HOT WORK PERMIT PROCEDURE

1.0 PURPOSE

The procedure outlined here applies to all maintenance, modification, repair and ------ jobs involving open flame or sparks in all arreas of the factory expect welding shop.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

It shall be the responsibility of the issuing authority of the HOT WORK PERMIT (WHP) to ensure that the area where the hot work is required to be carried out is cleared of flammable and combustible materials, and where hot work is required to repair equipment, pipelines, confined space (tanks) etc., they are adequately washed, ventilated and gas tested to ensure concentration of solvent vapours, flammable gases are within the allowable safe limits. It shall be the responsibility of the issuing authority safe limits . it shall be the responsibility of the issuing authority to ensure that the persons who are to carry out the hot job are fully informed of the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken while carrying out the hot work. If work is entrusted to outside contractor, ensure that the persons involved are fully informed of the above.

3.0 GUIDELINES

See chapter 13.0 under section on ‘Welding and Gas Cutting’.

4.0 PROCEDURES

4.1 A HOT WORK PERMIT is initiated by the department concerned.

The issuance of the WHP in the prescribed form (specimen attached) is approved by the head of the department or his designate, before the hot work is under taken.

4.2 The WHP is prepared in duplicate and both the copies are handed over to the Engineering Dept,/Contractor indicating thereon likely hazards and specific precautions required to be taken before and white carrying out the hot work.

4.1 Results of the gas detector tests and /or explosimeter readings are to be recorded on the permit. If considered necessary, the shift Engineer may demand repeat tests before the start up of the job. All results are to be recorded and signed.

4.2 The shift Engineer should explain to the tradesman (welders/s) the nature of the job, the hazards that may be encountered and specific precautions to be taken, who inturn should countersign the HWP indicating that they have been explained and they have understood the hazardsand precautions to be taken.

4.3 The welder should handover the duplicate copy of the HWP to the issuer (dept. head/dept. supervisor) and proceed to carry out the required hot work.

4.4 Upon completion of the job, the welder notifies the shift Engineer who will ensure that the work is completed and all flame or spark producing equipment/welding machines are removed from the work permit area.

4.5 After ascertaining the completion of the job, the shift Engineer should sign the duplicate copy of the HWP earlier handed over to the concerned department, thereby releasing the area for work.

4.6 The shift engineer also makes appropriate entry on the original copy of the HWP indicating the completion of the job.

4.7 Records of HWP may be destroyed after one month of the completion of the job.

5.0 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS :-

5.1 Follow confined space entry procedure (chapter 11.0) when entering tanks, ducts, pipe-lines or any such confined space. Obtain confined space entry permit before starting hot work.

5.2 The locations where hot sparks are likely to fall during the hot work should be cleared of all the materials.

5.3 Provide appropriate type (s) of fire extinguishers at the location of hot work and where situation demand, keep the fire hydrant hose lines ready for operation. It is suggested to have a fire fighter posted near the work location.

5.4 Consult safety officer any specific guidance is required.