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Â鶹´«Ã½ Environmental Health and Safety

Spotlight on Safety

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11 | November 2024

Hot Work

Hot work is a broad term that describes work-related activities that involve or produce flames, sparks, or heat capable of causing fires or explosions. Common examples include welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, and brazing.

Hot work is the leading cause of fires in the workplace and should be avoided whenever possible using alternative methods. However, hot work is often necessary on campus to support repairs, maintenance, communications, research, and theater productions. As such, it's important that you understand the associated hazards and protective measures to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Â鶹´«Ã½'s Welding, Cutting, and Brazing (Hot Work) program provides the framework to ensure that all hot work on campus is done safely and in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. 

Get trained

If your job involves hot work, ensure you are up to date on your biennial Hot Work and Arc Welding training in myHR Learn.

Did you know?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,396 structure fires involving hot work each year from 2017 to 2021.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 500,000 workers are injured in welding accidents each year.

Permits

Unless in an approved designated area where hot work is performed routinely, all hot work on campus requires a permit to ensure that appropriate safety measures are implemented, including but not limited to:

  • Confirming fire detection and protection equipment is operational, including a readily accessible and appropriately classed fire extinguisher (e.g., ABC).
  • Ensuring equipment is in good working order.
  • Identifying and removing sources of flammable gas, ignitable liquids, or combustible dust.
  • Keeping flammable and combustible materials (e.g., cardboard boxes) at least 35 feet from the hot work or shielding materials with welding pads, blankets, or curtains.
  • Isolating the ventilation system to prevent the spread of fumes.

Hot work permit issuers must complete annual online  training and be qualified to verify that worksites are safe and that all permit requirements can be met. Permits must be visibly posted at the worksite.

If hot work is needed in your area and you are unsure about the procedures or approval process, contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at ehs@northwestern.edu.

Fire watch

A vital part of the hot work operation is the fire watch, who is a trained individual other than the person performing the hot work (e.g., not the welder), whose duties include:

  • Continuously watch the hot work area for sparks, flames, or smoldering materials.
  • Maintain communication with those involved and stop work if unsafe conditions develop.
  • Upon the discovery of a fire:
    • Activate the alarm, notify personnel, and contact emergency services.
    • Attempt to extinguish the fire if it is small and safe to do so.
A fire watch is also required after the hot work, typically for at least an hour, and additional fire monitoring may also be necessary depending on the construction and occupancy factors, as required by the permit.

Working safely

Follow these tips to keep you and those around you safe when you are involved in hot work activities:

  • Be appropriately trained for the task at hand.
  • Ensure worksites are adequately barricaded to protect others and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Adhere to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements when working with materials like welding rods and solder, including:
    • Wearing all required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a face shield, leather welder's vest, and gloves to prevent burns.
    • Ensuring sufficient ventilation in the work area to prevent the accumulation of fumes and gases.
  • Select the correct to avoid eye injury during activities that produce light radiation, such as welding and brazing. Use curtains or shields to protect others in the area.
  • Inspect equipment for loose connections and faulty elements and never use damaged equipment.
  • Make sure the equipment is properly grounded to avoid shock hazards.

Gas cylinders

If you are using gas cylinders such as argon, oxygen, helium, or acetylene for hot work:

  • Make sure cylinder valves are closed and caps are on when moving or storing.
  • Secure cylinders vertically to avoid tipping and store them away from flammable materials, heat sources, and flames.
  • Store regulators and hoses in clean, dry, and well-ventilated spaces.
  • Inspect cylinders regularly for signs of damage or wear. If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate the area, and call 911.

Do you want to learn more?

We want your feedback! Please complete this brief anonymous . Do you have a safety story you'd like to share? If so, please contact ehs@northwestern.edu.