Hot Work
This month Harvard EH&S highlights our Hot Work Safety & Health Standard.
Scope of the Hot Work Standard:
- Welding
- Torch Cutting
- Brazing
- Soldering
- Heat Treating
Hot Work Sequence:
- Hot Work Activity is planned
- Supervisor issues Hot Work Permit (Hot Work Standard)
- Hot Work will take place in an area designed and constructed specifically for Hot Work activities
If NO…
- Obtain Hot Work permit from supervisor. Obtain sign off from Facility Manager
- Remove all combustible materials
- Protect all stationary materials from sparks and slag
- Post signs indicating Hot Work activity in progress
- Erect welding screens and ensure adequate ventilation
- Notify Ops Center if smoke/heat detectors, or sprinklers in area will be affected
- Go to step 12
If Yes…
- Determine Hot Work Space is in compliance with local fire dept. regulations
- Verify training and certification of operators
- Assign a fire watch
- Complete a University Hot Work Permit (if not already completed)
- Begin Hot Work
- Monitor area for 30 minutes after completion of Hot Work activities
Additional Information:
- Fire Watch responsibilities; Must complete Hot Work training, have 20lbs ABC fire extinguisher, monitor area for 30 min after work has been completed, extinguish small fires if safe to do so, activate the building fire alarm if necessary
- Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders; Cylinders must be secured to a dolly or stand, kept upright, kept far enough away to prevent flame/sparks/slag from reaching them, slightly vent cylinder before connecting regulator, once connected to regulator open valve slowly, before lighting leak test connections and purge each hose individually, only use a friction striker to ignite the torch.
