Administered by the UConn Fire Department (UCFD), with assistance of UConn Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
UConn utilizes and enforces the use of a Hot Work permit system to help minimize the risk associated with Hot Work, as specified in the UConn Policy on Open Flames, Hot Work, and other Heat Producing Activities. [link]
All hot work fires and explosions are preventable. A hot work fire or explosion is the result of inadequate
hot work management allowing ignition sources to come into contact with combustible, ignitable, or flammable
material. The most effective way to prevent a hot work fire or explosion is to aggressively pursue alternative
cold work methods.
The next best way is to relocate the work to a hot work designated area. If neither option is possible, then removing and/or isolating combustible, ignitable, or flammable materials located within the hot work area or equipment is recommended.
Unfortunately, the implementation of the necessary hot work fire prevention methods are not entirely reliable.
To complement prevention efforts, a hot work management program should also contain fire mitigation
measures to reduce the consequences of a possible hot work fire. Loss history has shown the vast majority
of hot work fires occur during the work or within the first hour following work completion, but more severe
hot work fires occur in unprotected areas of the facility where protection systems are either not installed or
impaired.
To mitigate the consequences of a hot work fire, a continuous fire watch should be provided in the hot work
area during work and immediately following work. Also, hot work that requires a permit should be avoided
in unprotected areas whenever possible, otherwise, additional required precautions should be implemented.
Definitions
Hot Work (HW): Work involving electric or gas welding, grinding/cutting, brazing, torch-applied roofing, or similar flame or spark-producing operations.
Hot Work Permit (HWP): UConn’s written authorization to perform Hot Work operations as defined above.
Fire Watch (FW): A designated worker assigned to be observant for fire during Hot Work activities. The FW is required to remain observant for signs of fire, maintain the HW area as specified on the permit and have no other assigned duties. The FW shall primarily initiate a call for help if a fire or other emergency arises. The FW shall remain on duty until relived by another or 30 minutes after the HW is competed.
Permit Authorizer (PA): The supervisor (UConn or contractor/vendor) who authorizes the HW and is responsible for all fire safety requirements.
Approving Authority (AA): The UConn Fire Department member who as reviewed the permit and/or work site and authorizes the HW activity.