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What regulation reflects hot work

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Hot Work and Fire Prevention: Safety Regulations ================================================

This document outlines the safety regulations governing hot work operations and fire prevention practices in various industries. It is based on a compilation of standards and regulations from different jurisdictions to provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for ensuring workplace safety during hot work.

General Requirements

Hot work operations, including welding, cutting, and heating, are subject to specific fire prevention and protection requirements. These regulations aim to minimize the risk of fire and explosions associated with these activities.

Permit Requirements

Employers are generally required to issue a hot work permit for hot work operations conducted on or near a covered process. The permit must document that fire prevention and protection requirements have been implemented before starting hot work. The permit should also indicate the authorized dates for hot work and identify the object on which work is to be performed. The permit must be kept on file until the completion of the hot work operations. [1] [1]

Fire Prevention Measures

Several fire prevention precautions must be taken before and during hot work operations:

  • Combustible materials must be removed or protected from ignition sources. If objects to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be moved, all movable fire hazards in the vicinity must be taken to a safe place or otherwise protected. If all fire hazards cannot be removed, positive means must be taken to confine heat, sparks, and slag and to protect immovable fire hazards.
  • Welding, cutting, or heating must not be done where flammable paints, compounds, or heavy dust concentrations create a hazard.
  • Suitable fire extinguishing equipment must be immediately available in the work area and maintained in a state of readiness for instant use.
  • When normal fire prevention precautions are insufficient, additional personnel must be assigned to guard against fire during and after the operation to ensure no possibility of fire exists. These personnel must be instructed on specific fire hazards and the use of firefighting equipment.
  • When welding, cutting, or heating is performed on walls, floors, and ceilings, the same precautions must be taken on the opposite side to address fire hazards in adjacent areas.
  • The gas supply to the torch must be positively shut off at a point outside enclosed spaces whenever the torch is not in use or is left unattended. Torches and hoses must be removed from confined spaces overnight or during shift changes. Open-end fuel gas and oxygen hoses must be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when disconnected.
  • Drums, pails, and other containers that contain or have contained flammable liquids must be kept closed except when contents are being removed or transferred. Empty containers must be removed to a safe area apart from hot work operations or open flames.

[3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3]

Specific Industries and Environments

Mining Operations

In mining operations, specific regulations apply to hot work to prevent fires and explosions:

  • A written safe work procedure for fire prevention must be established and implemented when using gas or electric welding or cutting equipment, blow torches, or other heat-producing devices underground or in areas where a fire could endanger an entrance to underground workings.
  • Combustible material within a 3-meter radius, or where sparks or hot metal could fall, must be wetted with water before hot work begins and again after it is finished.
  • The area where hot work is done must be inspected for smoldering fires at regular intervals after the work is finished.
  • Fire-fighting equipment must be on hand at all times during the operation and until the completion of the inspection.
  • Hot work must not be done within 10 meters of where an explosive is stored or transported.
  • Propane or similar fuel that is heavier than air in a gaseous state is generally not permitted underground, except when used for burning or cutting.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2]

Flammable Substances

Special precautions are necessary when flammable substances are present:

  • Hot work should not be performed if a flammable substance is or may be present until suitable tests confirm the work can be safely performed and work procedures are implemented to ensure continuous safe performance.
  • Tests must be conducted at intervals appropriate to the work being performed and the results recorded.
  • Hot work is prohibited near materials that constitute a fire hazard until suitable steps have been taken to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Containers or piping that contain or have contained a flammable substance must be purged using an effective method to remove the flammable substance before any hot work is begun.
  • Welding or cutting of metal cleaned with a flammable or combustible liquid is not allowed until the metal has thoroughly dried.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4]

Containers

Specific rules apply to welding or cutting containers:

  • Welding operations must not be performed on drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers until they have been cleaned of all flammable, combustible, or toxic materials or fumes.
  • All pipelines or other connections to drums, barrels, or tanks must be disconnected or blanked before performing welding operations.
  • Hollow spaces or cavities must be vented and either filled with water or purged with an inert gas before preheating, cutting, or welding.
  • An opening must be maintained during welding and cutting to vent gases or vapors.

[9] [9] [9] [9]

Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres

Regulations address working in atmospheres where flammable or explosive substances may be present:

  • If a flammable or explosive substance is present in the atmosphere of a work site at a level exceeding 20% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for that substance, workers are generally prohibited from entering or working at the site.
  • This restriction may not apply to firefighters or competent workers acting in emergency situations, provided they are trained, equipped, and work according to an approved standard, and a written record of their training is maintained.

[5] [5] [5]

General Fire Prevention

General fire prevention measures are essential to maintain a safe work environment:

  • Garbage that may constitute a fire hazard must be placed in covered receptacles suitable to the nature of the hazard.
  • Materials contaminated by flammable liquids must be placed in non-combustible receptacles with close-fitting metal covers, labeled "flammable," and located at least 1 meter away from other flammable liquids.
  • Combustible and flammable liquids must be kept in receptacles that meet the requirements set out in the National Fire Code of Canada 1990, including any revisions and errata.
  • Portable fire extinguishers must be selected, located, inspected, maintained, and tested to protect worker health and safety. They must be placed within 9 meters of industrial open-flame portable heating devices, tar pots, asphalt kettles in use, and welding or cutting operations in progress.

[7] [7] [7] [8] [8]

Training and Communication

Proper training and communication are crucial for ensuring safety during hot work:

  • The employer must thoroughly instruct employees in the safe use of fuel gas.
  • Personnel assigned to guard against fire must be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used.

[6] [6]

Mechanical Integrity

Maintaining the mechanical integrity of process equipment is also vital for preventing fires and ensuring safety:

  • Employers must establish and implement written procedures to maintain the ongoing integrity of process equipment.
  • Employees involved in maintaining the integrity of process equipment must be trained in an overview of the process and its hazards, as well as in the procedures applicable to their job tasks.
  • Inspections and tests must be performed on process equipment following recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.
  • The frequency of inspections and tests must be consistent with manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and more frequently if necessary based on prior operating experience.
  • Each inspection and test performed on process equipment must be documented, including the date, the name of the person who performed the inspection or test, the equipment identifier, a description of the inspection or test, and the results.
  • Deficiencies in equipment that are outside acceptable limits must be corrected before further use or in a safe and timely manner.
  • Quality assurance measures must be implemented to ensure that equipment is suitable for the process application, installed properly, and that maintenance materials, spare parts, and equipment are suitable for the process application.

[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1]

Safety powered by SALUS

9 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

Page 7

Open source document

Source excerpt

# GENERAL FIRE RULES ## R 408.[redacted postal code]. Fire precautions. - Rule 761. (1) Welding operations shall not be performed within 50 feet of explosives, stored cylinders, or stored fuel. Combustible and flammable materials located within 35 feet of a welding operation shall either be removed or covered with fire-resistant material. (2) Cracks or openings through which sparks could pass in the floor or wall that are within 35 feet of a welding operation shall be covered with a fire- resistant material. (3) A wood floor within 10 feet of a welding operation shall be protected by either wetting down, covering with sand, or covering with a fire-resistant material. (4) A minimum of 1 2A-10BC portable fire extinguisher shall be immediately available to the work area during welding operations. (5) An employer shall designate a person as responsible for fire safety during a welding operation where a fire could start or where 1 of the following conditions exists: (a) Appreciable combustible and flammable materials are more than 35 feet from a welding operation but are easily ignited. (b) Combustible and flammable material is adjacent to the opposite side of a metal partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that is likely to ignite by conduction or radiation. (c) If there is a possibility that a smoldering fire may have started, the person shall remain at the scene of the work for not less than 30 minutes after the welding operation has stopped. Personnel shall be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used. (6) The connection, by welding, of branches to a pipeline carrying a flammable substance shall be performed in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 C.F.R. Part 192, "Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Pipelines," which are adopted by reference in R 408.[redacted postal code]. (7) Before welding, cutting, or heating is commenced on any surface covered b…

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 (N.L. Reg. 5/12)

Page 224

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Source excerpt

# Back to Top (cont.) ## Combustible refuse 579. An employer shall ensure that (a) underground workings, shaft stations, headframes and buildings are kept clear of accumulations of combustible materials; and (b) underground timber which is not in use and not intended for use in current operations, is promptly removed from underground. 5/12 s579 ## Back to Top ## Process producing flammable mixture 580. A process that is likely to produce a gas, vapour, dust or fume to such an extent as to be capable of forming a flammable mixture with air shall be carried out in an area which (a) is isolated from other operations; (b) has a system of ventilation which removes the gas, vapour, dust or fume; (c) has no potential sources of ignition; and (d) has vents, baffles, chokes, dampers or other means to reduce the effects of an explosion, as may be required. 5/12 s580 ## Back to Top ## Hot work in mines 581. (1) Where gas or electric welding or cutting equipment, blow torches or other heat-producing devices or materials for doing hot work are used underground, or in a headframe, shaft house or portal house or building in which the outbreak of fire might endanger an entrance to the underground workings, the employer shall establish and implement a written safe work procedure for the prevention of fires. (2) Combustible material within a radius of 3 metres, or upon which sparks or hot metal could fall, shall be made wet with water before hot work is begun, and again after hot work is finished. (3) The area where hot work is done shall be inspected for smoldering fires at regular intervals after hot work is finished. (4) Fire-fighting equipment shall be on hand at all times during the operation and until completion of the inspection referred to in subsection (3). (5) Hot work shall not be done within 10 metres of the place where an explosive is stored or being transported. (6) Except when used for burning or cutting, propane or other similar fuel that is hea…

[3] OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures Records and/or Training (NCDOL)

Page 127

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# 29 CFR Subpart J-Welding and Cutting # 1926.351-ARC WELDING AND CUTTING Scope/Application: This section applies to arc welding and cutting. ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS - Inspections and Tests-inspections conducted beginning of work shift - Training and Communications-employees instructed ## Inspections and Tests 1926.350(f)(3)-All hose in use, carrying acetylene, oxygen, natural or manufactured fuel gas, or any gas or substance which may ignite or enter into combustion, or be in any way harmful to employees, shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift. Defective hose shall be removed from service. 1926.350(f)(4)-Hose which has been subject to flashback, or which shows evidence of severe wear or damage, shall be tested to twice the normal pressure to which it is subject, but in no case less than 300 p.s.i. Defective hose, or hose in doubtful condition, shall not be used. 1926.350(g)(2)-Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections. Defective torches shall not be used. Training and Communications 1926.350(d)-Use of fuel gas. The employer shall thoroughly instruct employees in the safe use of fuel gas. [Reference paragraph (d) for specific requirements.] ## 1926.352-FIRE PREVENTION Scope/Application: This section applies to fire prevention during welding and cutting. ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS Training and Communications-instructions, assignments Training and Communications 1926.352(e)-When the welding, cutting, or heating operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient, additional personnel shall be assigned to guard against fire while the actual welding, cutting, or heating operation is being performed, and for a sufficient period of time after completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire exists. Such personnel shall be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment p…

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Nu Reg 003-2016)

Page 187

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# Asbestos Waste (cont.) ## Fire Safety Plan (cont.) 395. (1) An employer shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers are selected, located, inspected, maintained and tested so that the health and safety of workers at the work site is protected. (2) An employer shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers are placed not more than 9 m from (a) an industrial open-flame portable heating device, tar pot or asphalt kettle that is in use; and (b) a welding or cutting operation that is in progress. - Garbage as Fire Hazard 396. (1) In this section, "garbage" does not include waste that is being processed at a waste disposal facility. (rebut) (2) If garbage constitutes a fire hazard at a work site, an employer shall provide covered receptacles for the garbage that are suitable to the nature of the hazard. - Procedures for Flammable Substances 397. (1) If a flammable substance is or is intended to be handled, used, stored, produced or disposed of at a work site, an employer shall develop written procedures to ensure the health and safety of workers who (a) handle, use, store, produce or dispose of a flammable substance that could spontaneously ignite or ignite when in combination with other substance; or (b) perform hot work if there is a risk of fire. (2) An employer shall ensure that workers who are required or permitted to perform work referred to in subsection (1) are trained in, and use, the procedures developed under subsection (1). (3) Workers who perform work referred to in subsection (1) shall use the procedures developed under subsection (1). - Receptacles for Materials Contaminated by Flammable Liquids 398. (1) An employer shall ensure that materials contaminated by flammable liquids are placed in receptacles that are (a) non-combustible and have close-fitting metal covers; (b) labelled "flammable"; and (c) located not less than 1 m away from other flammable liquids. 185

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 195

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Source excerpt

195 Garbage as fire hazard 25‑4 If garbage that may constitute a fire hazard is present at a place of employment, an employer, contractor or owner shall provide covered receptacles for the garbage that are suitable to the nature of the hazard. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s25-4. Procedures for flammable substances 25‑5(1) If a flammable substance is or is intended to be handled, used, stored, produced or disposed of at a place of employment, an employer, contractor or owner shall develop written procedures to ensure the health and safety of workers who: (a) handle, use, store, produce or dispose of a flammable substance that may spontaneously ignite or ignite when in combination with any other substance; or (b) perform hot work where there is a risk of fire. (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that all workers who are required or permitted to perform work mentioned in subsection (1) are trained in, and implement, the procedures developed pursuant to subsection (1). (3) Workers who perform work mentioned in subsection (1) shall implement the procedures developed pursuant to subsection (1). 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s25-5. Receptacles for materials contaminated by flammable liquids 25‑6(1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that materials contaminated by flammable liquids are placed in receptacles that: (a) are non-combustible and have close-fitting metal covers; (b) are labelled “flammable”; and (c) are located at least 1 metre away from other flammable liquids. (2) If the surface on which a receptacle required by subsection (1) is placed is combustible, an employer shall ensure that the receptacle has a flanged bottom or legs that are not less than 50 millimetres high. (3) A worker shall place materials contaminated by flammable liquids and garbage that may constitute a fire hazard into the appropriate receptacle required by this section or by section 25-4. 31 De…

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Nu Reg 003-2016)

Page 189

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Source excerpt

# Asbestos Waste (cont.) ## Fire Safety Plan (cont.) 402. (1) An employer shall ensure that a worker does not undertake servicing or maintenance of a vehicle while a flammable liquid or gas or an explosive substance is (a) loaded into or unloaded from the vehicle; or (b) present in the vehicle in a place other than the fuel tank. (2) If reasonably possible, a worker who operates a vehicle that contains a flammable liquid or gas or an explosive substance shall ensure that the engine of the vehicle is shut off during the connection or disconnection of the lines for the loading or unloading of the flammable liquid, gas or explosive substance. - Flammable or Explosive Substance in Atmosphere 403. (1) If a flammable or explosive substance is present in the atmosphere of a work site at a level that is more than 20% of the lower explosive limit of that substance, an employer shall not require or permit a worker to enter into or work at the work site. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to (a) a fire fighter who has been trained under section 479; or (b) a competent worker who meets the requirements of subsection (3) and who is acting in an emergency situation at the work site. (3) An employer shall ensure that (a) a competent worker referred to in paragraph (2)(b) is trained, equipped and works according to an approved standard; (b) the training required by paragraph (a) is provided by a competent person; and (c) a written record is kept of training delivered to a worker under paragraph (a). ## Hot Work 404. (1) If a flammable substance as defined in section 393 is or could be present at a work site, an employer shall ensure that hot work is not performed until (a) suitable tests have been conducted that (i) indicate whether the atmosphere contains a flammable substance in a quantity sufficient to create an explosive atmosphere, and (ii) confirm that the work can be safely performed; and (b) the work procedures developed under par…

[7] General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

Page 11

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Source excerpt

# 1910.119(f) OPERATING PROCEDURES. (cont.) ## 1910.119(h) CONTRACTORS. (cont.) - 1910.119(j) MECHANICAL INTEGRITY. 1910.119(j)(1) Application. Paragraphs (j)(2) through (j)(6) of this section apply to the following process equipment: 1910.119(j)(1)(i) Pressure vessels and storage tanks; 1910.119(j)(1)(ii) Piping systems (including piping components such as valves); 1910.119(j)(1)(iii) Relief and vent systems and devices; 1910.119(j)(1)(iv) Emergency shutdown systems; 1910.119(j)(1)(v) Controls (including monitoring devices and sensors, alarms, and interlocks) and, 1910.119(j)(1)(vi) Pumps. - 1910.119(j)(2) Written procedures. The employer shall establish and implement written procedures to maintain the on-going integrity of process equipment. - 1910.119(j)(3) Training for process maintenance activities. The employer shall train each employee involved in maintaining the on-going integrity of process equipment in an overview of that process and its hazards and in the procedures applicable to the employee's job tasks to assure that the employee can perform the job tasks in a safe manner. - 1910.119(j)(4) Inspection and testing. - 1910.119(j)(4)(i) Inspections and tests shall be performed on process equipment. - 1910.119(j)(4)(ii) Inspection and testing procedures shall follow recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. - 1910.119(j)(4)(iii) The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment shall be consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and more frequently if determined to be necessary by prior operating experience. - 1910.119(j)(4)(iv) The employer shall document each inspection and test that has been performed on process equipment. The documentation shall identify the date of the inspection or test, the name of the person who performed the inspection or test, the serial number or other identifier of the equipment on which the inspection or test was performed, a descriptio…

[8] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 432

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Source excerpt

# J ARC WELDING & CUTTING (cont.) Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division # FIRE PREVENTION J ## $1926.352 Fire Prevention. (a) When practical, objects to be welded, cut, or heated shall be moved to a designated safe location or, if the objects to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be readily moved, all movable fire hazards in the vicinity shall be taken to a safe place, or otherwise protected. (b) If the object to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be moved and if all the fire hazards cannot be removed, positive means shall be taken to confine the heat, sparks, and slag, and to protect the immovable fire hazards from them. (c) No welding, cutting, or heating shall be done where the application of flammable paints, or the presence of other flammable compounds, or heavy dust concentrations creates a hazard. (d) Suitable fire extinguishing equipment shall be immediately available in the work area and shall be maintained in a state of readiness for instant use. (e) When the welding, cutting, or heating operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient, additional personnel shall be assigned to guard against fire while the actual welding, cutting, or heating operation is being performed, and for a sufficient period of time after completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire exists. Such personnel shall be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used. (f) When welding, cutting, or heating is performed on walls, floors, and ceilings, since direct penetration of sparks or heat transfer may introduce a fire hazard to an adjacent area, the same precautions shall be taken on the opposite side as are taken on the side on which the welding is being performed. (g) For the elimination of possible fire in enclosed spaces as a result of gas escaping through leaking or improperly closed torch valves, the gas supply to the torch shall…

[9] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 197

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Source excerpt

197 Flammable or explosive substance in atmosphere 25‑11(1) If a flammable or explosive substance is present in the atmosphere of a worksite at a level that is more than 20% of the lower explosive limit of that substance, an employer or contractor shall not require or permit a worker to enter or work at the worksite. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to: (a) a firefighter who has been trained pursuant to section 32-4; or (b) a competent worker who meets the requirements of subsection (3) and who is acting in an emergency situation at the place of employment. (3) An employer shall ensure that: (a) the competent worker mentioned in clause (2) (b) is trained, equipped and works according to an approved standard; (b) the training required by clause (a) is provided by a competent person; and (c) a written record is kept of all training delivered to a worker pursuant to clause (a). 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s25-11. Hot work 25‑12(1) If a flammable substance is or may be present, an employer or contractor shall ensure that no hot work is performed until: (a) suitable tests have been conducted that: indicate whether the atmosphere contains a flammable substance in (i) a quantity sufficient to create an explosive atmosphere; and (ii) confirm that the work may be safely performed; and (b) the work procedures developed pursuant to clause 25-5(1) (b) have been implemented to ensure continuous safe performance of the work. (2) While hot work is being performed, an employer or contractor shall conduct tests described in clause (1) (a) at intervals appropriate to the work being performed and record the results. (3) An employer or contractor shall not require or permit any hot work to be performed in the vicinity of a material that may constitute a fire hazard until suitable steps have been taken to reduce the risk of fire. (4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a container or piping that contains or has c…

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