Hot Work
Hot Work: What You Need to Know
In order to protect UM-Flint employees and building occupants from fires during hot work operations the university has developed the following procedures. Hot work is considered to be temporary operations involving an open flame, or that produces heat, sparks, or hot slag.
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 shall be moved to a designated safe location, e.g., a designated welding area.
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 shall 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.
Hot Work Permits
The university uses the FM Global Hot Work Permit whenever hot work must be conducted but can not be done within a designated safe location as described above. Hard copies of the permits can be obtained from Facilities and Operations or the Department of Public Safety. Employees are required to follow the FM Global general procedures.
Contractors Hot Work Permit Use
Is required for any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat, sparks, or both in an occupied tenant space. This includes, but is not limited to: brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing pipe, torch applied roofing, and welding. Contractors are required to follow the FM Global general procedures.
- All Hot Work requires supervisory awareness and approval.
- All Hot Work requires notification to DPS when work is beginning and ending.
- All Hot Work requires a period of “Fire Watch” and “Fire Monitoring” following the FM Global guidelines provided on their Hot Work Permit.
Hot Work Training
- FM Global Online Training
- EHS Safety Skills Online Training
- In Person Supervisory training – discuss with your supervisor
- Contractor Hot Work safety training & program – ask for copy before allowing work to start
Questions
If you have questions contact UM-Flint EHS at [email protected] or 810-766-6763.