General Requirements:
Employees who perform welding, cutting, or brazing (“Hot Work”) are at risk for personal injury, and for triggering fires. Therefore, employees must be thoroughly trained, and follow established protocols for all operations. Choice of the appropriate PPE, i.e., welding masks and fire-resistant clothing is a key element for worker safety

Regulations
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252, Welding, Cutting and Brazing General Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.253, Welding, Cutting, and Brazing, Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.351, Welding and Cutting for Construction
NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes

Keys to Compliance for Supervisors

• Ensure that “Hot Work” is performed only by thoroughly trained and authorized employees.
• Review and sign “Hot Work” permit prior to beginning job
• Ensure that a written procedure is being used, and addresses all fire and safety issues.
• Provide appropriate PPE for all employees doing “hot work”.
• Oversee the operations, making certain employees wear appropriate PPE and follow all safety precautions.
• Contact IU’s Fire Services group if a Fire Watch is needed during the operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is a Hot Work permit required for all welding, cutting, and brazing jobs?
A. Yes. This permit must be reviewed and signed by the supervisor before the job begins.

Q. When do we need a Fire Watch?
A. A Fire Watch is required any time work requires that any element of the fire protection system (including fire alarms) be disabled. IU’s Fire Services group can disable and re-enable all systems, and post personnel as fire watchers.

Links to written programs, further information
www.ehs.indiana.edu/worker_safety.shtml

 

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