TB 7200Page 1 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHNICAL BULLETIN

The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form are for yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

Construction Site Hot Work Permit Safety ProgramConstruction Site Fires

The Problem

Each year, an estimated 4,800 construction site fires cause $35 million in property loss. Fire incidence at construction sites increases as the work-day progresses. This is attributed to

poor management of hot work, especially in buildings with combustible types of construction.

Sources: NFPA and NFIRS

CausesFigure 1 illustrates the leading causes of construction site fires. The two dominant causes areincendiary/suspicious (arson) (41%) and open flames (30%).

Figure 1. Causes of Construction Site Fires

Figure 2 highlights the leading factors influencing the ignition of construction site fires. The prominenceof incendiary/suspicious fires is not surprising. For the remainder fires, about 30% involve the misuseof the heat of ignition (e.g., cutting/welding too close to combustibles). This underscores theimportance of a Hot Work Permit Safety Program.

TB 7200Page 2 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN

The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form are for yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

Figure 2. Factors Influencing Fire Ignition

Hot Work Permit Safety System

BackgroundA "Hot Work Permit System" is a safety system administered by the general contractor; it is not apermit system from any government agency. General Contractors are responsible for theadministration of an entire work site. A "Hot Work Permit System" allows the general contractor tomaintain safety control over open flames. All employees and subcontractors must adhere to thegeneral contractors "Hot Work Permit System" thus standardizing the required safety protocols.

PurposeThe purpose of this program is to establish written procedures to prevent fires resulting from anytemporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks, as required by OSHA 29CFR 1910.252, 29 CFR 1926.352 and NFPA Standard 51B. This includes, but is not limited to:brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing pipes, torch applied roofing and welding.

CodeNFPA 51BA.1.3.1 Fires during construction, alteration, or demolition operations are an ever-present threat. Thefire potential is inherently greater during these operations than in the completed structure due toprevious occupancy hazard and the presence of large quantities of combustible materials and debris,together with such ignition sources as temporary heating devices, cutting/welding/plumber's torchoperations, open fires, and smoking. The threat of arson is also greater during construction anddemolition operations due to the availability of combustible materials on site and the open access.

Fires during construction, alteration, or demolition operations can be eliminated or controlled throughthe early planning, scheduling, and implementation of fire prevention measures, fire protection

TB 7200Page 3 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN

The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form are for yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

systems, rapid communications, and on-site security.

5.1 Hot Work.

5.1.1* Responsibility for hot work operations and fire prevention precautions, including permits and firewatches, shall be in accordance with NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting,and Other Hot Work

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSABOUT HOT WORK PERMIT SAFETY PROGRAM

Is a Hot Work Permit required by code?Yes. Many State Fire Prevention Codes and Federal OSHA require a permit system for Hot Work.

Is complying with Code the only reason for having a Hot Work permit system?No. While it is important to comply with the Code, a Hot Work permit system helps the insured maintaincontrol of Hot Work operations to avoid injuries and losses from fires. Due to the hazardous nature ofall types of Hot Work operations, millions of dollars in damage occur each year around the country. AHot Work permit system provides the following advantages: 1) workers are reminded of required safetyprecautions and responsibilities; 2) smoke detectors can be temporarily bypassed to avoid falsealarms; 3) the fire department MAY BE notified in order to help them assess an incident in locationswhere Hot Work is being performed.

What is Hot Work?The Fire Code defines Hot Work as cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying,thawing pipe, installation of torch applied roof systems, or any other similar situation.

Who is responsible for assuring that Hot Work is done in a safe manner and that all precautions havebeen taken?Trained workers, most often the General Contractor, are responsible for the safety of the Hot Workoperation. They must have a properly issued Hot Work Permit for any Hot Work. However, everyoneinvolved in the operation is important when it comes to doing the work safely.

Does my personal liability increase when I sign a Hot Work Permit?No. Following established policies reduces personal liability, unless it is proven that an employee actedwith intent to cause damage or harm. Not following the Hot Work Policy and Permit process is aviolation of policy and is subject to disciplinary action.

Is a Hot Work Permit required for outdoor Hot Work?Yes. The Fire Code makes no distinction between indoor and outdoor Hot Work.

TB 7200Page 4 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN

The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form are for yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

Can a Fire Watch have other duties?Yes, unless they prevent him/her from being an effective Fire Watch. Fire watch must be the primaryresponsibility.

Why does a Fire Watch have to remain on the job site for 60 minutes after the completion of Hot Work?Most fires associated with Hot Work occur after the work has been completed. A spark that landed inan unnoticed location may smolder. It takes time for the fire to grow to a point where flame and smokeare visible. By that point the workers may have left the site.

Is a Hot Work permit needed in a maintenance shop?Yes. A permit is required in any area where Hot Work is performed, regardless of frequency. PermitsMAY be issued for up to 30 days, and new permits may be issued upon expiration. Requiring a site toobtain a permit at least every 30 days helps ensure frequent review of fire safety conditions.

Do contractors need Hot Work permits?Yes. All contractors are required to follow Hot Work Policy and Permit process. The GeneralContractor will ensure that contractors are informed of and follow the Hot Work Policy.

Do I need to check for smoke detectors in the area where Hot Work is to be performed? Whom do Icontact to schedule a smoke detector outage? What if there is a fire alarm activation?Persons performing Hot Work must check for smoke detectors in the area where they will be working.This is necessary to avoid unwanted alarm activations. Physical Plant must be contacted in advance ofthe work to schedule an outage for the smoke detectors. If a smoke detector activates during HotWork, the building must be evacuated.

Are there specific requirements for tar kettles?Yes. Tar kettles are not permitted to be located inside of or on the roof of any building. The kettle mustbe operated in a controlled area, which must be identified by the use of traffic cones, barriers, andother suitable means. An operating kettle must be attended by a minimum of one employee who isknowledgeable of the operations and hazards. The employee must be within 25 ft. of the kettle andhave the kettle within sight. Two 20-B:C type fire extinguishers must also be located and visible within25 ft. of the operating kettle. Kettles must not block, or be closer than 10 ft. from, exits or means ofegress. Kettles must not block roadways, gates or entrances.

TB 7200Page 5 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN

The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form are for yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

Sample Hot Work Permit System

TB 7200Page 6 of 5Rev 052710

LOSS CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN

The inform yourconsideration in your loss prevention and risk control efforts. They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible orsignificant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety relatedlaws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss control reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you tospecifically address your hazards.

ation and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss control technical resource form a re for