Toolbox talk: Hot Works (inc welding / grinding)

Main Contractor :
Contract :
Toolbox Talk No : TBX12

Revision : Rev B

Date :

Reason for Toolbox Talk:

Any form of hotworks can result in ignition through the generation of heat from direct
flames or sparks. Injury or damage can be caused to persons, equipment or property.

A Hot Permit-to-Work system is an extension of a safe system of work or method statement

and requires written permission before a particular job can commence. A written Permit-to-
Work system is essentially a document which identifies the plant to be worked on or area to
be worked in and details the precautions to be taken before work can commence. It
highlights the safe procedure and is a clear record of the hazards that have been anticipated
and the precautions to be taken to avoid them.

Hazards
 Faulty equipment allowing unsafe operations to be carried out.
 Ignition of combustible materials which are in direct contact with the hotworks.
 Materials (rubbish etc.) which are in close proximity to hot works can ignite.
 Area in the vicinity of the hotworks can ignite for a period after hot works
themselves are complete.
 Injury to persons carrying our hotworks / persons working adjacent to hotworks (e.g.
welding flashes can injury other operatives eyes)
 Equipment (access / cranage) which are being used to carry out the hot works can
become damaged by falling sparks etc.

Consider what particular hazards were present when carrying out any recent hotworks?

Precautions
 Carry out a hotworks risk assessment prior to any works commencing and obtain a
hotworks permit from the main contractor.
 Clear the area of any combustible materials / debris.
 Where materials cannot be moved, ensure that they are adequately protected from
sparks / flames etc. using a non-combustible material.
 All compressed gas cylinders must be handled carefully and stored away from
hotworks.

QC-V5-R44-2013
  A firewatcher must be present for all hotworks and must maintain a fire watch for
the required time after the last instance of hotworks is complete. Check with the
sites safety officer – standard minimum fire watch periods are:
 30 minutes for operations which only create sparks (e.g. grinder / consaw).
 60 minutes for operations which require a naked flame (e.g. welding)
 The fire watch attendant must be appointed and must ensure correct
documentation is completed.
 The firewatcher must maintain a fire watch in all areas where hot works have been
undertaken – not just move onto next location.
 During breaks, a minimum of 1 person must remain where required to maintain a
fire watch.
 Well serviced fire extinguishers (x2) / fire blankets, must be on standby during
hotworks. The extinguishers must be suitable for the works at hand (i.e. water
extinguisher is not to be used on an electrical fire).
 Always work in well ventilated areas.
 Ensure that all equipment used for hotworks (including flashback arrestors / non
return valves / regulators / cylinders / torches and leads) are in good condition and
are the correct item for the task at hand.
 Welding screens to be set up and used where necessary.
 No equipment to be left unattended when alight.
 If a fire is suspected, a representative of the main contractor must be informed
immediately.
 Correct PPE must be worn as task requires – faceshield / flame retardant clothing /
welding gloves etc.
 An exclusion zone must be maintained while hot works are in progress.
 Inform the main contractor after the hotworks and fire watch are complete.

I have read and understood the above information re Hot Works [TBX12]

Date:

Name: Signature:

QC-V5-R44-2013