Building safety culture: Dos and don’ts for hotwork

Hot work is any work which may cause ignition of combustible gases, vapour or liquids  adjacent to the area involved. Welding or burning and any other work which might produce a spark, including electrical work and the use of non-intrinsically safe electrical equipment, drilling into or grinding of a structure in way of tanks and pipelines which have or may have carried hydrocarbon liquids or gases, are considered as hot work.

For safe operation when conducting hotwork, keep in mind:

ALWAYS

• Ensure all flammable materials removed from space AND adjacent spaces;

• Have fire-fighting equipment available and ready for use;

• Keep watch over adjacent spaces;

• Test for presence of flammable gases;

• Complete a Risk Assessment for HW;

• Consider alternative work methods / equipment or deferral to refit.

NEVER

• Proceed without relevant permit

• Deviate from Risk Assessment / permit

• Conduct Hot works alone

• Work in a space without fully understand present hazards