Before hot work begins, it is best to have a plan. The job site should be inspected for potential hazards and secured for safe operations. Continue reading for items to keep in mind while preparing to perform hot work safely.

Is There a Need for Hot Work?

First things first, hot work should only take place if there is an established need. There are commonly known risks involved when working with hot tools, so all personnel should be notified when hot work is taking place and for how long. This information is crucial for the hot work permit and for a safety plan to be created.

Has Fire Watch Been Assigned?

Fire Watch should take place during and after hot work. A designated fire watch needs to monitor the site every 30 minutes. Monitoring will begin when hot work does and will continue 30 minutes after the job is complete. Even if it’s break time, the fire watch needs to keep an eye on the work area!

Fire Alarms and Extinguishers

The heat, fire, or sparks produced by hot tools can quickly ignite when met with flammable materials. Fire alarms need to be in working order just in case the unimaginable happens. Fire extinguishers should be stored within proximity to the hot work location. The best fire extinguishers to keep on-site are dry chemical fire extinguishers. These extinguishers interrupt chemical reactions and can extinguish class A, B, and C fires.

Safety Within a 35-Foot Radius

Part of the safety plan is to inspect the area from the ground up. Floors need to be swept clean of debris, oil, and grease and check the atmosphere for gasses and vapors. Purge containers storing flammable liquids or gasses of their contents to keep the are within 35 feet of the hot work area safe.

Benefits of Using Safety Enclosures

Hot work safety enclosures, like the PetroHabitat™, ensure a clean, hazard-free environment for hot work to take place. Our safety enclosure protects against ignition, which can arise from any potentially flammable gases that may exist outside the HWSE.

Are you interested in learning more about keeping the job site safe from fires and potential hazards? Contact us today.