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Mr.Flibble  
#1 Posted : 27 July 2011 16:21:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Mr.Flibble

As per our company procedures all hot works must have an additional person to act as a Fire Watch, who must then remain in the area 1 hour after the works to watch for any signs of a fire etc.

So in theory, if you cut up a section of metal pole using an angle grinder with a cutting blade (which may take 1 minute), classed as hot works, you or someone then needs to stay in the area for an hour before fitting the section you just cut.

OTT or is it just me?

bob youel  
#2 Posted : 27 July 2011 16:24:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

U need to clearly ID what is and what is not 'hot works' and then move on via your risk assessment
Canopener  
#3 Posted : 27 July 2011 18:20:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener

I suggest that your HWP should be flexible enough to enable a more risk based approach. A check at some point may be required but I don't think someone has to sit there pondering the theory of singularity for an hour! ( I would have put scratching something but I would have been moderated!)
firesafety101  
#4 Posted : 27 July 2011 18:36:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

If you provide a fire watching person who actually watched the hot work, and that person does not observe any potential for fire caused by the hot work then a scan of the area immediately following the hot work should suffice, and the hot work should end at least one hour before the end of the shift, a final check is advisable before leaving the workplace at the end of shift.

Angle grinders produce sparks that can - and do cause fires.
TDS1984  
#5 Posted : 28 July 2011 08:24:33(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TDS1984

I'd suggest that you amend your policy to say that the fire watcher makes regular checks over the course of that hour (especially for low risk jobs), not stays in the area twiddling their thumbs (or scratching their anatomy as Phil suggested), that way you may also improve that person's productivity.

Alternatively, could you not cut the pole in a designated workshop and take it to the job site, thus negating the need for HWP? I don't know your industry so apologies if this isn't a feasible option.

Tom
Kate  
#6 Posted : 28 July 2011 08:47:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

It's the "all hot work" that's the problem here - there should be an assessment of whether there is a potential for smouldering material.
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