A hot work permit must be issued before conducting any operation involving cutting, brazing, welding, soldering, grinding, or any other similar operation in areas that are not permanently designated for hot work. The mandatory precautions (specified below) must be adhered to in order to ensure the permit is approved. Failure to adhere to mandatory precautions will result in the rejection of the permit.
Mandatory Precautions
- All building occupants must be suitably protected against hazards generated by the work, i.e. heat, sparks, fumes, welding rays, etc.
- An appropriate fire extinguisher (e.g., 10-lb ABC fire extinguisher) must be available and operable.
- A fire watch is to be implemented if conditions are warranted. If no fire hazards or combustible exposures are present, a fire watch is not required, but is strongly suggested.
- Workers and fire watch personnel are trained in the use of fire extinguishing equipment, how to activate the fire alarm system, and how to alert emergency personnel and/or first responders for assistance.
- Explosives, oxygen/acetylene tanks, flammable liquids, compressed gas cylinders, or stored fuel must be moved at least 50 (fifty) feet away from the hot work area or be covered and protected from the hot work by fire-resistant material.
- Adequate ventilation must be used, especially when cutting or welding material with painted or metal-coated surfaces.
- Cracks or holes in floors, walls, and ceilings, including ductwork, must be properly covered or plugged.
- Hot work equipment must be operable and in good condition (the equipment used to conduct the hot work operation: welders, torches, grinders, etc.). Oxy-acetylene torches must be equipped with backflow preventers on both gas lines.
- Drums, barrels, and tanks must be cleaned and purged of all flammable and toxic materials, all tank feeds must be closed, and the tank must be vented.
- Pressurized vessels, piping, and equipment are removed from service, locked out, and vented (refer to the UTD Lockout/Tagout Program for more information on proper lockout/tagout procedures).
Mandatory Precautions within 35 feet of Hot Work
- Flammable liquid, dust, lint, and oily deposits are removed.
- Floors swept clean and trash removed.
- Combustible floors covered with fire-resistive/noncombustible materials.
- Ducts that might carry sparks away from the area are covered, protected, or shut down.
- All wall and floor openings covered.
- Other combustible storage material removed or covered with welding pads, blankets, curtains, or metal shields or noncombustible materials.
- Explosive, flammable, or other hazardous vapors, gases, or dusts are eliminated from the hot work area.
- Flammable and ignitable materials and debris must be moved at least 35 (thirty-five) feet away from the hot work area or covered/protected by fire resistant material.
Additional Precautions
The following are additional precautions that may be required:
- Additional fire watch personnel in adjoining areas (potentially above/below the hot work location).
- Extended fire watch period beyond 1 hour.
- Additional ventilation required in area.
- Barricades/signage to keep unauthorized personnel out of area.
- Check the area for explosive atmosphere.
- Use of welding screens to protect individuals in the area
To make a request, please fill out the information below, then select the "Update Hot Work Request" button. All information is required.
Once you receive approval for this work, you may begin.
You should receive an email containing a link back to your completed request form at the provided email address. Please print out the completed/approved request form and post it at the work site when you begin your work.
If you cannot complete this work in one day, please submit another request one business day in advance.