HOT WORK PLAN / PERMIT

HOT WORK PLAN

?Purpose

Hot work is typically recognized as any work that involves burning, welding, using fire- or spark-producing tools, or that produces a source of ignition. Property Management proactively responds to this potential hazard through implementation of a Hot Work Program.

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All employees are required to follow the minimum procedures outlined in this program. Any deviations from this program must be immediately brought to the attention of the Program Administrator.

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Scope

This plan establishes written policy to be followed when welding, cutting, or conducting other open flame work on Property Management properties to prevent the outbreak of fire, fire alarm activations, smoke, and odor migration in buildings.

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Program Application

This program applies to work performed by any Property Management employee or contractor performing work in existing buildings, new construction in existing buildings, or new construction attached to existing buildings. It is enforced by the Property Manager and Building Engineers. When hot work is performed outdoors, necessary precautions should be taken to ensure combustible materials have been cleared and the risk of fire has been eliminated. This procedure does not apply to new construction where there is no attachment to existing buildings or to areas that are specifically designed and equipped for such operations, i.e. maintenance shop areas and designed welding areas.

DEFINITIONS

·????????Fire Watch is a trained individual stationed in the hot work area who monitors the work area for the beginning of potential, unwanted fires both during and after hot work. Individuals must be trained and familiar with the operation of portable fire extinguishers and methods to activate building fire alarm systems.

·????????Hot Work is any operation producing flames, sparks or heat including cutting, welding, brazing, grinding, sawing, torch soldering, thawing frozen pipes, applying roof covering etc.

·????????Hot Work Permit is a special permit, which authorizes “Hot Work” activities at a specific location and time. The permit will be properly filled out, displayed on site, and returned to the employee supervisor when the hot work is complete. Permits contain 4 a checklist to be completed prior to commencing hot work activities and the conclusion of the hot work.

·????????Other Open Flame Work is any work utilizing a torch or other flame-producing device for removing paint or heating pipes, etc. Any work utilizing solder, tar pots, or linseed oil.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

All welding, cutting and other open flame work shall be performed in accordance with OSHA requirements, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 51B “Hot Work Guidelines” and other requirements established by Property Management. A Hot Work Permit (Appendix A) must be completed and approved prior to conducting any hot work within a Property Management Managed facility and the record must be kept for 3 years.

If it is determined that the hot work may affect the facility fire detection system, The portion of the effected system should be taken out of service by an approved vendor and fire watch should begin and remain 24/7 until the portion of the system is placed back into service.

No welding, cutting, or other open flame work shall be accomplished in any area where the automatic fire sprinkler system has been impaired or is otherwise rendered inoperable. Compliance with all requirements established in this program shall be the responsibility of all personnel and contractors performing welding, cutting, or other open flame work, on Property Management managed property.

PROGRAM PROCEDURES

1.?????Hot work should not be performed if the work can be avoided or performed in a safer manner. When practical, objects to be welded, cut, or heated should be moved to a designated safe location, i.e. maintenance shops.

2.?????If hot work must be performed, a Hot Work Permit must be completed from Appendix A.

3.?????All precautions on the Hot Work Permit must be met prior to any work commencing.

4.??????The supervisor or the employee performing the hot work will complete the permit.

5.??????Hot Work Permits for construction or renovation projects shall be completed by Facilities Management and issued for the duration of the project.

6.?????The Hot Work Permit is only good for the date specified on the permit.

7.?????A Hot Work Permit must be displayed at the work site during all hot work.

8.?????All building occupants must be suitably protected against hazards generated by the work; i.e. heat, sparks, fumes, welding rays, etc.

9.?????Before hot work begins:

a.??????An appropriate fire extinguisher must be available and operable.

b.?????Flammable and ignitable materials and debris must be moved at least 35 feet from the hot work area or covered/protected by fire resistant material.

c.??????Explosives, oxygen acetylene tanks, flammable liquids, compress gas cylinders or stored fuel must be moved at least 50 feet from the hot work area or covered and protected from the hot work by fire resistant material.

10.?Smoke and fire detectors in the immediate area of the hot work must be temporarily disabled until the hot work is completed. This can only be accomplished by contacting EH&S.

a.??????Adequate ventilation is being used (especially when cutting or welding material with painted or metal coated surfaces). For questions or assistance, on ventilation issues, contact EH&S.

b.?????Building occupants have been protected or isolated from the hot work area. If work impacts building occupants, the work must be coordinated with the building proctor.

c.??????Cracks or holes in floors, walls, and ceiling (including ductwork) are properly covered or plugged.

d.?????Hot work equipment is operable and in good repair.

e.??????Drums, barrels, and tanks have been cleaned and purged of flammables and toxics, all tank feeds are closed, and the tank vented.

f.???????A fire watch is implemented if conditions warrant. If no fire hazards or combustible exposures are present a fire watch is not required.

g.?????Workers and fire watch personnel are trained in the use of fire extinguishing equipment and how to activate the fire alarm system.

11.?When hot work is complete:

a.??????The work area and any potentially affected surrounding areas are inspected for fire, fire damage or the potential for fire for a minimum of 30 minutes following completion of the hot work.

b.?????Smoke / fire alarms that were disabled because of hot work are reactivated by contacting contractor.

c.??????Hot work permit is closed out.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

Property Management

1.?????It is the responsibility of Property Management to ensure that this policy is implemented in those areas under their jurisdiction where applicable.

2.?????Implement a written Hot Work program and revise the program, as necessary.

3.?????Establish additional fire safety requirements (e.g. fire guard service, fire watch, etc.), as required.

4.?????Assess fire alarm system impact and deactivate detection devices as required.

5.?????Assist with Hot Work procedural training for engineers and document in Appendix C.

6.?????Periodically audit operations, documentation, and training.

7.??????Maintain records of employee training.

Building Engineers

1.?????Be thoroughly familiar with the Hot Work procedures.

2.?????Implement the Hot Work program in your areas.

3.?????Identify Contractors who may perform hot work as defined in this program.

4.?????Provide Hot Work training to employees or contractors who perform hot work operations.

5.?????Provide Hot Work Permits from Appendix A.

6.?????Collect and complete Hot Work Permits to be filed.

7.?????Ensure compliance with procedures by employees and Contractors. Employees

8.?????Complete required review of this program annually.

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Periodic Program Review

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At least annually, the Program Administrator will conduct a program review to assess the progress and success of the program. The review will consider the following:

·????????Evaluation of all training programs and records

·????????The need for retraining of managers, supervisors, and employees

·????????The jobs, processes or areas that have produced a high incidence rate of injuries or illnesses

·????????The Program’s success will be determined and reported to senior management based upon comparison to previous years, using the following criteria:

o??Cost and frequency of workers’ compensation cases

o??Employee and supervisor feedback through direct interviews and questionnaires

Annual reviews will be documented with the form shown in Appendix B.

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Outside Contractors

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1.?????Perform safe work on the property according the Hot Work Permit

2.?????Maintain Communications during Hot Work when leaving the area

3.?????Stay in area for 30 minutes after Hot Work is complete for Fire Watch

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Record Retention

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Written records will be kept which include trainee names, the type of training provided and the dates when training occurred. The Program Administrator will maintain these training records for 3 years.

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The Property Manager will maintain copy of issued Hot Work Permits for each property for 3 years.

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Appendix A -HOT WORK PERMIT

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Date Work to Begin:

Date of Issue:

Date of Completion/Expiration:

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Company Name:

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Person Performing Hot Work:

Cell Number

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Person Performing Fire Watch:

Cell Number

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Address of Location, and Description of Location on Site:

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Description of Work to be Preformed:

Description of Hot Work Equipment to be used:

Fire Alarm & Detection System Impairment Required:??????????YES??????or???????????????NO

Contractor must provide minimum of 2 people to perform work. 1 person performing work and 1 person performing the Fire Watch. The Fire Watch must remain in place until 30 minutes after the work is complete.

Contractor must provide fire retardant blankets in area of work

Contractor must Provide the appropriate rated fire extinguisher for the work

Welding, Cutting, and Brazing operations shall be performed in accordance with the requirements established by OSHA, NFPA 51B Standards and the RJL Property Management HOT WORK Plan

Compliance with all requirements establish in the documents listed above shall be the responsibility of the personnel performing the Welding, Cutting and or Brazing operations.

Property Management Emergency Phone Number:

??????????(??????????????)?????????????????-

HOT WORK PERMIT RJL Issuer Signature:

Date:

Post 4 hours Hot Work RJL Inspection Signature:

RJL Inspection Name Printed

COPIES: 1 Copy at Work Site / One copy in Property Management office for 3 years

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Appendix A - HOT WORK PERMIT

Required Precautions Checklist

To be filled out with Permit by Contractor

Fire Systems and Equipment

???????Available Sprinklers, Hose Steams, and or Extinguishers are in Service and Operable.

???????HOT WORK Equipment in good repair.

Requirements within 35 Feet of Work

???????Flammable liquids, dust lint and oily deposits removed.

???????Explosive atmosphere in area eliminated. Floors swept clean

???????Combustible floors wet down, covered with damp sand or fire-resistive sheets

???????Remove other combustibles where possible. Otherwise protect with fire resistive tarpaulins or metal shields.

???????All wall and floor opening covered.

???????Fire-resistive tarpaulins suspended beneath work.

Work on Walls or Ceilings

???????Construction is noncombustible and without combustible covering or insulation

???????Combustibles on other side of walls moved away

Work on Enclosed Equipment

???????Enclosed equipment cleaned of all combustibles.

???????Containers purged of flammable liquids/vapors.

Fire Watch & Hot Work Area Monitoring

???????Fire Watch will be provided during and for 30 minutes after work, including any coffee or lunch breaks

???????Fire Watch is supplied with suitable fire extinguishers

???????Fire Watch has a cell phone for emergencies

???????Fire Watch is trained in the use of the fire extinguishers

???????Fire watch may be required for adjoining areas, above, and below

???????Monitor Hot Work area for 4 hours after job is completed.

Note any Other Precautions Taken:

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Contractor Sign: _______________________________Date: _________