ORIGINATOR:
ISSUE DATE: 19-08-03 REVISED:
APPROVAL:
CUTTING, WELDING AND HOT WORK POLICY / Policy number
P-8
1Objective
1.01To reduce the risk to life, property and environment from fire caused by cutting and welding operations. All such operations will be controlled by means of a cutting and welding permit as described in this standard.
2Definitions
2.01Cutting and welding as described in this standard, will include any hot works that are not controllable and may result in a fire condition including but not limited to:
- Grinding
- Open flame torches
- Hand held propane torches
- Propane heating equipment (i.e. Construction space heater/open flame)
- Hot works also includes heating, soldering, welding, burning, or the use of spark producing tools
3Responsibilities
3.01Site Supervisors
- Will monitor and verify the Contractor permit system as defined in the standard procedure
- Inspect all hot work jobs being done by Contractors
- Monitor hot work jobs to ensure procedures are being followed, i.e. permit cards filled and signed properly, adequate fire protection provided for a fire watch on site.
4Operations
4.01Assist trades in clean-up areas/or preparation of any hot work jobs in their operational area when required.
4.02Monitor areas where hot work has been taken place after trades personnel have left the job site.
FUNCTIONAL SECTOR: HUMAN RESOURCES / Page number 2ORIGINATOR:
ISSUE DATE: 19-08-03 REVISED:
APPROVAL:
CUTTING, WELDING AND HOT WORK STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE / Procedure number
P-8
1STANDARD PROCEDURES
1.01Approved burning and welding permits must be obtained from the site supervisor(s) or designate prior to any hot work activity outside the maintenance shops can be conducted.
1.02Implement and follow all conditions and precautions listed on the permit.
1.03Do not start any hot works until water supply and /or welding buggy (equipped with extinguishers and a fire blanket) has been brought to the location.
1.04Assign a responsible person to watch for dangerous sparks in the area above and below.
1.05Assign a fire watch to be present at all times including any coffee or lunch breaks for sixty (60) minutes after any hot work has be completed. Maintain a fire watch at thirty (30) minute intervals to monitor the area for the next four (4) hours afterwards, in case of flare-ups.
1.06Do not use cutting, welding, or other hot work equipment in a building where the sprinklers are out of service.
1.07Remove any combustibles at least 35 feet from hot work operations when possible. If combustibles cannot be moved, they must be protected by metal guards or with a flameproof blanket.
1.08Wall or floor openings within 35 feet should be covered or protected by a flameproof blanket(s) when possible.
1.09Hot work is prohibited from being performed on any foam-insulated metal wall, roof, and ceiling panels.
1.10Hot work on or in vessels containing flammable or combustible materials, including residuals is prohibited until it is completely cleaned and purged or inert.
1.11Hot work is prohibited until the surrounding floors have been cleared of debris and, if combustible, the area must be wet down.
FUNCTIONAL SECTOR: HUMAN RESOURCES / Page number 3ORIGINATOR:
ISSUE DATE: 19-08-03 REVISED:
APPROVAL:
CUTTING, WELDING AND HOT WORK STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE / Procedure number
P-8
1.12Gas cylinders must be secured, and any protective caps on cylinders not in use, are to be replaced.
1.13Ground clamps must be carefully connected when using electrical arc welding equipment. Connect the ground clamp as close as possible to the work so it can be observed carefully.
1.14Use portable stands to elevate welding hose or cable off floor areas.
1.15Cutting torches, welding equipment shall be checked for wear, defective parts and any other safety hazards on a regular basis, every two (2) months.
1.16Regular audits by the Joint Health and Safety Committee or Management personnel will be conducted to ensure the hot work procedures are being adhered to at all times.