HSE Management System

Hot Work PROGRAM

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Rev 1 (May-2016)

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INTRODUCTION Mauritanian Copper Mines S.A. Recognizes the potential for fire from hot work
operations and this program should be implemented in all departments to protect employees and property from
fire resulting from hot work operations. This program applies to hot work activities in each department that
meet the criteria set forth by the written program. The program will also apply to outside contractors that
provide a service to the facility by performing hot work operations. This program does not apply to designated
areas that have been equipped for such operations, i.e. maintenance shops designated welding areas. The
designated areas will be defined by department supervisors in correlation with Occupational Safety and Health.
Hot work operations conducted outside the designated areas should only occur when all other means to
perform the task have been exhausted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Purpose...... 2
2.0 References..... 2
3.0 Definitions .... 2
4.0 Responsibilities ..... 2
5.0 Procedure . 3
5.1 General
5.2 Activity Requiring a Hot Work Permit
5.3 Situations when Hot Work is not permitted
5.4 Situations when Hot Work is allowed with Restrictions .. 4
5.5 Fire Watch .. 4
6.0 Hot Work Permit Administration. 5
6.1 Restrictions / Conflicting Work
6.2 Change In Operating Status
6.3 . Suspension / Re-Validation / Handover
7.0. TRAINING ...... 6
7.1 Initial Training
7.2 Refresher Training
8

AUDIT & REVIEW . 6

RECORDS 6

10 DISTRIBUTION AND DISPLAY OF PERMITS .. 7

11 COMPLETION OF PERMITTED JOB ... 7
APPENDIX A Completing a Hot Work Permit . 8
SAFETY CHECKLIST
HOTWORKS WARNING
HOTWORKS PERMIT ( See attached documents separate )

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HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May-2016)

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1. PURPOSE & SCOPE

The purpose of this program is to provide guidance for persons, including outside contractors and
property managers, who manage, supervise, and perform hot work operations. The program will
establish written procedures and a permit system to prevent fires resulting from hot work operations
involving open flames or operations that may produce heat or sparks set forth by the following
standards OSHA 1910.252, OSHA 1926.352. This procedure provides details on the implementation
of the h o t work permit system. It encompasses hot work activities on or immediately adjacent to all
Company assets and facilities and addresses safe welding areas, simultaneous operations, gas levels, etc.
so that hot work activities may be undertaken in a safe manner.
2. REFERENCES
Permit to Work System Ref: XXXX
Hot Work Permit Ref: XXXX
3. DEFINITIONS
Hot Work - any welding, cutting, burning, grinding or any other activity involving open flames, sparks or
other ignition sources which may cause smoke, fire, an explosion or which may trigger detection
systems.
Fire Watch A trained competent person who maintains a continuous and thorough inspection of an
area during hot work or potentially hazardous operations, with the purpose of safe-guarding personnel
and equipment.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure the requirements of this procedure are fully implemented onsite

Safety

Verify that all planning for hot work has taken into account any simultaneous operations
or conflicting work. Ensure conflicting work is controlled or ceased to prevent interfering
with hot work. Ensure hot work is ceased when necessary to perform other tasks
Review Hot Work Permits and approve only after ensuring all safety precautions have
been taken. Ensure permit protocol is followed as per the Permit to Work System.
Obtain and complete the Hot Work Permit and associated certificates or checklists in
accordance with the Permit to Work System;

Permit Holder

Along with the fire watch and others involved in the job, thoroughly check the hot work
area and remove or isolate any combustible materials;
Implement necessary safety precautions and complete the work in accordance with this
procedure and the Job Safety Analysis;
Upon completion of the job, ensure the job site has been left in a satisfactory condition
and Fire Watch duties continue as required.

Fire Watch

Perform only the duties of fire watch during welding, burning or other hot work and for
30 minutes after the hot work ends;
Be familiar with the assigned responsibilities of the Fire Watch and all safe work
practices noted on the Hot Work Permit and Risk assessment

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HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May-2016)

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5. PROCEDURE
5.1 General
Performing hot work involves the following general steps:
Specifying the work to be done and the equipment to be used when applying for the hot work
permit (see Appendix A Completing a Hot Work Permit)
Specifying the precautions to be taken to prepare the work site and the precautions to be
adhered to while completing the work.
Completing preparatory work, checking that the facility can safely be worked on and that
prescribed personal safety precautions have been taken, including the use of a Fire Watch.
Giving permission for the work to start by signing a declaration on the permit
Checking the safety of work in progress, the validity of the hot work permits and certificates,
and verifying that all precautions are being adhered to.
On the completion of work, assuring that the job site has been left in a satisfactory condition
and withdrawing the Hot Work Permit.
Please note that for welding workshop and welding designated area, a work permit is not
required. However, each of such places must receive written approval from Safety in order to
register places where it is allowed to do Hot Work without permit and be sure that the place is
adapted.
5.2 Activity Requiring a Hot Work Permit
A Hot Work Permit is required for all types of hot work listed below. However, the list is not
exhaustive and it is ultimately up to the Safety Team to determine when other activities may
require a Hot Work Permit.
Gas welding, burning and cutting operations
Electrical Welding
Use of non-intrinsically safe equipment in Zone 1 or Zone 2 Area.
Chipping / Abrasive Blasting / Spray painting in process or on/near vessels containing
hydrocarbons.
Hot work in a Confined Space
All hot work must have a Risk Assessment done. Any other additional requirement for
protection, precaution and preparation to do the hot work shall be determined by the Safety
Team when applying for a hot work permit.
5.3 Situations when Hot Work is not permitted
Hot work must cease when portable gas detection systems indicate the presence of
combustible gas in the atmosphere at or above 5% of the lower explosive limit (LEL). Furthermore,
hot work is not permitted when activities listed below are occurring on the immediate area:

Bunkering flammable materials Note! - Hot work is not allowed within 60 (18m) of the STAR station, lines or vents during
transfer of fuel oil or any other flammable material.

On pipes and other metals that can conduct enough heat to ignite nearby combustibles.
When the entire buildings fire detection system is shut down.
Where processes involving flammable liquids, gases, and dusts cannot be shut down or made safe.

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Hot Work

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5.4 Situations when Hot Work is allowed with Restrictions

Used containers No welding, cutting, or other hot work shall be performed on used drums, barrels,
tanks or other containers until they have been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain that
there are no flammable materials present or any substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials
which when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Any pipe lines or connections to
the drum or vessel shall be disconnected or blanked.
Venting and purging All hollow spaces, cavities or containers shall be vented to permit the escape of air
or gases before preheating, cutting or welding. Purging with inert gas is recommended.
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres If there is a potential for mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids
or dust in the air, no hot work will be conducted until the SAFETY OFFICER /MANAGER has completed a
review and air monitoring has confirmed that there is no danger of an explosion.
5.5 A Fire Watch must be posted during welding, burning or cutting activities or when otherwise
necessary during other hot work activities. The Fire Watch is responsible for the following:
Be familiar with the assigned responsibilities of the Fire Watch and all conditions noted on the
Hot Work Permit, Risk assessment, etc.
During job preparation, assist the craft (welder, etc.) with removal or isolation of combustible
materials from the hot work area;
Have appropriate, properly maintained fire extinguishing equipment readily available (portable
fire extinguisher at the hot work location) and know the location of nearby fixed firefighting
equipment and be trained in their use.
Be familiar with the procedures for shutting down equipment used during hot work (welding
equipment, etc.) in case of an emergency
Perform only the duties of the fire watch during the hot work activity and for 30 minutes
after hot work ends to detect and extinguish any smoldering fires, etc. During this time, remain
in the hot work area at all times and maintain a clear view of and immediate access to all areas
included in the fire watch
Continuously monitor for portable gas detector alarms, heat transfer, falling slag, sparks, smoke,
smoldering materials, or other obvious signs of incipient stage fire or fire precursors during Fire
Watch duties
Immediately notify the welder of any hazardous or emergency conditions near the hot work area
and stop all hot work when necessary
In the event of a fire, notify personnel, sound alarm (announce location of the fire), extinguish the fire if
safe to do so with available equipment until the fire team arrives

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HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May-2016)

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6. Hot Work Permit Administration

Refer to Appendix A for instructions on completing a Hot Work Permit
6.1

6.2

Restrictions / Conflicting Work

It is important to ensure that any one activity does not conflict with another. To control this,
both the Safety and the PH must be aware of potential interaction and should check when a Permit
is prepared whether it impinges upon a current Work Permit or activity.
Consideration should be given to the number and types of Permits issued. Due to the limited
number of supervisory personnel available, it may be necessary to limit the number of Permits
current (valid) at any one time. However, this will depend largely on the overall work program, as
well as the specific jobs to be undertaken, and it is ultimately up to the Safety to determine how
many activities may be carried out safely at the same time.
Restriction on the number of activities which are inherently dangerous is critical. This includes
activities such as hot work in a hazardous area, work in confined spaces... The limited number of
supervisory personnel available, as well as the limited ability to respond to simultaneous
emergencies, suggests that these types of activities should only be carried out concurrently with a
great deal of enhanced control.
Change In Operating Status
The sounding of the General Alarm, or the occurrence of other emergency situations,
mandates that all Permits must be immediately withdrawn. Following such emergency situations
(except for drills), all hot work permits are invalid and new permits must be completed before
hot work can recommence.
All hot work must stop immediately upon detection by a portable gas detector of combustible gas
in the atmosphere greater than or equal to 5% of the LEL.

6.3

Suspension / Re-Validation / Handover

The Hot Work Permit does not make allowance for suspension, re-validation or handover. In a case
where a hot work permit becomes invalid prior to completion of the work, a new permit must be
issued before work may recommence. It is the Safety Team responsibility to ensure that work not
completed is re-permitted to ensure safe completion.

7. TRAINING
Training for all personnel involved in the approval and issue of Hot Work Permits and fire watch
duties
7.1

Initial Training

Initial training will be provided within 30 days of assignment. The supervisor must ensure that all
employees meet the requirements before assignment. The names of each emp loyee shall be documented
as record for completion of the training.
The supervisor will ensure that all new employees receive training before conducting a task that meets
the criteria of hot work operations in the written program. An employee can be utilized as a helper,
prior to receiving the initial training, as long as they work directly under a trained employee.

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Hot Work

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The initial training should include the following topics:

Written program
Hot work procedures, including how to obtain a permit
Proper equipment operation
Handling and storage of welding materials
Compressed gas cylinder safety
7.2
REFRESHER TRAINING
Employees will receive refresher training in hot work at least three years after the initial training. The refresher
training will include the topics set forth by the initial training. It will also provide updates or new requirements, if
applicable
8. AUDIT AND REVIEW
The hot work programs shall be evaluated on an annual basis utilizing the protocols set forth by Safety Manager.
The evaluation team will consist of a designee department Manager / Supervisor and a Safety Officer from Safety
Management. The Safety Management will define the scope of the evaluation. The safety officer and designee will
coordinate the schedule for the audit utilizing Microsoft Project. The final report will be developed the safety
officer and designee utilizing the information received during the evaluation. The deficiencies determined in the
report will be documented and corrective action plans will be developed.

The evaluation should at least include the following:

Written Program
Permit System
Designated Areas
Individual Shops
Training & Re-Training

9. RECORDS

Revision Log

Completed Hot Work Permits are to be kept on file along with associated Permit to Work documentation for
one year. It is the responsibility of each department to ensure that their employees receive the required training.
Training can be provided by the Training Department and Safety department. Training records will be retained by
the Training Office and Safety office.
Date
Sept-15
May -16

By
O. Mignot
K MacintyreStewart

Revision
0 Initial Release.
1- New Release

HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May-2016)

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10. DISTRIBUTION AND DISPLAY OF PERMITS

One hard copy of the Work Permit shall be displayed at the work site, or where this is not practical, shall be carried
by the Permit Holder. The original copy of the Work Permit, along with Safety Checklist any completed
Isolation/Confined Space Certificate or Safe Work Checklist, will be displayed on the Permit Board which will be
located at the Safety office. All valid permits shall be displayed on this board.
In addition to the Permit Board, a Magnetic Permit board showing a general layout of the mine should be
displayed in a Cinder palace position, and colored buttons used to indicate the relative positions of current (valid)
Work Permits.
IMPORTANT! A tool box talk or pre job safety meeting must be conducted by the PH, to ensure a full
understanding by all members of the team of their role in the job, how it is to be undertaken, the hazards
identified, risk controls, and equipment needed to safely complete the job.
After the PH is satisfied with all the preparations and precautions and he/she is sure that all personnel under his
responsibility understand how to perform the work safely, THE WORK CAN NOW START. While the work is in
progress, the PH shall closely monitor how the work is performed and provide information, instruction and supervision
as is necessary to ensure the safety of his/her subordinates/workers.
The hot work permit is subject to periodic check for verification that all protection, precautions and
work preparations remain in place throughout the job. A permit can be cancelled Due To NonCompliance if at any time the Safety observes, or is led to believe that all precautions and conditions agreed
to on the permit are not being complied with. He shall withdraw the permit and not issue another until he is
completely satisfied that agreed precautions and protection are in place
11.

COMPLETION OF PERMITTED JOB

The PH ensures the work area is secure and all tools & equipment are placed back in proper storage. The PH is
also responsible for ensuring that the site has been cleaned and made ready for normal operations before the
permit can be signed off.
Complete SECTION I - PH, Safety, C o n t r a c t o r Rep (if relevant) - SIGN OFF. Permits should be cleared
and signed off immediately following completion of the work, and not held until the end of the shift. This ensures
that the Permit Status Board remains accurate and informed decisions regarding other work and permits can be
made. Return Risk Assessment with Hot Work Permit and complete the log entry in the Log Book.
Filing: Permits must be filed when work is complete. This is the responsibility of the PH.
These records must be kept for a minimum of one year by the Safety Dept.

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Hot Work

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APPENDIX A Completing a Hot Work Permit

To complete the permit, the Permit Holder shall obtain the Hot Work Permit and related Certificate(s) and/or Safe
Work Checklist (as required) from the Safety Team.
1. SECTIONS A, B, and C are to be completed by the Permit Holder (PH). PTW No: .is a Sequential
number and is given by the Safety Team. In Section A, the PH must provide the required information such as
Facility, Permit Holder Name and Department or Company name for business partner. In Section B, the PH will
complete a description of the work and its location, while in Section C relevant information on any special
instructions required to do the hot work and the name of Equipment to be worked on is provided. The PH then
completes the date/time from the work to be performed REMEMBER! Permits are valid for a maximum period of
12 hours, or until the end of the normal work shift (whichever comes first). Remember also, that a welding shop is
not classed as a safe working area. It is to be operated under a Permit.
2. SECTION D: The Safety will review the permit to determine whether work can be performed without
conflicting with other work or activities at the site and time when work would be started. The PH completes
section D by checking the YES or NO column for PPE and Safety Precautions which are required to perform the
hot work. All hazards related to the hot work are to be identified in the Risk assessment attached by the PH to
the permit. The PH specifies the period of permit validity, and then completes the prescribed Safety Precautions
and Work Site Preparations as required under Section D.
3. SECTION E: The PH marks (X) in the YES/NO for isolation of any safety critical system.
REMEMBER! Safety Critical Systems functionality, limitations, and the implications of putting them off-line, must
be considered when making a decision to isolate.
When Isolation (Mechanical/Electrical) is required, this must be done in accordance with MCM procedure. When
Confined Space Entry is required, this must be done in accordance with MCM procedure. Risk assessment is
mandatory for hot work and the completed document must be attached to the Hot Work Permit. The PH will
provide the RA No. for the job. If there is an associated Safe Work Procedure for the job, the PH is also
responsible for providing it. If not required, put N/A.
Hot Work in Classified Hazardous Area:
Zone1: contains a hazardous gas/air mixture under normal operating conditions.
Zone2: is hazardous only in abnormal operating conditions, and if so, it will only exist for a short time. Subject
to gas readings, the Safety is responsible for giving approval for hot work in Classified Hazardous Areas.
4. SECTION F: Once the precautions required by both the permit and certificates have been taken and the
worksite preparations are complete, the PH signs the permit indicating that he/she has read, understands and will
comply with all specified work conditions. Helpers must also sign to declare that they too will comply with the
permit requirements.
5. SECTION G: The Safety reviews the permit and completes the checklist and attaches to the permit, revises
or adds any additional preparations and precautions that may be required. His signed approval, together with date
and time is required before the hot work can be performed. By signing the permit, the Safety agrees to and
authorizes the work to be done under the specified precautions and conditions
6. SECTION H: The permit is then taken to the Contractor Rep. He will review the permit and once satisfied
with all safety preparations and precautions, sign Section H to indicate that he/she has been informed of the work
to be carried out and is satisfied with the safety precautions being taken. At this point, the work specified on the
permit may commence. Not that this section need to be completed in case of third party only.
REMEMBER! Record the Hot Work Permit in the PTW Log Book.