Hot Work Procedures
Purpose
The Hot Work reviewing process is established to prevent
ignition of combustible and flammable materials from
occurring. These guidelines follow the prescribed method
outlined in ANSI Z49.1-1973 and fulfill the requirements of
Cal/OSHA Title 8 ยง4848.
Scope
These guidelines apply to all CSUF departments and
vendors/contractors who perform welding and cutting or similar
activities involving spark, flame, or heat. These procedures
shall not apply to cutting and welding operations that may be
or become part of routine and normal processes. They are not
applicable to construction sites under contractor control.
Responsibilities
The hot work review process shall be conducted by the
representative of Physical Plant performing welding/cutting
tasks. Project coordinators shall review welding/cutting work
and locations proposed by vendors and contractors for
applicability and shall be responsible for reviewing the Hot
Work process for any safety discrepancies. The Hot Work Permit
must be sent or delivered to EH&IS at least 72 hours before the beginning of
the job.
Precautions
The following are general safety precautions required
regardless of welding locations:
- Check valves, regulators, hoses, and
torches regularly.
- Prohibit welding or cutting on vessels
which contain combustible or flammable material unless
completely purged and residue removed.
- Secure gas cutting and welding
equipment to avoid damage and disturbance.
- Ensure that the atmosphere is free of
flammable or combustible vapor, and should doubt arise,
consult EH&S to determine if work should continue.
Approved Welding Areas
Areas which are not subject to a Hot Work review:
- Auto Shop (T 1000, Rm. 1001)
- Central Plant
- Outdoor areas free of combustible
material (i.e., dry brush, grass, leaves)
Inspection of Non-Approved Welding Areas
Areas which are subject to a Hot Work review:
The individual performing welding or cutting shall ensure
precautions have been taken as prescribed in Hot Work review
process prior to commencing any work. The Hot Work review
shall be completed by Physical Plant representative, EH&IS or
a project manager prior to commencing any work in the
non-approved areas. Only trained Physical Plant personnel are
allowed to review the process. Precautions include but are not
limited to:
- Building systems:
- Protect building ventilation from
smoke and fumes.
- Disable fire alarms when necessary.
See EH&IS Fire Watch Procedures whenever fire alarms are disabled.
- Personnel/occupant protection:
- Within 35 feet of work:
- Remove combustible/flammable
materials, dust, lint, and oily deposits.
- Cover combustible floors with
spark/heat shields (consider metal or damp sand).
- Eliminate explosive atmosphere.
- Cover fixed combustibles with fire
resistive covers, guards, or shields.
- Cover wall and floor openings with
non-combustible covers.
- Suspend fire-resistive covers beneath
work to collect sparks.
- Fire watch personnel must:
- Post a fire watch during hot work and
for 30 minutes thereafter.
- Search for and extinguish any
smoldering or flaming ignition.
- Be trained to use a 10 lb. ABC fire
extinguisher.
- Receive training in emergency
procedures and contact numbers and locate the nearest fire
alarm pull station before hot work begins.
Contracts and Vendors
Hot work activities conducted by the
contractor or vendor shall be evaluated by a Physical Plant or
Design and Construction representative for adherence to the
Hot Work policy.
Revised: 11/30/2004; 8/18/2008 SB
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