Hot Work and Welding

Engineering contractors, boilermakers, welders and fabricators need to be aware of the risks associated with hot work activities including welding and cutting.

Hot Work

Tasks involving fire, molten metal or other hot substances where there is a risk of burns requires precautions to ensure workplace safety.

The primary method of controlling hot work risks is a risk assessment process where hazards are identified, assessed and controlled via a Hot Work Permit procedure. Risks include:

• Oxygen ignition sources
• Fuel sources
• Heat ignition sources
• Gas emissions – flammable and toxic

A Hot Work Permit should be in place and provide appropriate risk assessment and controls as part of the permit completion process.

Welding and Cutting

The following precautionary activities should be undertaken when controlling hazards associated with welding and cutting:

• A risk assessment should be undertaken in relation to the activities involving welding and cutting
• Appropriate chemical management methods need to be in place to identify risk and risk solutions relating to chemicals involved in the welding and cutting processes including chemicals that may have been stored in containers being cut or welded
• Sight or smell must not be used as a risk indicator
• Cutting, welding or heating activities must only be undertaken by qualified welders
• Supervision of welding activities on site is an important risk control factor
• Ventilation during cleaning process needs to be such that gases are quickly dispersed
• Outdoor welding and cutting activities is preferable
• If a container content is not known, then assume it contains and explosive mixture