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FIRE PROTECTION

ENGINEERING BULLETIN NO. 38

HOT WORK PROCEDURES

Complete Revision: April 26, 2017


Minor Revision: June 27, 2019
Revision: March 23, 2020

Ford Motor Company Transient Record


J. Paquet (jhiggi37) Bulletin 38 (2020)
Corporate Security and Fire Security: Proprietary
March 23, 2020 Record Retention Code: S + 5
When printed, this becomes an uncontrolled document
Verify the latest revision on the Corporate Fire Protection Website at www.security.ford.com
Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................... 1

II. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................ 1

III. PROCEDURES....................................................................................................................... 2

A. Designated Hot Work Area ........................................................................................ 2

B. Prohibited Areas .......................................................................................................... 3

C. Areas Requiring Hot Work Permits .......................................................................... 3

D. Permit System .............................................................................................................. 4

E. Supervisor of Hot Work .............................................................................................. 6

F. Hot Work Permit Issuer.............................................................................................. 7

G. Personnel Performing Hot Work ............................................................................... 8

H. Fire Watch.................................................................................................................... 9

I. Contractors .................................................................................................................. 9

APPENDIX A -- HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION TREE...................................................... 10

APPENDIX B -- FIRE WATCH DECISION TREE .................................................................... 11

APPENDIX C -- HOT WORK AREA PROTECTION ................................................................. 12

APPENDIX D -- SAMPLE HOT WORK PERMIT..................................................................... 14

APPENDIX E – SPRAY BOOTH “HOT WORK” CHECKLIST ............................................. 17

APPENDIX F – SAMPLE HOT WORK PERMIT LOG AND HISTORY OF DECLINED


PERMITS ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

I. SCOPE
This Bulletin provides the procedures for safe hot work operations. It provides
guidance for personnel performing hot work and their supervisors, fire watchers,
permit issuers, and facility management. This Bulletin supplements and expands upon
the requirements of the 2019 Edition NFPA 51B, “Standard for Fire Prevention During
Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work”.
Hot work operations cause approximately 5-10% of fires in industry and 20% of fires
at Ford Motor Company facilities. These fires have caused significant property
damage and production interruption to Ford facilities.
Implementing safe hot work procedures can prevent a majority of hot work related
fires. These procedures will also reduce the damage and minimize production loss
from hot work related fires that may occur.
Information related to Personal Protective Equipment and safety procedures are not
covered in this document. Requirements are documented by Ford Occupational
Health & Safety in FAS08-121 which can be found at http://www.ohs.ford.com.
This Bulletin and any associated topics are owned by Ford Fire Protection
Engineering, Corporate Security and Fire.
These requirements apply to all Company owned and leased facilities including
subsidiaries of Ford Motor Company. Where Local, State, Federal, or National codes
are more stringent than these standards, or other Company standards referenced here,
the more stringent requirements shall be followed.
During construction prior to the acquisition of a certificate of occupancy, it is the
responsibility of the contractor’s safety team to issue hot work permits. The
contractor’s representative issuing the hot work permit will follow the policies and
procedures outlined in Bulletin 38. The contractor’s representative will be
responsible for the management of the hot work job.
Written approval is required from Fire Protection Engineering or the Regional Fire
Protection Engineer for deviations from these requirements.

II. DEFINITIONS

Certificate of Occupancy
A certificate of occupancy is a document issued by a local government agency or
building department certifying a building's compliance with applicable building codes
and other laws, and indicating it to be in a condition suitable for occupancy.

Fire Monitoring
Fire monitoring are provisions implemented to provide early warning of smoldering fire
conditions in the hot work area following completion of the established fire watch time
period.

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Hot Work Procedures
Fire Standby
A Fire Standby is normally done in conjunction with Fire Watch Personnel. This can be
someone from local skilled trades or contractor personnel who are performing the Hot
Work (applicable to Research and Engineering VEV only).

Fire Watch
A Fire Watch is a qualified person whose primary responsibility is to monitor the hot
work area for developing fires. A Fire Watch is performed by someone representing the
Ford Motor Company who has met the minimal requirements to perform said duties
outlined in the Bulletin within Section H, 1 through 4.

Hot Work
Hot work operations include welding, brazing, flame or plasma cutting, hot riveting,
grinding, soldering, powder driven fasteners, reciprocating power saws (Sawzall), and
other activities that produce sparks, generate heat or use flame.
Designated Hot Work Area
A permanent area designed or approved for hot work operations. Designated areas
may be established for production hot work or for maintenance hot work.
Permit Required Area
An area that shall be fire safe by removing combustibles and/or protecting them from
ignition sources.

Hot Work Permit


A document issued under management authority for the purpose of authorizing
performance of a specific hot work activity.

Hot Work Permit Issuer


An individual designated by management to authorize hot work. NFPA 51B refers to
this individual as the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI).
Prohibited Area
An area where hot work is forbidden.
Shall
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
Should
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

III. PROCEDURES
These procedures apply to all areas of owned and leased facilities and encompass all roof
and exterior areas of the facility including existing construction, new construction and
demolition.
A. Designated Hot Work Area
Hot work shall be performed in a designated hot work area when possible. Hot
Work Permits are not required in designated hot work areas.
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1. Production Hot Work Area
Areas where hot work is performed, as part of the production process
shall be of noncombustible or fire resistive construction, essentially free
of combustible or flammable contents, and suitably segregated from
adjacent areas. The production hot work area should be separated from
combustible storage by space, noncombustible partitions, or flexible
industrial partitions that conform to Ford Fire Protection Bulletin 11.
2. Maintenance Hot Work Area
Areas where hot work is performed for repair or maintenance purposes
shall be of noncombustible or fire resistive construction, essentially free
of combustible or flammable materials, and suitably separated from
surrounding areas.

Separation may be achieved by locating the area in a detached building or


area, noncombustible partitions, or flexible industrial partitions that
conform to Ford Fire Protection Bulletin 11.

3. Requirements
a. Production Hot Work Areas and Maintenance Hot Work Areas
shall be maintained free of combustibles such as cardboard or
similar packaging materials.
b. If combustibles are found in a designated Hot Work area, one of
the following shall be required
1) Hot Work operations shall be discontinued until the
combustibles are removed from the area.
OR
2) Implement Hot Work Permit procedures for High Hazard
Work Areas per Section III. D. below.

B. Prohibited Areas
Hot work is prohibited in the following areas:
1. Gas meter houses or where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts are
commonly present.
2. In sprinklered buildings when sprinklers are temporarily impaired. Work
should be deferred until protection is restored.
3. In areas not authorized by management.
If Hot Work is essential, contact Fire Protection Engineering.
C. Areas Requiring Hot Work Permits
Consideration should be given to less hazardous ways to accomplish tasks. Alternatives
include using a less hazardous process or relocating the work to a designated hot work
area. Permits are required whether the facility or area is operating or not operating.
1. Very High Hazard Areas

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Each site shall be responsible to perform a risk assessment to identify Very
High Hazard Work areas. Typical Very High Hazard Work areas (permit
required) include:
 Fire System Impaired - i.e. Fire System out of service, fire pump out of
service, special hazard system out of service
 Paint Shop
 Paint repair booths
 Tank Farms
 Gasoline Stations
 Dust Collectors
 Paint Sludge Areas
 Duct Work
 Any area where combustible dust is present (plastic, metallic, fibers)
 Any area within 11 m (35 ft) of the above
2. High Hazard Work Areas
Each site shall be responsible to perform a risk assessment to identify High
Hazard Work areas. Typical high hazard areas (permit required) include:
 Confined Spaces
 On a wall or the roof of a facility
 Oil House
 Nonsprinklered Building
 Warehouse or any other storage areas
 Basements of Stamping Plants
 Within 11 m (35 ft) of any floor opening
 Parts Machining areas
3. Moderate Hazard Areas
All plant areas not identified as Production Hot Work or Maintenance Hot
Work, Prohibited Areas, Very High Hazard, or High Hazard Work areas are
considered Moderate Hazard Areas (Permit Required).
 Maintenance work in Body Shops
 Body Assembly areas
 Engine Assembly areas
 Outside Storage Areas
4. Low Hazard Areas
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Hot Work Permits are not required in the following areas:
 Designated Maintenance Hot Work areas
 Designated Production Hot Work areas
D. Permit System
1. Each facility shall use a hot work permit system. This system shall meet or
exceed all the requirements in this Bulletin.
2. The hot work permit shall include the following information:
a. Date work is performed
b. Start time and estimated completion
c. Location of work (Building name or number, floor number, column
numbers, department, etc.)
d. Description of work to be performed
e. Locations of nearest fire extinguisher, phone, emergency phone number,
and/or alarm pull box
f. Person doing the work
g. Person assigned as fire watch
h. Person issuing the permit
i. Clearly defined expiration time and date

j. Sign-off for final check of the work area


k. Hot work inspection checklist (shall include):
1) Is it possible to do the job in a designated hot work area?
2) Has the flame or spark producing equipment been inspected and
found in good repair?
3) Confirm the automatic sprinkler system in the hot work area is in
service? If sprinklers are not in service, defer the hot work. If it
is absolutely necessary that the hot work proceed, the following
are required:
a) Implement impairment procedures outlined in Fire
Protection Engineering Bulletin 2.
b) Provide hose streams to the work area or back-feed the
sprinkler system.
c) Notify the Emergency Response Team.
4) Confirm there are no combustible fibers, dusts, vapors, gases, or
liquids in the hot work area. Confirm that all tanks and equipment
previously containing these materials have been purged. Use a
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combustible gas detection instrument to confirm the absence of
gases or vapors. Re-evaluate the area as necessary if any
suspected changes occur, e.g. spills.
5) Confirm the work will be confined to the area or equipment
specified. Confirm sparks cannot enter areas above or below
work area or cannot be transferred out of the work area by
mechanical means (i.e. conveyor).
6) Confirm surrounding floor areas have been swept clean. If floors
are constructed of combustible materials (except wood on
concrete), verify that they have been protected (i.e. wet down or
covered).
7) Confirm that a minimum of one 2A rated Class A extinguisher is
provided in addition to the normal building complement of
extinguishers.
8) Verify that combustible storage has been relocated at least 11 m
(35 ft) from the work area. If this is not possible, special
procedures are required.
9) Verify that floor and wall openings within 11 m (35 ft) have been
tightly covered.
10) Confirm arrangements have been made for a patrol of the hot work
area, including floors above and below, during any break period,
including meal breaks, and for at least one hour after hot work has
been completed. Additional fire monitoring may be required to
provide early warning of smoldering fire conditions in the hot work
area following completion of the established fire watch time period.
The Property Loss Prevention Consultant's Cutting-Welding-Hot Work Permit
satisfies these requirements and should be used. These permits can be obtained
from the current Property Loss Prevention Consultant office.
3. Personnel performing hot work operations outside of designated hot work areas
shall obtain a Hot Work Permit. Obtain separate hot work permits for each hot
work task and each hot work location. The hot work permit is valid for the
individual for whom the permit was issued, for the length of that individual’s
work shift.
4. Retain the permit at the job site until work is completed. Return each permit to
the permit issuer upon completion of the hot work task. Permit issuer will
forward completed permits to Plant Security for retention until the next
insurance survey.
E. Supervisor of Hot Work Personnel
Facility management shall designate an individual to supervise the employees who
perform Hot Work.
1. The Supervisor of Hot Work Personnel is required to evaluate hot work projects
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and, when warranted, authorize performance of hot work outside of designated
areas.
2. The supervisor of hot work personnel is responsible for ensuring their hot work
personnel obtain Hot Work Permits prior to beginning all hot work operations.
3. The supervisor of hot work personnel is responsible for ensuring that all hot
work permit requirements are satisfied.
4. The supervisor of hot work personnel shall not allow hot work operations to
begin or continue if conditions in the area have changed from those under
which the permit was issued.
F. Hot Work Permit Issuer
The person responsible for fire protection at each site shall designate an individual to
be responsible for Hot Work operations. Plant security is normally responsible for this
function. Where plant security is not present, the responsibility shall fall to the ranking
management person present.
1. The hot work permit issuer shall be either a member of facility security or
safety staff. This person will sign the permit. In those locations where there is
no such person, the permit issuer shall be a person who has received the
required training, is not affiliated with the hot work activity and whose work
shift coincides with the hot work task activity. This person shall be designated
by the ranking member of management on the shift or the safety or security
staff.

2. Each facility shall maintain a log of permit issuers. This log shall be available
for review by the Property Loss Prevention Consultant.
3. Separate hot work permit issuers may be responsible for issuing permits in High
Hazard areas, High Hazard and Moderate Hazard areas.
4. The hot work permit issuer shall have training that has been approved by the
Fire Protection Engineering Office, which includes the following:
 Fire hazard recognition
 Fire suppression training, extinguishers
 Emergency Procedures
 Use of air sampling equipment
The person responsible for fire protection at the site may require additional
training for persons authorized to issue Hot Work Permits for High Hazard areas.
5. The hot work permit issuer shall first consider all less hazardous alternatives to
hot work operations. This should be done in the planning stages, not as last
minute changes. These alternatives may include:
a. Less hazardous processes.
 Bolting or mechanical clamps versus welding
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 Hydraulic shears or reciprocating saw (Sawzall or similar) versus
torch or radial saw cutting
 Threaded pipe or mechanical coupling connections versus torch
soldered joints
 A roof covering system that can be applied without the use of a
torch
 Hand filing versus mechanical grinding
b. Move work to a designated hot work area.
c. Reschedule work for a shutdown or non-production period (Note that a
permit will still be required).
Note: A permit will be required when hot work is rescheduled for a shutdown
or non-production period and may be required for other alternatives such as
reciprocating saws, hydraulic shears or hand filing.
The permit issuer may decline to issue a permit if, in the opinion of the permit
issuer, a hazard exists. Contact the person responsible for fire protection at the
site for guidance. Document the reason for the declined permit request on the Hot
Work Permit Log.
If the permit issuer believes that all hazards have been controlled, follow steps
6, 7, and 8 below and issue the permit.
6. Prior to issuing a permit, the permit issuer shall physically inspect the hot work
area using the hot work permit checklist described in Section III.D.2.k. A
permit shall not be issued until all checklist items are addressed. No hot work
permits shall be issued until an area is inspected.
7. The permit issuer shall revoke a hot work permit if informed conditions in the
hot work area have changed from those under which the permit was issued. A
new permit shall not be issued until the area is re-inspected.
8. When a hazardous or unknown situation is encountered beyond the permit
issuers level of training, consult with plant safety and fire protection personnel
and obtain their agreement prior to issuing a hot work permit.
9. The permit issuer shall physically inspect the hot work job site between 25 and
30 minutes after completion of the fire monitoring period. After the final
inspection of the hot work area, the permit is closed by the permit issuer. The
objectives of this inspection are to detect smoldering fires and, if none, release
the fire watch. If the permit issuer determines that addition precautions should
be taken, a fire monitoring period will be established for a period of 1 to 3 hours
after the predetermined fire watch time period has expired.
10. For Ford Construction green sites where a “Certificate of Occupancy” has not
been issued, permits are to be issued by the authorized and trained member of
the contractor’s safety team in accordance with Bulletin 38. The contractor
representative issuing the permit will be responsible for management of the hot
work job.

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Exception: Where Ford employees conduct hot work, permit will be issued by
facility security.

11. For Ford Construction Sites with a temporary “Certificate of Occupancy” or a


“Permanent Certificate of Occupancy”, the permit is issued by facility security.
Exception: Where Ford employees conduct hot work, permit will be issued by
facility security.

12. Do not perform welding, burning (torch cutting) grinding, or abrasive blasting
on painted surfaces unless there is documentation that the paint does not
contain any detectable amount of lead or chromium; OR that a risk assessment
(PTA/MSRA) for the task at hand has been completed to acknowledge and
address the potential hazard..
G. Personnel Performing Hot Work
1. It is the responsibility of the person performing hot work outside a designated
area to obtain a Hot Work Permit prior to starting work.
2. The operator is responsible to implement the required precautions shown on the
Hot Work Permit.
3. The operator is responsible for inspecting hot work tools and equipment to
assure they are in good repair.
4. The hot work operator shall use equipment according to required safety
procedures.
5. The hot work operator shall not begin or continue work if conditions in the area
have changed from those under which the permit was issued.
H. Fire Watch and Monitoring

A fire watch is a qualified person whose primary responsibility is to monitor the hot
work area for developing fires throughout the duration of the hot work. This person shall
have the authority to stop hot work if a hazard is recognized or conditions change, to
notify emergency personnel for assistance, and to extinguish the fire if within his/her
capabilities.

1. A fire watch is required in all high hazard and very high hazard areas and in
other areas as designated by the local fire, security, safety, or person
responsible for fire protection. Predetermined areas of known hazards should
be identified as needing special precautions for fire watch and extended
monitoring (reference table below).
2. Where it is necessary to observe areas that are hidden from the view of a single
fire watch person (below roofs or mezzanines or the other side of partitions,
walls, ceilings, etc.) additional fire watch personnel shall be posted.
3. The qualified fire watch shall have training that has been approved by the
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Fire Engineering Office, which includes the following:

 Fire hazard recognition


 Fire suppression training, extinguishers
 Emergency Procedures
 Use of air sampling equipment, if needed
4. When a fire watch is needed, maintain it for at least 60 minutes after
completion of hot work. The reason for this watch extension is to detect and
extinguish smoldering fires.
5. Fire Monitoring may be required for up to 3 additional hours after the
completion of the initial fire watch period. The length of the fire monitoring
period is determined by a Task Based Risk Assessment. The longer fire
monitoring period is need in areas that support hidden or smoldering fire
conditions. Fire Monitoring can include utilizing the previously assigned
Fire Watch, personnel working in the area, and or patrols through the area
every 30 minutes. Please see the table below for suggested fire watch and
monitoring durations. The duration times shown below are suggested
minimum durations for fire watch and fire monitoring periods. Fire
Protection Engineering cannot anticipate all hazards present at time of the
issuance of
Suggested Fire Watch and Monitoring Times by Hazard the Hot Work
Permit
(reference table below).

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Fire
Fire Watch
Preliminary Monitoring
Hot Work Zones Final Approver/Permit Issuer Typical Example Minimum
Approver Minimum
Duration
Duration
Paint Shop, Paint Kitchen/Lab,
Paint Repair Booths, Tank
Farms, Gasoline Stations (i.e.
Gas Fill), Gas Meter House,
None, work approved
Paint Sludge Areas, Duct Work.
based upon the Task
Based Risk
Any area where combustible dust
Assessment. Safety Engineer with
is present (plastic, metals, fibers,
concurrence of Regional Safety
etc.)
Very High Permitted work can Office and National Fire
1 Hour 3 Hours
Hazard take place after a Protection Engineer or
Any area within 11 Meters (35
thorough review of the Corporate Fire Protection
feet) of the above.
work being Engineering.
conducted. All
Other items for consideration:
permits to be issued
Fire System(s) out of service, fire
by a Permit Issuer.
pump(s) out of service, special
hazard system out of service.
Guidelines in Bulletin 02 should
be followed.
All hot work on a wall or roof of a
facility. All hot work taking place
in a Confined Space.
None, work approved
based upon the Task Hot work in an oil house, or any
Based Risk storage area.
Assessment.
Hot work in any nonsprinklered
Permitted work can Plant Safety Engineer/Plant building.
High Hazard 1 Hour 1 Hour
take place after a Fire Protection Officer
thorough review of the Basements in Stamping Plants.
work being
conducted. All Hot work occurring within 11
permits to be issued Meters (35 feet) of any floor
by a Permit Issuer. opening.

Hot work in parts machining


areas.
General maintenance work in
Body Shops, Powertrain (engine,
transmission or axle) Assembly
areas, Vehicle Assembly areas
and other general areas of the
Moderate Supervisor of Hot
Trained Permit Issuer. facility where a moderate fire 1 Hour 30 minutes
Hazard Work Personnel.
hazard is present.

Hot work in outdoor storage areas


to include maintenance on semi
trailers/cargo containers.
Supervisor of Hot Designated Hot Work
Designated Hot Work (Maintenance) Areas require
Maintenance Shop/Area.
Work Area Personnel/Safety monthly review by a Permit
Engineer. Issuing Authority.
Fire Watch: A fire watch is needed continuously during hot work and for 1 hour after completion of the hot work if conditions are
present that may support a hidden or smoldering fire.
Fire Monitoring: Following the fire watch periodic fire monitoring is required for up to 3 hours as determined by the Permit Issuer or as
defined by the Task Based Risk Assessment. Monitoring should be completed if hot work tak es place in a an area that supports
hidden or smoldering fire conditions such as combustible construction, storage of bulk materials, or concealed spaces within building
construction. The Permit Issuer should consider the area where hot work is tak ing place, Task Based Risk Assessment (if needed),
and local conditions. Fire Monitoring methods include:
a. Personnel work ing in the area
b. Automatic smok e detection
c. Rounds through the area every 30 minutes
d. Security cameras with smok e or fire detection capability

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I. Contractors

1. Contractors performing hot work operations shall abide by the requirements in


this Bulletin. This requirement is presented in the Global Construction Safety
https://web.meets.ford.com/facility/index.html (Section 01100).
2. PRIOR to starting work, the contractor shall obtain a Hot Work Permit from
authorized Ford or subsidiary Hot Work permit issuer.
3. The contractor is responsible for inspecting hot work tools and equipment to
assure they are in good repair.
4. The contractor performing hot work is responsible for providing the Fire
Standby personnel and firefighting equipment including, but not limited to,
fire extinguishers and hose. The contractor is expected to furnish all
reasonable assistance in extinguishing any fire that occurs on the premises
during their operation, in addition to notifying the Fire Watch emergency
personnel for assistance.

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APPENDIX A -- HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION TREE

1.
Is there an Complete job with
acceptable alternative Yes cold work. No hot work
to hot work? permit is needed.

No

2.
Can hot work be Examine designated
performed in a designated Yes area; then complete hot
area (e.g., maintenance hot work there. No hot work
work area)? permit is needed.

No

3.
Is the proposed work Hot work and permit are
to be performed in a Yes not authorized.
prohibited area?

No

4.
Is the proposed work
to be performed in a high Obtain a written
hazard or general area Yes hot work permit.
(e.g., NOT in a
maintenance shop)?

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APPENDIX B -- FIRE WATCH DECISION TREE

No fire watch Fire watch / fire


required. monitoring required.

1. Did the Supervisor of Hot Work Permit


Issuer tell you to have fire watch?

2. Is hot work to be done in a designated


hot work area?

3. Is hot work to be done in a high hazard


area?

4. Is hot work to be done where flammables


or combustibles are more than 11 m (35
ft) away but are easily ignited by sparks?

5. Is hot work to be done where wall or floor


openings are within 11 m (35 ft)?

6. Is hot work to be done where


combustibles are adjacent to partitions,
ceilings, or roofs being worked on?

7. When in doubt provide a Fire Watch.

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APPENDIX C -- HOT WORK AREA PROTECTION

Door or Opening
Wall or Partition Wall or Partition

Cart of
flammable
liquids

(In this case, the flammable


liquids and palletized storage
have been moved.)

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APPENDIX D -- SAMPLE HOT WORK PERMIT

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Appendix E
Spray Booth Hot Work Checklist

This Appendix provides a checklist to be followed when performing hot work in or around a paint spray booth.
This information applies to all hot work operations in paint spray booths. The checklists provided covers the usual
situations found when working on or in paint spray equipment. It is the responsibility of each location to address
issues not covered in this appendix.

Preplanning:
Task Assigned to: Date/Time Completed
Notify Security/ Fire section before any hot work starts.
Use hot work procedures and issue hot work permits for
all hot work inside and around a spray booth.
Determine if the spray booth detection system needs to be
disabled during the hot work operation. If disabling is
required determine how to disable only the specific
detection system(s) in the hot work area. Determine if the
spray booth detection system needs to be disabled during
the hot work operation. If disabling is required Arrange
for impairment procedures to be followed
Use fire protection impairment procedures if any the
booth deluge system, the booth sprinkler system, the
building sprinkler system, or the booth fire detection
system is removed from service during the hot work
period.
Brief contractors and maintenance personnel on the
emergency evacuation routes and fire response
procedures for the location where they are working
Identify location of fire extinguishers and fire hose in
the vicinity of the spray booth where hot work
operations will occur.
Identify the location deluge system manual release
stations, building fire alarm system pull stations and the
spray booth fire detection panel for the spray booth
where hot work operations will occur.
Determine which electrical systems have to be shut down
during the hot work operation. Verify that proper ECPL
procedures are to be followed.
Confirm that arrangements have been made to clean the
entire spray booth area where hot work operations will
occur. Verify that the booth has been cleaned and free of
residue.
Check spray booth and adjacent areas for cleanliness
using only authorized plant personal
(Safety, Fire or Security).

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CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO COMPLETE PRIOR TO BEGINNING SPRAY BOOTH HOT WORK

Task Assigned to: Date/Time


Completed
Brief contractors / maintenance regarding fire response
procedures for the location they are assigned.
Isolate any high voltage to the area. Confirm ECPL
procedures in place.
Identify the location the manual shutdown switch for the
Paint Pumps in the Paint Mix Room, if provided.
Activate this switch to shut down the paint pumps.
Prohibit the use of solvents or other volatile agents for
cleaning just prior to, during, and for at least one hour
after the completion of hot work operations.
Purge the spray booth using the supply and exhaust fans
for at least 15 minutes.
Close all valves to paint and solvent lines inside booth.
Purge these lines.
Remove all exposed paint hoses, guns, solvents, rags
and store in a safe area outside the spray zone where hot
work will be conducted
Cover any non-removable exposed paint lines with a fire
blanket
Have fire hoses laid out on the roof in the vicinity of
exhaust stack discharge.
Ceiling filters are to be removed in the hot work area.
Provide a barricade using post and chains with signs
stating "Danger - Hot Work Operations in Spray Booth
– Authorized Admittance Only".
Prohibit welding carts and compress gas bottles in the
spray booth.
Provide at least two fully charged CO2 extinguishers
inside the booth. Provide fully charged spare dry CO2
extinguishers directly outside the spray booth.
Provide extra fire hose in the immediate area.
Provide qualified fire watch for the duration of spray
booth hot work operation. This duration includes all
breaks, including meal times, and for a minimum of 60
minutes after the hot work is completed.
Brief firewatchers, contractors, and maintenance
personnel on the location of all fire extinguishers, fire
alarm and fire suppression system manual pull stations
in and around the spray booth area.
Verify the booth water wash circulation system will
remain operational, if possible.
Maintain the automatic sprinkler system in the spray
booth in service, if possible.

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Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

Maintain the building automatic sprinkler system above


the booth in service at all times.
Ensure that fire alarm system in the spray booth area is
in good working order.
Isolate the fire detectors in the hot work area within the
spray booth at the spray booth fire detection panel to
prevent accidental discharge of the deluge system.
Follow fire protection system impairment procedures to
monitor this system outage. ECPL procedures must be
followed to assure against accidental actuation of the
deluge system. Keep the valves to the high-speed
deluge system open so that the system can be
discharged manually.
Sniff the hot work area for combustible vapors prior to
beginning hot work, periodically during the operation,
and before resuming work after all breaks, including
meal breaks
If all the above checklist items have been completed,
issue a hot work permit for the operation and notify the
Security Office that hot work operations in the spray
booth will commence.

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Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO COMPLETE DURING SPRAY BOOTH HOT WORK

Task Assigned to: Date/Time


Completed
Sniff the hot work area for combustible vapors
periodically during the hot work operation and before
resuming work after all breaks, including meal breaks.
Provide at qualified firewatcher at all times for the
duration of spray booth hot work operation. This
duration includes all breaks, including meal times, and
for a minimum of 60 minutes after the hot work is
completed
Re-verify all items on the Checklist of Items to
Complete Prior to Beginning Spray Booth Hot Work
after all breaks.
Remove portable fire equipment used during the hot
work operations. Refill any fire extinguishers used. Dry
fire hoses used before putting them back in their
designated locations.
Restore fire detection system to automatic operation.
Verify that no trouble signals have developed. Clear any
trouble signal that did develop. Clear impairment
through the Security Office.
Restore any automatic sprinkler systems that were shut
off during hot work. Clear impairment through the
Security Office.
Maintain fire watch in hot work area for at least 60
minutes after the last hot work operation was completed.

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Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

APPENDIX F – DECLINED PERMIT EXAMPLES

Declined Hot Work Permits

Logging of declined permits is an important part of hot work permit issuing because:

a. Have record of which burning & welding employees haven't been ready for the permit.

b. Know history of why the hot work permit wasn't issued the first time, so if a different permit
issuer was called to issue the permit, he/she would know why it wasn't issued the first time.

c. Used for training purposes. Having a log shows fellow hot work permit issues reasons why
permits weren't issued.

Permit #001-1 Suggested to welder that in the future, attempt to use methods other than utilizing torch to cut
bolts from floor.

Permit #001-2 Permit declined due to never allowing burning & welding in active Paint Kitchen

Permit #001-3 Permit declined due to combustibles in pit below and near area in question

Permit #001-3 Permit issued next day due to area being cleaned of combustibles as well as within drive pit

Permit #001-4 Permit declined due to gas fill area close to area in question for Hot Work Permit.

Permit #001-4 Permit issued due to adequate precautions taken and fire standby in area.

Permit #002-1 Permit declined due to sprinkler system in affected area drained and being repaired.

Permit #002-1 Permit issued, sprinkler system restored.

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Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

Permit Date Time Location Permit


# Issued Issued Work To Be Performed Approved Denied Issuer Comments / Reason for Denial
1/1/200 Suggested to use bolt cutters when cutting bolts from
001-1 9 10:00 AM S-1 Cut bolts from floor Yes Fabbri the floor in the future.
1/25/20 Weld new latches to Other methods must be discussed to attach new
001-2 09 11:00 AM V-17 Paint Kettles No Yes Small latches, open flame not permitted in Paint Kitchen
1/26/20 Repair Conveyor Line,
001-3 09 9:00 AM S-21 Final Assembly No Yes Buckley Combustibles within 35 feet and below in drive pit.

1/27/20 Repair Conveyor Line,


001-3 09 3:00 PM S-21 Final Assembly Yes Paquet Combustibles were removed and the pit cleaned.
Burning & Welding within 35 feet of Gas Fill Area. A
1/30/20 Repair Conveyor south of possible standby and improved conditions to be
001-4 09 6:00 AM T-25 Gas Fill No Yes Riley discussed with Supervisor
All precautions were taken to eliminate fire hazard at
1/31/20 Repair Conveyor south of Gas Fill. P. Armour to standby while repairs are
001-4 09 6:00 AM T-25 Gas Fill Yes Armour rendered.
Burning & Welding postponed pending restoration of
2/24/20 Demolition of old Tire sprinkler system in the area currently down for valve
002-1 09 8:00 AM A-36 Mounting Machine No Yes Kelly replacement.
2/25/20 Demolition of old Tire
002-1 09 8:00 AM A-36 Mounting Machine Yes Small Sprinkler system restored, permit issued.
Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin 38
Hot Work Procedures

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