Hot Work Permit Issuance and 60 Minute Fire Watch Protocol
This standard operating procedure defines the mandatory steps for issuing a hot work permit and conducting a continuous 60‑minute fire watch after any hot work operation. It applies to welding, grinding, cutting, and other spark‑producing tasks in industrial facilities to prevent fires and comply with WorkSafeBC OHS regulations.
The purpose of this SOP is to establish a consistent, auditable process for issuing hot work permits and performing a mandatory post‑work fire watch. It ensures that every hot work operation is assessed, approved, and monitored to eliminate fire risk. Compliance with this protocol reduces liability, prevents property loss, and protects personnel.
This SOP applies to all Ryxen‑assessed industrial, manufacturing, and maintenance facilities where hot work is performed. It covers permit issuance by authorized supervisors, the execution of hot work, and the mandatory 60‑minute fire watch by a designated fire watch person. Exceptions require documented approval from the site safety manager. This document does not replace manufacturer‑specific welding or cutting procedures.
- Lockout/Tagout must be applied to any equipment that could introduce flammable liquids, gases, or electrical hazards into the work area. Isolate power sources and confirm zero energy state before commencing hot work.
- Operators and fire watch personnel must wear flame‑resistant clothing (FRC), welding helmet with appropriate shade, leather welding gloves, safety glasses, and steel‑toed boots. Hearing protection is required if noise levels exceed 85 dBA.
- A fully charged 20‑lb ABC fire extinguisher must be within 10 ft (3 m) of the work zone. Combustible materials within 35 ft (11 m) must be removed, covered with fire‑resistant blankets, or protected with spark‑arresting shields.
- Prior to any hot work, use a calibrated combustible gas detector to verify that the atmosphere in the work area is below 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL). Re‑test every 2 hours if work continues.
- Hot work permit form (paper or digital via SafeDesk)
- Fire extinguisher (multipurpose ABC, 20 lb minimum, with current inspection tag)
- Fire‑resistant welding blankets (minimum 2 m² coverage)
- Spark arrestor / fire‑proof shielding panels
- Portable combustible gas detector (calibrated per manufacturer)
- Two‑way radio or mobile phone for communication
- Fire watch log sheet (for 60‑minute observation records)
- Thermal imaging camera or infrared temperature probe (optional but recommended)
- PPE as listed in safety precautions