Guidelines for Contractors (Hot Work)
Before cutting or welding is permitted, the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations shall inspect the area. Precautions must be followed before granting authorization to proceed. A cutting/welding/hot work permit as well as a fire department detail may be required.
Failure to comply with Hot Work management and regulations are a leading cause of fire.
Before starting any hot-work job, contractors and their clients should discuss the planned project completely, including what the hot-work management policies and regulations are. A signed contract should include language stipulating that contractors adhere to the company's hot-work policies.
Contractors also can take their own steps toward prevention.
The hot-work 35-ft. rule - clearing combustible material from any area within 35 ft. of the hot work.
Other crucial steps include:
- Shielding combustible flooring with wet sand, FM Approved hot-work blankets/pads or sheet metal;
- Cleaning up the area, especially of oily deposits and trash;
- Covering or shielding any storage (or other combustibles that cannot be moved) with the aforementioned hotwork blankets or welding curtains;
- Blocking off any duct openings to prevent sparks from traveling to other areas or to ignite deposits/ linings within the ductwork;
- Covering or filling any openings in exposed walls, flooring and ceiling with noncombustible materials or FM Approved fire-stop material;
- Relocating any movable combustible material;
- Cleaning dust and deposits outside and inside enclosures and ducts;
- Providing the hot-work blanket under the work area if hot work is being performed at elevated locations such as building frames, ceilings or the undersides of roofs;
- Closing all doors and fire doors;
- Checking for significant gaps under doors or along their sides to prevent sparks from getting through and igniting combustible material outside the hot work area.
- Another alternative is to designate an area devoted exclusively to hot work, assuming the items being worked on can be moved into this area. Then, isolate the area from the rest of the facility with noncombustible screens or partitions. And never ever let that area be used for temporary storage.
Additional Information:
All Harvard University employees shall be in compliance with Harvard University's Hot Work program and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standards for welding, cutting and brazing, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q. In addition, the following guidelines should be followed:
- A permit for flammable and nonflammable gas storage must be obtained from the Cambridge Fire Department and the conditions of the permit must be met.
- Remove combustible materials from the area before beginning hot work activities.
- Elevate oxygen/acetylene hoses seven feet above the work area or otherwise protect them from damage.
- Install anti-flash back (safety/check) valves on both the oxygen/acetylene hoses at the regulator.
- Shield adjacent areas with welding partitions and post “Warning”signs indicating welding is in progress.
- Have a second person stand by with an approved fire extinguisher for welding and burning operations in accordance with OSHA regulations and permit requirements. This person should remain in the area for a minimum of 30 minutes after the hot work is completed to ensure the site is cold
Please refer to /ehs/safety/welding.shtml for more information.
Cambridge Fire Department
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BostonFire Department
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