“Hot work is high-risk because it introduces a hazard: an ignition source”
“Hot work” refers to tasks or activities that involve the use of tools, machinery or equipment that generate heat or flames while operating. This work is often carried out in industrial, construction or manufacturing settings and can include activities such as welding, torch cutting, casting and forging, among others.
Which regulations apply?
- Law 29783, Occupational Health and Safety Law (Peru), and its amendment.
- Supreme Decree 005-2012-TR, Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Law.
- Supreme Decree 024-2016-EM (amended by Supreme Decree 023-2017-EM), Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for Mining.
- Building technical standard G.050 Safety during Construction.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J – Welding and Cutting.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q – Welding, Cutting and Brazing.
- NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work.
- ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, 2012.
Types of Hot Work
Hot work can be classified into different categories depending on the nature of the task and the techniques used.
- Welding: welding involves joining two or more metal parts by applying heat and fusing the materials. There are several welding methods, including arc welding, gas welding and resistance welding, among others.
- Torch cutting: torch cutting involves using a flame to cut metal or other materials. It is commonly done with oxy-fuel cutting equipment, which uses oxygen and a fuel gas to produce the flame.
- Casting: casting is the process of heating a material until it becomes liquid and then pouring it into a mold to create a specific shape. It is used to manufacture metal parts and cast objects, such as car parts and jewelry.
- Forging: forging is the process of shaping metal by heating it and striking it with hammers or presses. It is used to produce high-strength metal parts, such as hand tools and machinery components.
- Brazing and soldering: these are metal-joining methods that use lower temperatures than welding. Brazing uses filler alloys that melt at higher temperatures than those used in soldering, which melt at lower temperatures.
- Pipework and plumbing: pipefitters and plumbers often perform hot work when welding metal pipes and making connections and repairs to plumbing and heating systems.
- Furnace and foundry work: in the metal and glass processing industries, workers may carry out tasks at furnaces and foundries, which involve handling high temperatures and melting materials.
Protective equipment for hot work (Standard G.050, 13.9)
For hot work (welding, oxy-fuel cutting, grinding and open flame), the following must be used:
- Chrome leather gauntlet gloves with internal seams, to protect hands and wrists.
- A leather jacket, coat or apron with sleeves, for protection against spatter and exposure to ultraviolet rays from the arc.
- Leather leggings and jacket: when welding in vertical and overhead positions, these accessories must be worn to prevent the severe burns that molten metal spatter can cause.
- A cap, which protects the hair and scalp, especially when welding in out-of-position work.
- A respirator against welding or oxy-fuel cutting fumes.
Hazards and Risks
- Burns: the most obvious risk in hot work is burns to both the skin and the eyes. High temperatures and sparks can cause serious burns.
- Fires: the use of heat and flames can start fires, which can result in property damage, injuries and loss of life.
- Exposure to toxic fumes and vapors: some hot work can generate toxic fumes and vapors, which can affect workers’ health if they inhale hazardous substances.
- UV radiation and intense light: some hot work processes, such as welding, emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation and intense light that can damage the eyes and skin.
- Falls from height: in work at height, there is a risk of falling from scaffolding, platforms or other structures.
Controls and Safety Measures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): using appropriate PPE, such as flame-resistant clothing, gloves, helmets, welding masks, safety glasses and safety footwear, helps protect workers against burns and injuries.
- Adequate ventilation: proper ventilation can help reduce exposure to toxic fumes and vapors. Local exhaust ventilation systems can be used to remove fumes at the source.
- Fire control: measures must be implemented to prevent fires, such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets and automatic sprinklers. In addition, flammable materials must be removed from the work area.
- Safe distances: keeping safe distances between heat sources and flammable materials or people is essential to prevent injuries and damage.
- Training: workers must be trained in safe procedures, equipment use and hazard identification.
- Equipment inspection and maintenance: welding, cutting and other equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safe operation.
- Eye and face protection: using suitable eye and face protection is essential to protect the eyes and face from UV radiation and sparks.
- Proper supervision: supervision by a competent professional helps ensure that best practices are followed and risks are minimized.
- Safe work procedures: implementing safe work procedures, including hot work permits and risk assessments, is crucial.
- Avoid working in adverse conditions: if weather or environmental conditions are adverse, postponing the hot work should be considered to avoid additional risks.