The Hot Work Permit Process: Training Videos
Zurich has helped fund four videos produced by the RISC Authority, in association with the Fire Protection Association, that provide guidance on the Hot Work Permit process.
These four invaluable training videos can be used for either internal training of staff responsible for hot work or as part of contractor site induction training. The videos can either be streamed directly from our website or downloaded free of charge at the bottom of this article.
The three key takeaways from the training videos are:
- Always select alternatives to hot work wherever possible or carry out hot work in a designated area. If hot work is unavoidable then insist that contractors follow safe systems of work such as the NFRC’s Safe2Torch guidance which applies to torch applied roofing.
- Always visit the work area and risk assess the area within 10 metres or 35 feet of the hot work area. All combustible materials need to be removed or protected, voids or other openings protected and avoid hot work in areas that may have combustible dusts or flammable atmospheres.
- Always have named fire watchers and ensure that the hot work area is never left unattended during breaks, lunch and during the final fire watch which normally lasts for a minimum of 60 minutes. Additional fire watchers may be needed where there are lower levels, voids or areas on the other side of compartments that need checking.
FPA Hot Works: Oxyacetylene Welding
A short video highlighting the dangers of fires involving oxyacetylene cylinders. Whenever practical, alternative fuel gases should be used instead to reduce the risk. Many organisations no longer permit the use of acetylene on their premises due to the increased risks involved. For additional information on maintenance of welding kit please see the Hot Work Part 3: Preparation, Safe Working & Post Working video.
Hot Work Part 1: The Dangers of Hot Works
A brief introduction to Hot Work risks and the role of the Hot Work Permit in controlling risks to people and buildings. The types of hot work are identified and the locations that a Hot Work Permit will apply.
The video highlights that the Hot Work Permit proves that potential risks have been considered, actions taken to minimise them and protective measures are in place. The Permit forms part of meeting your responsibilities for everyone on-site and members of the public who may be affected by your actions. Hot work permits must be used in all circumstances and however quick the job.
Please ignore the reference to answer questions which appears within this video.
Hot Work Part 2: Completing the Hot Work Permit
The video starts by considering the high level controls that apply when considering hot work. The first step when planning hot work activity is always to consider if the work can be completed another way without the need for hot work or off-site. If not, consider undertaking the work in a dedicated hot work area.
The next part of the video discusses how a senior person with responsibility for the site will outline the key safety systems and protection measures. Any specific risks must also be considered such as the location of combustible insulation, the location of voids, cavities or service risers. All those involved in the Hot Work Permit should visit the work area to make sure it is appropriate, safe and those doing the work are competent and have appropriate safety/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
There’s a reminder that smoke detectors in the work area should be isolated to minimise the risk of false alarms but also to make sure they are enabled again as soon as the work is complete. Sprinkler systems, however, should never be isolated whilst hot work is taking place.
Finally there is mention that once work does start, a fire watch must remain in place for the whole duration of the works including across breaks, lunchtime and for at least 1 hour after the work has completed.
Hot Work Part 3: Preparation, Safe Working & Post Working
One of the most important things affecting the safety of hot works is the correct preparation of the work area. The video introduces the important approach of visualising a 10 metre (35 feet) sphere centred around the hot work area. Within this area you must clear all combustible materials, protect voids in floors or other combustible building construction that cannot be moved. Hot work must not take place in atmospheres with a flammable gases or combustible dusts. Work should only be undertaken once specialist advice has been sought from a competent person and appropriate actions have been taken to ensure the environment is safe.
The video also highlights that certain materials and types of construction of a greater risk of ignition such as where timber frames, Structurally Insulated Panels (SiPS) and other types of modern methods of construction are used. If there is any doubt as to the type and combustibility of materials then it is safest to assume the worst and take precautions.
For hot work involving roofing there are additional precautions that need to be followed if hot work is unavoidable. In particular, making sure for torch applied roofing that the contractor has assessed the roof in accordance with the NFRC’s Safe2Torch scheme and completes the work in line with the same scheme.
The video provides further detail on fire watches and that the work area must be constantly monitored for fire and/or smoke. The hot work area must never be left unattended which includes breaks, lunch and the final fire watch which is normally a minimum of 60 minutes. The use of photographs and thermal images is recommended where appropriate. The final sign-off of the permit is covered with an overall summary of key points to remember.
For further information please speak to your usual Zurich contact or email risksupport@uk.zurich.com.
To download the videos, please click on each one below and then select download when the video opens:
