Hot Work
Hot Work: What You Need to Know
In order to protect University employees from fires that may be caused by temporary operations involving an open flame or that produces heat, sparks, or hot slag, the University has developed the following procedures to be used whenever hot work is being performed.
Hot work is cutting, welding, brazing, torch soldering, high speed metal grinding, or use of an open flame.
Hot work is not permitted:
- Within 50 feet of explosives, stored cylinders, or stored fuel.
- Unless authorized by a supervisor.
- In the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Hot work should not be performed if the work can be avoided or performed in a safer manner. When practical, objects to be welded, cut, or heated must be moved to a designated safe location, e.g., a designated welding area.
Hot work should not be conducted in areas not intended or designed for conducting hot work, unless the area has been inspected and a Hot Work Permit issued to the person(s) who will be conducting the actual work. Areas permanently established and arranged to conduct hot work are exempt.