Hot Work Risk Assessment

Purpose:
To ensure the safety of personnel and property during hot work activities by identifying and mitigating potential hazards.

Key Elements:

1. Potential Hazards Considered:
   • Fire risk
   • Electricity hazards
   • Manual handling
   • COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
   • Environmental risk
2. Persons at Risk:
   • Employees
   • Subcontractors
   • Visitors
   • General public
3. Mandatory Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Requirements:
   • Safety induction
   • Tool box talks
   • Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
   • Work permit
   • Proper tools and equipment
   • Proper supervision
   • Barricades and warning signs
4. PPE Requirements:
   • Safety helmets
   • Safety boots
   • Goggles/spectacles
   • Gloves
   • Masks
   • Overalls
   • Ear plugs/defenders
   • Respiratory/breathing apparatus
5. Risk Levels and Control Measures:
   • Incompetent Operatives: Ensure only competent operatives perform hot work.
   • Fire/Explosion: Monitor hot works, obtain permits, keep combustible materials away, and ensure fire protection systems are in place.
   • Electric Shock: Use well-maintained equipment, inspect cables, avoid wet surfaces, and ensure proper grounding.
   • Compressed Gas Cylinders: Keep cylinders upright, secure them, avoid rolling, and do not expose to heat.
   • Welding Fumes and Gases: Ensure proper ventilation, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and use appropriate PPE.
   • Arc Rays: Use proper face shields and flame-resistant clothing, and provide non-flammable screens.
   • High-Speed Abrasive Wheel: Use guards, standard abrasive wheels, and ensure proper machine spindle speed. Use face shields and disconnect power when not in use.

Ongoing Process:
Risk assessment is a continuous process and must be communicated to workers before starting the job. It is regularly reviewed to adapt to new activities and potential risks, ensuring a safe working environment.