Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety (Hot Work)

Policy Summary

Employees performing cutting and welding operations (commonly referred to as “hot work”), as well as their supervisors, are required to be suitably trained in the safe operation of the equipment used and must follow the procedures set forth in the university’s Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety Program.

Related Regulations

Potential health, safety, and property hazards result from the fumes, gases, sparks, hot metal, and radiant energy produced during hot work. The purpose of this policy is to prevent any fires or injury that may result from hot work processes and to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations (29 CFR 1910. Subpart Q; 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J; 29 CFR 1926.350-354).

Who is Governed by this Policy 

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty
• Contractors

Policy

Cutting and welding operations (“hot work”) are associated with machine shops, maintenance and construction activities, and certain laboratory-related activities such as torch soldering. Hot work equipment, which may produce high voltages or utilizes compressed gases, requires special awareness training. Employees are responsible for completing all required training, and for following the procedures set forth in the university’s Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety Program which has been established to reduce the hazards associated with hot work. Equipment, information, and training for students will be administered by individual academic departments with the assistance of the Office of Health and Safety.

Approval and Permit

Written approval for hot work may be obtained from the Life Safety Supervisor in the Office of Facilities Services. The Life Safety Supervisor must be contacted if the conditions of the work change in any way. The hot work permit must be returned to the Life Safety Office upon completion of the work. Life Safety will provide the Office of Health and Safety with copies of permits granted every quarter.

Training

Employees performing hot work, as well as their supervisors, are required to be suitably trained in the safe operation of the equipment used. Outside contractors and service personnel are expected to follow all OSHA requirements, including obtaining a university hot work permit if applicable to the work being conducted.

Safety Requirements

Prior to hot work being performed, several tasks must be completed. This includes, but is not limited to: Isolating the HVAC system for interior work, posting the hot work permit in a highly visible area, identifying and removing any fire hazards in the work area, and covering sprinkler heads and smoke or heat detectors to prevent accidental triggering.

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be in use while performing hot work. This includes welding helmets, gloves, jackets, etc.

This policy is supported by the procedures set forth in the Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety Program.

Definitions

Hot Work: any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. This includes, but is not limited to, grinding, cutting, brazing, soldering, torching, and welding.

Related Information

• Hot Work Permit Program
• Contractor Safety Manual
• Personal Protective Equipment Policy
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations:
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J
• 29 CFR 1926.350

Contacts