Hot Work PermitsNFPA 1:41 and NFPA 51B
When is a permit required?
➔ welding➔ heat treating➔ grinding➔ thawing pipe➔ powder-driven
fasteners
➔ hot riveting➔ torch applied
roofing (NFPA 1:16.6)
➔ similar applications causing spark, flame, heat
Non-permissible Areas
➔ unauthorized areas➔ sprinklered
buildings with impaired system
➔ explosive atmospheres
➔ in the presence of damaged or improperly stored equipment, tanks, containers
➔ combustible dusts
Program Manager Responsibility
➔ examine equipment for any defects➔ determine the presence of flammable
materials➔ ensure fire protection and fire extinguishers
are available➔ maintain proper fire watch➔ inspect area at least once per day and ½
hour after work is completed
Operators Responsibility
➔ get approval prior to starting hot work➔ maintain all equipment in proper working
condition➔ shall cease work if unsafe condition
develops➔ shall notify proper authority (fire department)➔ hot work area to be reassessed
Fire Watch Personnel Responsibility
➔ be aware of potential hazards and personnel➔ maintain safe condition➔ stop work if situation becomes unsafe➔ have fire extinguishing equipment ready➔ watch for fires in all exposed areas
Is a fire watch required?
➔ combustible material within 35’ of operation➔ combustible materials easily ignited by
sparks➔ wall/floor openings expose combustibles➔ combustibles adjacent to opposite side of
wall/ceiling/floor and likely to be ignited
Writing the Permit
Writing the Permit
➔ general precautions➔ within 35’ of hot work➔ on walls, ceilings, or roofs➔ on enclosed equipment➔ fire watch requirements
Permit Process
➔ visit the site➔ inspect equipment➔ fill out permit➔ leave permit card on-site➔ retain top portion for permanent record➔ retain middle portion as reminder, until work
is complete and final site visit made
Why Hot Work Permits Matter
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