Employer Duties - Hot Work Safety Procedures

Because of the hazards presented by hot work, a hot work safety procedure must be seen as critical for worker health and safety. OSHA standards and NFPA mandates allow hot work only in areas that have been proven to be at low risk of fire hazards. Whenever hot work is to be performed, shipyard employers and their employees must do the following:

• Properly evaluate the work area and address all hazards
• Inspect all equipment for safety
• Prepare for fire control
• Safeguard that additional hazards are not introduced to the work area while hot work is being performed
• Ensure that appropriate PPE is available and in use by both the hot worker and other exposed employees
• Provide proper ventilation controls and appropriate PPE
• Plan for frequent checks of employees who are working alone, in confined spaces, or in isolated areas

After the job is complete, or during extended breaks, employees must be directed to remove torches and hoses from confined spaces, detach electrodes from the electrode holder, and shut down or disconnect gas lines.

To learn more about Shipyard Hot Work visit our Shipyard Hot Work Online Training web page.