Let’s Talk Safety
#2 Understanding Fire Safety
Think about it
- The hazards associated with hot work can lead to fires or explosions, resulting in burns and other serious accidents and fatalities.
- Hot work involves specific tasks that generate heat, flames or sparks such as welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, and grinding.
- It is crucial that a hot work permit is obtained every time so that the work can be done by authorised people in a safe manner.
- Hot work procedures must be rigorously implemented, and all conditions stipulated are met.
- Wear the full prescribed PPE while performing any task.
- Process operations and even weather or other environmental conditions can introduce flammable materials near hot work.
Talk about it
- Why should hot work always be supervised?
- Why is it important to have a thorough understanding of hazards and operations in areas where hot work is implemented?
Act on it
- Ensure hot work procedures are rigorously implemented. Where uncertainty ensues, stop work and reassess.
- Ensure that colleagues involved in hot work activities are adequately trained in the required hot work procedures.
- Ensure that proper authorisations are secured and authorisation conditions are met prior to conducting a hot work activity.
- Understand your precautionary and emergency procedures, including the location of emergency and safety equipment.