LOSS CONTROL TECHNICAL BULLETIN Construction Site …

1 TB 7200. Page 1 of 5. Rev 052710. loss CONTROL TECHNICAL BULLETIN . Construction Site Hot Work Permit Safety Program Construction 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. Causes Figure 1 illustrates the leading causes of Construction site fires. The two dominant causes are incendiary/suspicious (arson) (41%) and open flames (30%).

2 Figure 1. Causes of Construction Site Fires Figure 2 highlights the leading factors influencing the ignition of Construction site fires. The prominence of incendiary/suspicious fires is not surprising. For the remainder fires, about 30% involve the misuse of the heat of ignition ( , cutting/welding too close to combustibles). This underscores the importance of a Hot Work Permit Safety Program. The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss CONTROL TECHNICAL resource form are for your consideration in your loss prevention and risk CONTROL efforts.

3 They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible or significant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety related laws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss CONTROL reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you to specifically address your hazards. TB 7200. Page 2 of 5. Rev 052710. loss CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN . Figure 2. Factors Influencing Fire Ignition Hot Work Permit Safety System Background A "Hot Work Permit System" is a safety system administered by the general contractor; it is not a permit system from any government agency.

4 General Contractors are responsible for the administration of an entire work site. A "Hot Work Permit System" allows the general contractor to maintain safety CONTROL over open flames. All employees and subcontractors must adhere to the general contractors "Hot Work Permit System" thus standardizing the required safety protocols. Purpose The purpose of this program is to establish written procedures to prevent fires resulting from any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks, as required by OSHA 29. CFR , 29 CFR and NFPA Standard 51B.

5 This includes, but is not limited to: brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing pipes, torch applied roofing and welding. Code NFPA 51B. Fires during Construction , alteration, or demolition operations are an ever-present threat. The fire potential is inherently greater during these operations than in the completed structure due to previous 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 torch operations, open fires, and smoking.

6 The threat of arson is also greater during Construction and demolition 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 through the early planning, scheduling, and implementation of fire prevention measures, fire protection The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Companies in this loss CONTROL TECHNICAL resource form are for your consideration in your loss prevention and risk CONTROL efforts.

7 They are not intended to be complete in identifying or reporting on every possible or significant hazard at your premises, preventing possible workplace accidents, or complying with all of the local, state or federal health & safety related laws or regulations. The material enclosed within this loss CONTROL reference source is intended and encouraged to be altered or redesigned by you to specifically address your hazards. TB 7200. Page 3 of 5. Rev 052710. loss CONTROL TECHINCAL BULLETIN . systems, rapid communications, and on-site security.

8 Hot Work. * Responsibility for hot work operations and fire prevention precautions, including permits and fire watches, shall be in accordance with NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. ABOUT 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 maintain CONTROL of Hot Work operations to avoid injuries and losses from fires.

9 Due to the hazardous nature of all types of Hot Work operations, millions of dollars in damage occur each year around the country. A. Hot Work permit system provides the following advantages: 1) workers are reminded of required safety precautions and responsibilities; 2) smoke detectors can be temporarily bypassed to avoid false alarms; 3) the fire department MAY BE notified in order to help them assess an incident in locations where 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.

10 Who is responsible for assuring that Hot Work is done in a safe manner and that all precautions have been taken? Trained workers, most often the General Contractor, are responsible for the safety of the Hot Work operation. They must have a properly issued Hot Work Permit for any Hot Work. However, everyone involved 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 acted with intent to cause damage or harm.