A hot work permit must be issued before conducting any operation involving cutting, brazing, welding, soldering, grinding, or any other similar operation in areas that are not permanently designated for hot work. The mandatory precautions (specified below) must be adhered to in order to ensure the permit is approved. Failure to adhere to mandatory precautions will result in the rejection of the permit.
Mandatory Precautions
- Hot work equipment is in good working order (the equipment used to conduct the hot work operation: welders, torches, grinders, etc.). Oxyacetylene torches must be equipped with backflow preventers on both gas lines.
- Sprinklers (if present) and fire extinguishers in area are in service and operable.
- At least one fire watch personnel, other than the person(s) conducting the hot work, is present.
- Fire watch personnel has access to a minimum of a 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher within 30 feet of the hot work location.
- Fire watch is provided during the hot work operation and for a minimum of 1 hour after hot work operations conclude, including any breaks.
- Fire watch personnel are trained on fire extinguisher use and how to sound the alarm (building fire alarm or by notifying TWU Department of Public Safety- 940-898-2911).
- Pressurized vessels, piping, and equipment are removed from service, locked out, and vented (refer to the TWU Lockout Tagout Program for information on proper lockout/tagout procedures).
Mandatory Precautions within 35 feet of Hot Work
- Flammable liquid, dust, lint, and oily deposits are removed.
- Floors swept clean and trash removed.
- Combustible floors covered with fire-resistive/noncombustible materials.
- Ducts that might carry sparks away from the area are covered, protected, or shut down.
- All wall and floor openings covered.
- Other combustible storage material removed or covered with welding pads, blankets, or curtains, or metal shields or noncombustible materials.
- Explosive, flammable, or other hazardous vapors, gases, or dusts are eliminated from the hot work area.
Mandatory Precautions for Hot Work on Walls, Ceilings, or Roofs
- Flammable liquid, dust, lint, and oily deposits removed.
- Construction must be noncombustible and without combustible coverings or insulation.
- Combustible material on the opposite side of walls, ceilings, or roofs undergoing hot work operations is moved away.
Mandatory Precautions for Hot Work on Enclosed Equipment
- Enclosed equipment is cleaned of all combustibles.
- Containers are purged of flammable liquid and/or vapor.
- Pressurized vessels, piping, and equipment are removed from service, locked out, and vented.
Mandatory Precautions for Hot Work Fire Watch
- A minimum of a 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher is located within 30 feet of the hot work location.
- Fire watch personnel are not actively participating in the hot work operations.
- Fire watch continues throughout the duration of the hot work operations and for at least 1 hour after the hot work stops (including breaks). The permit-authorizing individual may reduce the fire watch to 30 minutes after the hot work stops if warranted due to an absence of other fire hazards.
- Fire watch personnel are trained on fire extinguisher use and how to alert emergency personnel and/or first responders for assistance.
Additional Precautions
The following are additional precautions that may be required by the TWU employee authorizing the hot work operations.
- Additional fire watch personnel in adjoining areas (potentially above/below the hot work location).
- Extended fire watch period beyond 1 hour.
- Additional ventilation required in area.
- Barricades/signage to keep unauthorized personnel out of area.
- Check the area for explosive atmosphere.
- Use of welding screens to protect individuals in the area
To make a request, please fill out the information below, then select the "Update Hot Work Request" button. All information is required.
An inspection to determine if the mandatory precautions (stated above) are in place is required. Following completion of the inspection, you should receive an email containing a link back to your completed request form at the email address you provide. Please print out the completed/approved request form and post it at the work site when you begin your work.