a habitat is used, the minimum requirements of the enclosure are that:

• It is enclosed on all sides including the roof.

• It is constructed of fire-retardant tarpaulins, tightly restrained.

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 • Where the floor is grid mesh, grating or timber, a fire blanket is used to cover the floor.
• Attachment of earthing should be within the enclosure for welding.

6.3 Set up work area:

Prior to commencing hot work ensure:

• Area is safe to work.

• All combustible materials are removed from the area.
• Timber floors are protected with non-combustible material.
• Non-combustible screen is on place for welding and cutting.
• Suitable fire extinguishers are available.
• A permit has been authorized.
• Follow up checks on completion.
• Metal bucket of water is provided for Welding Rods.
• Flash back arrestors are fitted to Oxygen/Acetylene or other fuel gases when being mixed
for cutting and welding operations.

6.4 Security checks:

• Check when Hot Work is finished.

• Carry out check 30 minutes after completion of work and again at finishing time.
• Security guards should be made aware of Hot Works areas, by copy of permit, and be
required to check at intervals through the night (if applicable).

6.5 Disc cutting producing sparks:

Disc Cutting producing sparks may be carried out without a Hot Work Permit if there is no risk
of gas being present and that the following precautions are enforced: -

• By use of fire blanket or other means ensure sparks do not fall to areas below.
• A fire extinguisher (foam or powder) must be available and positioned ready for use at
cutting site.
• Sparks from operations must be contained to protect other operatives.
• Appropriate eye protection must be worn.

6.6 Cylinder storage and handling:

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 Gas cylinders contain gases, or liquified gases, at high pressure and must be inspected and
maintained to prevent rupture. Stop angle valves are located on top of these cylinders and have
been known to break off if the cylinder is dropped or improperly handled. This can sometimes
result in toxic exposures, fires, and/or explosions with the cylinder taking off like a rocket. They
are also heavy and awkward to handle. Falling or rolling injuries have occurred from improper
gas cylinder storage.

Cylinder storage precautions and procedure:

• Store full and empty cylinders separately.

• Store all cylinders in an upright position, chained in separate racks, and with valve caps
installed. Only remove the valve cap when cylinder is in use.
• Close valves at the cylinders when work is completed or not being performed, i.e. before
breaks, lunch, and at the end of shifts.
• Before transporting, remove gauges and regulators, and always install protective valve
caps.
• Store cylinders in a dry, well-ventilated location.
• Avoid storing flammable substances in the same area as gas cylinders.
• Avoid storing of O2 within 20 feet (6m) of cylinders containing flammable gases or
separate them by a fire-rated wall.

6.7 Housekeeping:

On completion of hot work:

• Ensure all hot work equipment is removed from the area.

• Remove screens and any other safety measures used, including fire extinguishers put in
the area for the hot work.
• Remove all hot work rubbish from the area.
• Check over PPE and dispose of if too damaged for use.

7. References:
8. Fire Prevention on Construction Sites First Edition.
9. BS ISO 45001:2018: Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
10. ISO 14001:2015: Environmental Management System (EMS).
11. HS(G)65: Managing for Health and Safety (Third Edition).

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