Safety briefing - hot works

This briefing addresses the key risks associated with hot working processes, such as welding and cutting.

What’s covered?

The aim of this Safety Briefing - Hot Works is to ensure that all staff are fully aware of the potential risks associated with hot working and what they should do to minimise the chances of a fire/explosion. Hot work is defined as any process which generates flames, sparks or heat. Included in this definition are work processes, such as all types of welding, cutting, grinding, sawing etc.

Hazards and risks

The briefing identifies hazards associated with welding and hot cutting processes, including fumes, gases, hot components, fire and explosion.

Management

Control measures include providing fire-fighting equipment, using a hot work permit, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring that hot works are completed by competent staff.

Key points

Attendees must take note of the following key point:

• “It may be necessary to use more than one of the control measures. Furthermore, the use of personal protective equipment, including respiratory protective equipment, should not be relied upon as the primary control measure.”