According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to more than 4,000 structure fires per year involving hot work. These fires cause hundreds of injuries and millions of dollars in direct property damage per year. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) provides resources to ensure that hot work operations are done in the safest manner possible.
Hot work at the UW
Most campus hot work operations take place in a fixed location called a designated hot work area. However, sometimes hot work operations cannot be performed in a dedicated space.
- Designated areas are permitted by the local fire department to verify the area is fire safe.
- Hot work conducted outside of designated areas presents high risk and requires a special permit.
Hot work operations can be dangerous, especially in areas where flammable or combustible materials are present. For work that will occur in either a fixed or temporary location, we recommend that precautions be taken to make sure the area is as safe as possible before beginning operations.
FIRE PERMITS
If you are doing any hot work involving an open flame or sparks, you must apply for a permit from the fire service. Permit applications vary by location.
Permits are issued to individuals for one-time use, or to organizational units for ongoing programs. Establishing an approved program within an organizational unit can be an effective way to reduce fire risk while eliminating the need for multiple permits.
Hot Work Permit Program
UW Facilities has developed a Hot Work Permit Program, approved by the Seattle Fire Department (SFD). This program can be used by UW Facilities personnel only.
Refer to the FAQs below for information on designating a hot work area and applying for a permit for hot work operations that are not performed by UW Facilities.
You may contact EH&S to help evaluate your space before you apply for a permit.
Permit process
- Submit a permit application.
- The local fire department may want to inspect the designated hot work area and equipment to ensure all safeguards are met.
- Once the designated area is established, hot work operations may occur at any time, provided the permit conditions are followed.
Hot work outside of a designated location must be approved by the fire service in advance. The hot work operator must be qualified and have approval before starting work. A permit may be issued for a single operation or a number of activities to be conducted over a period of time.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Hot works operations, including welding, pose a number of physical and health hazards, including:
- Respiratory health hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Fire hazards
- Compressed gas hazards
- Thermal hazards
- Flashbacks
Prior to hot work operations
1. Ensure the area is safe by
- Removing combustible materials;
- Making sure sparks and slag cannot travel to non-protected areas; and
- Ensuring other personnel in the area are aware of the hazards to which they may be exposed.
2. Each operation must be evaluated by personnel performing the work for any individual specific hazards it may pose.
3. Review safety information.
Contractors
Outside (non-UW) contractors must obtain permits from the fire service. The fire service may issue an annual permit that may be used by qualified contractors anywhere in the jurisdiction.
If you observe active hot work and have concerns, ask the construction manager to produce a permit and help ensure that the contractor is following the conditions outlined in the permit. Conditions are generally provided in writing by the fire service.
Contract language must stipulate that hot work permits are obtained by the contractor and the conditions outlined in the permit are followed.
Emergency response and reporting
UW personnel are required to submit an incident report to Environmental Health & Safety for any work-related event that results in an injury, illness, exposure to hazardous materials, or fire, regardless of the work location.
Notify Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) immediately (after first aid/medical care/emergency services) if a fire occurs at a UW location.
- During EH&S business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday) call (206) 543-7262.
- Outside of EH&S business hours, call the UW Police Department at (206) 685-8973 to reach EH&S on-call staff.
UW personnel are highly encouraged to submit work-related near-miss events. Visit the Incident Reporting page for more information.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Environmental Health & Safety has an institutional oversight responsibility to ensure safety, and we provide consultation and support to units performing hot work operations.
EH&S does not issue permits but may ask for organizational units to produce them. EH&S may also evaluate hot work operations to confirm proper protocols are followed to prevent fires.
The Dangers of Hot Work
U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hot work operations use an open flame or generate sparks, such as cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe and installation of torch-applied roof systems.
- Hot work does not generally include candles, cooking operations, electric soldering irons and Bunsen burners used on lab benches and in fume hoods.
- Hot work is common in building construction and is a necessary part of operation and maintenance activities.
- In some cases, hot work is associated with teaching and research activities.
These areas are specific, fire-safe locations designated and approved for hot work operations, such as a maintenance shop or detached outside location, constructed of noncombustible or fire resistant materials, essentially free of combustible and flammable content, and suitably segregated from adjacent areas.
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Review the safety tips in the Hot Work Hazards Focus Sheet before beginning hot works operations.
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In addition, each operation must be evaluated by personnel performing the work for any individual specific hazards it may pose.
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The hot work operator must be qualified and have approval before starting work.
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Secure the area by:
- Removing combustible materials
- Making sure sparks and slag cannot travel to non-protected areas
- Ensuring other personnel in the area are aware of the hazards to which they may be exposed
In addition, the area must be kept under a fire watch during and after hot work operations.
For hot works operations not conducted by UW Facilities, contact your local fire department or fire authority.
Example permit conditions for fixed and temporary hot work: OSHA regulations for fire prevention and protection
Permit application information for hot work in Seattle:
- Seattle Fire Department Permits overview
- Find a Seattle Fire Department Permit Application
- Seattle Fire Department Hot Work Permit lookup (if you are uncertain whether you already have a permit at your location)
Contact information for fire departments serving the UW can be found on the Local Fire Department Contact Information sheet. If your location is not listed, please contact EH&S at 206.685.0341.