Module 4: Hot Work on Government Construction Projects Copy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11142″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Hot work, is one of the main causes for fires in new construction and renovation projects.

Once the GDA has assessed all project activities, they’ll decide which activities are going to require a hot work permit. All hot work and hot work permits must conform to local policy when present.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”peacoc” style=”double”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11584″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hot work permits will be required when the project involves activities that may create, or have the potential to generate heat, sparks, or open flames.

Some examples would be activities that call for:

1. Abrasive blasting
2. Burning
3. Cutting
4. Grinding
5. Powder-actuated tools
6. Hot riveting
7. Soldering
8. Thawing
9. Welding
10. Or any similar operation capable of starting fires or causing explosions.

Prior to performing hot work, the area must be surveyed to ensure it’s free of fire hazards and to determine if a fire watch is required.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11585″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Hot Work Permits” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]How to get a hot work permit

Typically, you’ll get your hot work permit by going into the nearest fire department and filling out the permit. There will be a hot work permit example in your course materials.

As we’ve said, you can fill out the fire department’s hot work permit, or you can use the one provided in your course materials.

Check the Date:

All hot work permits must include the date or date’s that have been authorized for hot work as well as identification of all objects where hot work is to be performed. The Hot Work Permit must be kept on file until completion of the work.

Hot Work NOT Permitted

There are certain areas where hot work is never authorized by the GDA.[/vc_column_text][info_list position=”top” style=”hexagon” icon_bg_color=”#dd9933″ font_size_icon=”24″ eg_br_width=”1″ connector_animation=”fadeInUp”][info_list_item list_title=”Sprinklers” list_icon=”fas fa-hand-holding-water”]In buildings with impaired sprinklers[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Explosive Atmospheres” list_icon=”fas fa-bomb”]And areas with combustible dust[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Near Storage” list_icon=”fab fa-cotton-bureau”]With potentially ignitable Materials[/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11586″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A designated Fire Watch is mandatory for all “Hot Work. A designated fire watch is typically an employee with other duties who is designated by the Contractor as the Fire Watch. A dedicated fire watch is always used whenever hot work is conducted and must have a fire extinguisher available within three feet of his or her observation point at all times.

The Fire Watch must be trained in accordance with NFPA 51B (welding, cutting, grinding, or other procedures that generate heat or sparks, or utilize open flame) Fire Watch personnel have two jobs: to prevent fires and to respond if a fire starts.

The Fire Watch should be assigned and initiated when the hot work permit is issued, and this function should be maintained throughout the hot work operation, including breaks, and for 1 hour continuously following the completion of hot work.

A Fire Watch should be posted and maintained in the immediate area of the hot work, and in any adjacent areas that may be exposed by this operation.

Combustible and flammable materials will be removed or covered, and a fire extinguisher ready for use.

The Fire Watch must be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher of the appropriate type and size such as 2A:40B:C.

The Fire Watch must be able to activate the fire alarm, to report a fire, and to notify and direct building occupants to evacuate, according to their emergency plans.

Devices employing open flames must not be left unattended while in operation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Module 4 Quiz” margin_design_tab_text=””]Please click the Module 4 Quiz link below to take the short quiz. When you’ve completed the quiz, we can start on Module 5, Electrical and Housekeeping. Good luck on the quiz and we’ll see you back here soon![/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row]