Essential guide: Our Critical Risk expectations
The word MUST means it is a mandatory requirement. Where you see the words YOUR CALL it means you are strongly advised to do this, but you can use your judgement.
Hot work risk assessment
A risk assessment MUST be undertaken before starting any hot work. When undertaking the assessment, consideration MUST be given to:
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the range of possible controls that could be implemented when you consider the type of hot work being undertaken
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the potential for fire in the immediate area i.e. dry grass or wooden structures.
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Any identified controls MUST be in place before work is carried out
For low-risk hot work activities, work may commence with the completion of a Hazard ID.
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Removal of safety systems
Hot work activities may trigger fire suppression and /or alarm systems so the isolation of fire suppression systems MUST be authorised by management and carried out by competent operational staff.
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Requirements for working without fire suppression systems MUST be discussed and agreed with the Senior Authorised Person (SAP) or permit issuer.
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Disabling these systems may require notifications to be made to the insurer.
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Review hot work certificates
Conditions can change depending on the nature of the work and the work area so the work party MUST review the hot work controls prior to work commencing each working day.
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It’s YOUR CALL but more frequent reviews may be required as determined by the Nominated Supervisor in discussion with the Nominated Competent Person.
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Emergency response plan
Emergency response plans MUST be established to help with any hot work-related emergency. Consider the need for workers to be trained in first aid.
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The emergency plan MUST be reviewed prior to work commencing.
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Workers MUST have a method to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency.
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Medium risk hot work controls
For medium-risk activities the hot work form MUST be completed by the Nominated Competent Person and reviewed and authorised by the Nominated Supervisor.
Controls MUST be established with respect to the type of work being undertaken.
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You MUST do a risk assessment that considers that likelihood of smouldering sparks and any requirement for the fire watch to monitor the area post completion of work.
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It’s YOUR CALL but please pay particular attention to areas such as cable racks where dust can accumulate, or sparks could become entrained.
Consider drains, check to ensure they are free of oils and other contaminants and covered where possible.
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Elevated work on scaffolds or at higher levels on grating floors may necessitate floor covering, exclusion zones and additional fire watch resources to be in place.
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Fire extinguishers MUST be of a type appropriate to the nature of the potential fire.
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High risk hot work controls
High-risk hot work requires an approved procedure. The work party MUST review the required controls prior to work commencing. Where gas detection is required, the results MUST be recorded.
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High-risk hot work examples:
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taking an ignition source into a hazardous zone
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undertaking hot work activities outdoors during periods of high fire risk
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undertaking spark producing activities in a dry cooling tower.
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Check your work site
Once the work has been completed and all of the conditions of the Hot Work Form have been met, the Nominated Competent Person closes it out by signing it off and returning it with the other safety documentation.
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