Helping you to ensure your hot works are completed successfully

In the final article in our hot works series we’re going to look at how you can ensure your hot works are completed successfully.

In the final article in our hot works series we’re going to look at how you can ensure your hot works are completed successfully.

Monitoring hot works

It’s key to ensure there are robust procedures in place for ensuring the hot works permit we covered in article 2 is adhered to, even if the contractor is managing the permit directly.

To ensure a high level of fire safety, it’s important to observe basic safety procedures:

• Specific care must be taken with all hot work equipment to minimise the risk of fire
• Hot work should be avoided close to building voids, particularly roof voids where fire can develop unnoticed
• Do not proceed with any hot work if your sprinkler system is isolated
• Make sure all combustible materials are cleared from the surrounding work areas before hot work begins
• If appropriate install temporary welding screens which can help shield others, buildings and contents from sparks
• Provide at least two adequate and appropriate serviced fire extinguishers in the immediate work area
• Insist continual manned fire watches take place during any breaks or shift changes
• Ensure that a permanently manned fire watch takes place for 60 minutes after the completion of the work and consider the use of a thermal camera if available to assist the process

For all hot works involving torch-on reinforced bitumen membranes and for the general use of gas torches in the workplace, we recommend compliance with the guidance outlined in the Safe2Torch document, issued by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Ltd.

Challenges organisations face in using contractors

• By employing a contractor, you acknowledge this third party has greater expertise in hot works and the associated risks than you do - this is why robust contractor checks are so important
• You can only have oversight of the hot works permit system if you have someone physically on site. With somebody on site the risks are reduced considerably
• To identify the right person within an organisation and to monitor the performance of the hot works permit system

Preparing for an emergency

If a fire should occur, it is important to understand what action to take to minimise losses and reduce the risk to property and life. Incidents can also lead to significant business interruption, reputational damage and/or regulatory action.

A Hot works permit should list some of the initial actions to take in the event of an emergency. Emergency procedures should also address:

 

• Will there be a fire watch supervisor on site with fire-fighting equipment at all times whilst work is carried out (including breaks and shift changes)?
• Have those people responsible for using fire-fighting equipment been given sufficient training/instructions on its use?
• Have you ensured that only detectors/alarms in the immediate vicinity of the hot works are isolated whilst these works are taking place, and that all other detection equipment remains switched on?
• Is the fire-fighting equipment inspected/tested regularly?
• Is there a clear exit/evacuation strategy?
• Are measures in place to ensure emergency exit?
• What fire detection/alarm systems are in place, and how regularly are these tested/inspected?
• Can the local fire service be contacted without delay?

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