Hot work includes activities such as grinding, welding, thermal or oxygen cutting or heating, and other related heat or spark producing operations.
Undertaking hot work in an area where flammable liquids, vapours or gases, combustible liquids, materials, dust or fibres, other flammable or explosive substances are present, or within restricted / confined spaces creates a significant risk of fire or explosion.
Hazards associated with hot work.
- Fire caused by heat, sparks, molten metal or direct contact with the flame.
- Explosion when cutting up, repairing or working in the vicinity of drums, tanks, pipes, vessels, which contain or may have contained flammable materials.
- Fire/explosion caused by a gas leak, backfire or flashback.
- Fire/burns from the misuse of oxygen.
- Burns from contact with the flame, explosions or hot metal.
- Crush or impact injuries resulting from explosion or when handling cylinders.
WorkSafe WA have a ‘Hot Works – fire safety essentials’ fact sheet to assist in managing this hazard. If your workplace conducts hot works, it may be beneficial to display this fact sheet on a safety notice board and raise during the next site toolbox meeting.
For any further assistance on this hazard or any other workplace safety issue, contact our team of WHS Consultants to help make your workplace safer.