what are some roles and responsibilities for supervisors, workers, and fire-watch personnel when engaging in hot work

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# confined space, in order to ensure employee safety; and 1910.146(f)(15) Any additional permits, such as for hot work, that have been issued to authorize work in the permit space. 1910.146(g) Training. - 1910.146(g)(1) The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section. - 1910.146(g)(2) Training shall be provided to each affected employee: - 1910.146(g)(2)(i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section; - 1910.146(g)(2)(ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties; 1910.146(g)(2)(iii) Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained; - 1910.146(g)(2)(iv) Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section or that there are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these procedures. - 1910.146(g)(3) The training shall establish employee proficiency in the duties required by this section and shall introduce new or revised procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this section. 1910.146(g).(4) Submit Feedback

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# Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Basic Responsibilities (cont.) ## What are the general responsibilities of governments? (cont.) - Investigations (e.g., incidents involving serious injuries or deaths, work refusals, or complaints). - Dissemination of information. - Promotion of training, education, and research. - Resolution of occupational health and safety disputes. - Issuing orders or pursuing prosecution when there is a contravention of the legislation ## What are the workers' rights and responsibilities? Worker responsibilities include the following: - Work in compliance with applicable legislation. - Use personal protective equipment, clothing, and devices as directed by the employer. - Report workplace hazards, incidents, and occupational diseases to the supervisor or employer. - Work in a safe manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment. - Tell the supervisor or employer about any missing or defective equipment or protective device that may be dangerous. Workers have the following three basic rights: - Right to refuse unsafe work. - Right to participate in workplace health and safety activities (e.g., through hazard reporting, being a member of the health and safety committee or as a worker health and safety representative). - Right to know, or the right to be informed about, actual and potential hazards in the workplace and how to work safely. ## What are the manager or supervisor's responsibilities? The manager or supervisor must: - Make sure workers work in compliance with legislation. - Make sure that workers use prescribed protective equipment, clothing, and devices. - Inform workers of potential and actual hazards. Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Basic Responsibilities CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Welding # Welding - Hot Work ## On this page What is hot work? What is a hot work management program? Can hot work be avoided? Before performing hot work, what are some general good practices? ## What is hot work? Working with ignition sources near flammable materials is referred to as "hot work." Welding, soldering, and cutting are examples of hot work. Fires are often the result of the "quick five- minute" job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Getting a hot work permit before performing hot work is just one of the steps involved in a hot work management program that helps to reduce the risk of starting a fire by hot work in areas where there are flammable or combustible materials. The 2024version of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Standard 51B "Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work," serves as the basis for many current fire prevention practices adopted by industry. CSA standard W117.2-12 (R2017) - Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard Z49.1: 2021Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes were created to protect persons and property from injury, illness, and damage from fire and explosions that may occur from these processes. ## What is a hot work management program? Hot work management programs are put in place to control or eliminate hot work hazards and their risks. Programs include the development of policies, procedures, and the assignment of responsibilities and accountabilities for all aspects of hot work. A program includes: 1. Policies a. Where hot work is permitted b. When hot work is permitted Welding - Hot Work CCOHS

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# Before performing hot work, what are some general good practices? (cont.) - Post a trained fire watcher within the work area, including lower levels if sparks or slag may fall during welding, including during breaks, and for at least 60 minutes after work has stopped. Depending on the work done, the area may need to be monitored for longer (up to 3 or more hours) after the end of the hot work until fire hazards no longer exist. - Eliminate explosive atmospheres (e.g., vapours or combustible dust) or do not allow hot work. Shut down any process that produces combustible atmospheres, and continuously monitor the area for accumulation of combustible gases before, during, and after hot work. - If possible, schedule hot work during shutdown periods. - Comply with the required legislation and standards applicable to your workplace. Fact sheet last revised: 2024-08-12 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Welding - Hot Work CCOHS

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Annual review (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (c) ensure the adequacy of instruction, and (d) for respirators, assess the adequacy of exposure monitoring data and assess the need for further monitoring, and ensure the adequacy of the fit test program. [am. B.C. Regs. 185/99, S. 49; 312/2010, App. G, S. 7.] ## Instruction 8.7 The employer must ensure that a worker who wears personal protective equipment is adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used. ## Supervisor's responsibilities - 8.8 The supervisor must ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is (a) available to workers, (b) properly worn when required, and (c) properly cleaned, inspected, maintained and stored. ## Worker's responsibilities - 8.9 (1) A worker who is required to use personal protective equipment must (a) use the equipment in accordance with training and instruction, (b) inspect the equipment before use, (c) refrain from wearing protective equipment outside of the work area where it is required if to do so would constitute a hazard, and (d) report any equipment malfunction to the supervisor or employer. (2) A worker who is assigned responsibility for cleaning, maintaining or storing personal protective equipment must do so in accordance with training and instruction provided. [am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, S. 50.] ## Personal clothing and accessories - 8.10 (1) The personal clothing of a worker must be of a type and in a condition which will not expose the worker to any unnecessary or avoidable hazards. (2) If there is a danger of contact with moving parts of machinery or with electrically energized equipment, or if the work process presents similar hazards (a) the clothing of the worker must fit closely about the b…

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# Employer responsibilities. (cont.) ## 1910.119(j)(5) (cont.) safe operation. 1910.119(j)(6) Quality assurance. ## 1910.119(j)(6).(i). In the construction of new plants and equipment, the employer shall assure that equipment as it is fabricated is suitable for the process application for which they will be used. ## 1910.119(j)(6)(ii). Appropriate checks and inspections shall be performed to assure that equipment is installed properly and consistent with design specifications and the manufacturer's instructions. 1910.119(j)(6)(iii) The employer shall assure that maintenance materials, spare parts and equipment are suitable for the process application for which they will be used. ## 1910.119(k) Hot work permit. 1910.119(k)(1) The employer shall issue a hot work permit for hot work operations conducted on or near a covered process. 1910.119(k)(2) The permit shall document that the fire prevention and protection requirements in 29 CFR 1910.252(a) have been implemented prior to beginning the hot work operations; it shall indicate the date(s) authorized for hot work; and identify the object on which hot work is to be performed. The permit shall be kept on file until completion of the hot work operations. 1910.119(I) Management of change. 1910.119(I)(1) Submit Feedback

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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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# Before performing hot work, what are some general good practices? Make sure you are following your hot work procedure. Also, consider the following items: - Make sure that all equipment is in good operating order before work starts. - Make sure that all appropriate personal protective devices are available at the site and each worker has been trained on how to use, clean, and store them properly. - Inspect the work area thoroughly before starting. Look for combustible materials in structures (partitions, walls, ceilings). - Move all flammable and combustible materials away from the work area. - If combustibles cannot be moved, cover them with fire-resistant blankets or shields. Protect gas lines and equipment from falling sparks, hot materials, and objects. - Make sure that all available fire suppression systems are in good repair and operable (e.g., sprinklers, hoses, extinguishers, etc.) - Make sure that appropriate fire extinguishers (e.g., ABC fire extinguishers) are available and easily accessible. - Sweep clean any combustible materials on floors around the work zone. Combustible floors must be kept wet with water or covered with fire-resistant blankets or damp sand. Use water ONLY if electrical circuits have been de-energized to prevent electrical shock. - Remove any spilled grease, oil, or other combustible liquid. - Vacuum away combustible debris from inside ventilation or other service duct openings to prevent ignition. Seal any cracks in ducts. Prevent sparks from entering into the duct work. Cover duct openings with a fire resistant barrier and inspect the ducts after work has concluded. - Make sure that the first-aid boxes are available and easily accessible. - Block off cracks between floorboards, along baseboards and walls, and under door openings, with a fire resistant material. Close doors and windows. - Cover wall or ceiling surfaces with a fire resistant and heat insulating material to prevent ignition and accumulation of h…

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# Health and Safety Program - General Elements (cont.) ## What are the program elements? (cont.) - Emergency planning. - Medical and first aid. - Health and safety promotion, including psychological health and prevention of harassment and violence. - Workplace specific items. - Review of the health and safety program. ## What are individual OH&S responsibilities? Health and safety is the joint responsibility of management and workers. Managers and supervisors are accountable for non-compliance to health and safety legislation. Responsibility may be defined as an individual's obligation to carry out assigned duties. Authority implies the right to make decisions and the power to direct others. Responsibility and authority can be delegated to others, giving them the right to act for others, such as supervisors. It is important to note that, while some responsibilities can be delegated, the supervisor remains accountable for seeing that they are carried out. Individual responsibilities apply to every worker in the workplace, including the President or Chief Executive Officer. Stating these responsibilities means that all workers will then know exactly what is expected in health and safety terms. To fulfill their individual responsibilities, the people must: - Know what these responsibilities are (communication required). - Have sufficient authority to carry them out (organizational issue). - Have the required ability and competence (such as those acquired through education, training or certification). Once all these criteria have been met, safety performance can be assessed by each individual's supervisor on an equal basis with other key job elements. Health and safety is not just an extra part of a worker's job: it is an integral, full-time component of each individual's responsibilities. ## What are examples of the responsibilities of workers? Examples of responsibilities of workers include: - Using personal protection and safety equipment as require…

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Control of hazards (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces ## Confined space entry program - 9.5 Before a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space, the employer must prepare and implement a written confined space entry program which includes (a) an assignment of responsibilities, (b) a list of each confined space or group of similar spaces and a hazard assessment of those spaces, and (c) written safe work procedures for entry into and work in the confined space, that address, where applicable (i) identification and entry permits, (ii) lockout and isolation, (iii) verification and testing, (iv) cleaning, purging, venting or inerting, (v) ventilation, (vi) standby persons, (vii) rescue, (viii) lifelines, harnesses and lifting equipment, (ix) personal protective equipment and other precautions, and (x) coordination of work activities. ## Responsibilities ## Administration 9.6 The employer must assign overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program to a person or persons adequately trained to do so. ## Supervision - 9.7 (1) The employer must assign responsibility for supervision to a person who is adequately trained to supervise the job before any worker enters a confined space. (2) The responsible supervisor must ensure that (a) pre-entry testing and inspection is conducted based on the written procedures, (b) the precautions identified in the written procedures and the precautions required by this Regulation or which are otherwise necessary for the health and safety of workers are followed, and (c) only authorized workers enter a confined space. ## Instruction 9.8 Each person who is assigned duties or responsibilities related to entry into a confined space must be adequately instructed and trained in (a) the hazards of th…

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# Fire Protection (cont.) ## What is an example of fire hazard audit/checklist? (cont.) <table><tr><th>Hazards</th><th>Y/N</th><th>Suggested Corrective Action</th></tr><tr><td>Ignition Sources</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the workplace taken fire safety precautions for operations that have exposed flames?</td><td></td><td>Isolate operations Do not store any combustible items near these operations Clean equipment and work areas before and after each use so that they are free from dusts and oil particles</td></tr><tr><td>Are all sources of ignition identified?</td><td></td><td>Identify all sources of ignition (e.g., sparks, welding, smoking, hot plates, pilot lights, space heaters, boilers, furnace, etc.) Make sure combustible or flammable items are not stored near ignition sources Ensure appropriate fire walls are erected around hot equipment when required Check ventilation rates for equipment and repair where appropriate</td></tr><tr><td>Are operations involving hot work such as welding, grinding, or cooking considered as potential source of fire hazard?</td><td></td><td>Make sure all the equipment and accessories used in hot work are in good working condition Separate hot work areas from other operations Keep combustible or flammable materials away from hot work areas Develop safe work procedures for operations involving hot work Use a "fire watch" attendant as necessary Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as face shield, respirators, eye protection, etc.</td></tr><tr><td>Has the use of a space heater been identified as a fire hazard?</td><td></td><td>Perform a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) audit to ensure the unit is</td></tr></table> Fire Protection CCOHS

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# Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Basic Responsibilities (cont.) ## What are the manager or supervisor's responsibilities? (cont.) - Provide workers with written instructions on the measures and procedures to be followed for protection of the worker. Take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers. - Investigate reports of hazards, including work refusals. Managers and supervisors act on behalf of the employer and, hence, have the responsibility to meet the duties of the employer as specified in the Act for the work they (the managers and supervisors) direct. Some jurisdictions have specific duties for supervisors. ## What are the employer's responsibilities? An employer must: - Establish and maintain a health and safety committee, or cause workers to select at least one health and safety representative. - Take every reasonable precaution to ensure the workplace is safe. - Train workers about any potential and actual hazards and how to work safely (e.g., how to use, handle, store, and dispose of hazardous substances and how to handle emergencies). - Make sure workers know how to use and handle the equipment safely and properly. - Make sure workers use any necessary personal protective equipment, clothing, and devices. - Report all critical injuries to the government department responsible for occupational health and safety.. - Appoint a competent supervisor who sets the standards for performance, understands their health and safety responsibilities, and who ensures safe working conditions are always observed. ## What does the legislation say about forming health and safety committees? Generally, legislation in different jurisdictions across Canada states that health and safety committees must: - Be composed of one-half management and at least one-half worker representatives. - Meet regularly - some jurisdictions require committee meetings at least once every three months, while others require monthl…