Current affairs Another way?
So the first question to ask yourself is whether it is absolutely necessary for hot work to be carried out, or whether there is another way. Hot work should always be the last resort and not the default position. It should be challenged at every stage of the process. For example, pipes could be cut using cold cutting techniques; pipe jointing may be possible without soldered fittings; or items destined for hot work could be removed to a safe area specifically designated for that purpose, eg a dedicated workshop welding bay. If there is no other means, then you must
ensure that hot work is carried out safely for the protection of both life and property.
Safely managed
Regardless of who is completing the work, hot work needs to be managed from start to finish with a formal management system and a front end permit system. If hot work cannot be moved to a more suitable, safer environment such as a workshop or a clear external space, then a full risk assessment should be completed, together with a formal method statement, if required. This should include assessing the extent of combustible or flammable materials in the immediate vicinity, including construction materials; areas above and below where the work is to take place; and the location of any services such as gas, or pipes or vessels
containing flammable liquids or materials. It’s important to consider the entire environment in all directions. With such hazardous activities, appropriate
training should be in place and confirmed for anyone involved in the work or its management and supervision. This should happen before, during and after any hot work operations are carried out. In addition, strict controls should be in place, ranging from checking the equipment is in good safe working condition and the use of non combustible blankets, drapes or screens to ensuring that appropriate fire extinguishing equipment is at hand, and an adequate fire watch (those providing monitoring of the works) is in place during and long after cessation of the hot works. The critical element is to prevent the ignition
source from coming into contact with anything combustible. The trained fire watch should be dedicated, located where there is a risk from the ignition source, present throughout the hot work job and have clear minimum periods of post work monitoring, both continuous and intermittent. Throughout, there should be an assessment of the appropriateness for the type of hot work being carried out, and the area in which it is being completed. Where a third party contractor is being used to complete any works, they need closer management. This should make sure of their competency or training to carry out the work, should ensure appropriate supervision is in place at all times and confirm they have an appropriate level of liability insurance in place.
FOCUS
www.frmjournal.com JUNE 2018
39
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