Page 110 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

22 Hot Work
Hot work is any work which involves the use of naked flame equipment i.e. burning or welding
torches, blow lamps, gas fired tar boilers etc or any equipment which when used creates hot
residue or waste i.e. angle grinders, disc cutters etc.

Any work that involves the application of heat, or produces a flame or spark must have a hot
work permit completed and presented to the Site Manager or principle contractor for signature
and approval before work commences. (See Annex G for Form).

Employees carrying out hot work must comply with the requirements laid down in the hot work
permit, have the required first aid fire fighting equipment to hand and be trained in its correct
use.

22.1 Soldering
• Soldering flux fumes may contain Formaldehyde and other decomposition products, to
which some people may become sensitised after prolonged repeated exposure,
developing occupation asthma.
• Soldering is only to be carried out by trained competent persons.
• At all times whilst soldering fume extraction units must be used unless an alternative
local exhaust ventilation system is provided. Where the use of these units is not
possible suitable respiratory protective equipment is to be worn.
• Only solders on the Approved Site Substance List are to be used.
• Operators are always to wear suitable eye protection and should be aware that hands
should be washed after handling solder as a risk of skin sensitisation does exist.
• Some solders contain lead, it is important that users have knowledge of and access to
the Company’s COSHH Assessment.

22.2 Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Cutting
Where Oxy-Acetylene Welding equipment is used the following safety procedures are to be
adhered to:

1. Only trained and competent staff are to use the welding equipment.
2. At all times, where practicable, local exhaust ventilation is to be used. Where this is
not possible suitable respiratory equipment must be worn.
3. No welding is to be attempted on or around flammable areas and suitable screening
must be provided to prevent the risk of fire.
4. Care must be taken to ensure the materials being welded do not give off toxic fumes.
5. Eye protection, conforming to the relevant European Community Standard (C.E.
marked) are to be worn when any hot work operations are being carried out, i.e.
welding, cutting and brazing.
6. The welding operative is to be fully conversant with the safety drill to be carried out in
the event of a “blow back situation”.
7. The building is to have a sign warning of oxy-acetylene being stored within and the
equipment must always be stored in the same position when not in use.
8. The oxygen and acetylene lines are to be fitted with flashback arresters and the welding
equipment is to be kept free of grease and oil.
9. Welding must not take place in confined areas unless suitable respiratory protective
equipment is worn.
10. Operators are to be aware that others in the area of welding processes could be put at
risk from welding fumes so where possible welding should take place away from others.
11. Operators must at all times be aware of the risk of fire and are to be close to and know
the whereabouts of the nearest portable fire fighting equipment. Where none is
available it is the operator’s responsibility to place suitable equipment close by.

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