The following information is taken directly from the Environment, Health & Safety ES&H Manual (PUB-3000) Chapter 12 Fire Prevention and Protection Section 12.7 Required Work Process, Work Process F. Hot Work Permits.
Hot Work Permits
Berkeley Lab’s Hot Work program reduces fire hazards by ensuring that any operation that produces flames, sparks, smoke, or heat has the proper controls in place before the hot work activity starts. Berkeley Lab’s Hot Work program shall be strictly followed for all hot work on Berkeley Lab property and buildings leased off site.
1. The following activities are addressed in NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work and require a hot work permit:
- Alterations of all types of metals through cutting, grinding, welding and brazing
- Heat treating
- Thawing pipe
- Powder-driven fasteners
- Hot riveting
- Torch cutting
Other activities that require a hot work permit include:
- All work activities that produce or use a flame, spark, smoke, or heat
- Torch-applied roofing in conjunction with the requirements of NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolitions Operations
- Barbecues and other flames used for cooking (e.g., Sterno®) (see Work Process I, Section 3)
2. Hot work permits are generally not required for:
- Electric soldering irons
- Design and installation of gas cutting equipment and welding equipment covered in NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
- Smoking and smoking materials such as cigarette lighters (see Berkeley Lab’s Nonsmoking Policy for designated smoking areas)
- Seasonal decorations (see Work Process Q, Seasonal Decorations). Note: candles are restricted
- Pyrotechnics, special effects, and similar unusual applications, which require a thorough ISM review via the Work Planning & Control authorization process, including review and approval by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
3. The following areas may be specified as a designated hot work area, which requires an initial inspection, and annual renewal inspections by the Fire Marshal’s Office:
- Permanent installations where hot work activities occur on a regular basis. This may include laboratories where open flames or other heat producing equipment is used
- An open flame activity includes the use of a Bunsen burner and any device creating or using an open flame that is not contained within specifically designed scientific equipment
- Designated hot work area signs must be posted in the designated area
4. Hot work in designated areas require authorization via an activity in Work Planning and Control (WPC). The Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct an initial inspection of all designated areas, and will perform renewal inspections on an annual basis:
- Bunsen burners and small handheld torches require this authorization
5. Obtaining a Hot Work Activity Permit:
- For any type of hot work, [submit a request to go.lbl.gov/hotwork.] Important: submit the request for an activity-based permit a minimum of one regular business day (24 hours) before the work is planned
- The request is reviewed by the Fire Marshal’s Office to determine if a permit is required, and if so, safety requirements are communicated. The Fire Marshal or designated representative then performs an inspection and issues a hot work permit
- For emergency hot work operations contact the Berkeley Lab Security Operations Center at extension x6999
6. Posting a Hot Work Permit:
- Activity-based hot work permits must be posted during the hot work activity near the area of work. If the activity spans several days, the Fire Marshal’s Office may inspect the work area to ensure all safety requirements are met
For more information, see the Security and Emergency Services, Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) Hot Work Permits and Designated Areas, 07.11.001.108, latest revision.
