Hot work is defined as cutting and welding operations for construction/demolition activities that involve the use of portable gas or arc welding equipment. The use of these types of equipment for cutting and welding introduces significant fire hazards into University of Arizona buildings.
The hot work permit system is intended to educate the parties involved in construction of these hazards and to implement control measures to help mitigate them.
A hot work permit is the means by which the departments of Facilities Design and Construction and Risk Management and Safety can stay aware and keep track of construction activities that involve hot work. The hot work permit also provides a step-by-step check list for hot work fire safety and serves as a reminder to contractors of their fire prevention responsibilities before, during, and after any hot work is conducted.
Before a contractor can perform hot work for a University of Arizona construction project they need to get a hot work permit. To get a permit, the contractor must to go to the Department of Risk Management. After completing a sign-out form, the permit is issued to the contractor for a specified time period for the building where the work will be performed. The contractor may then perform the hot work, following the precautions outlined on the permit. After the hot work is completed, the contractor turns the permit over to their UA Construction Project Manager.
Hot work permits are needed for all cutting or welding activities that are conducted with portable gas or arc equipment on University of Arizona construction projects.
Hot work permits are needed for each building where hot work will be performed (utility tunnels are considered to be separate buildings). For example, if one contractor is performing work at several different buildings for one project, a permit is necessary for each building.
Hot work permits are needed for each and every contractor or sub-contractor/trade performing hot work for a project. For example, if there are three different sub-contractors/trades performing hot work on one project, each sub-contractor/trade is responsible for obtaining a permit for their own work.
UA Risk Management and Safety issues hot work permits. Permits can be obtained at the Risk Management office at 220 W. 6th Street (4th floor), weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. The contractor will have to sign for the permit and must provide the following information: the contractor's company name, the building/area (building name and number) in which the hot work will be performed, their UA Construction Project Manager's name, and the UA Project number.
At the time the permit is obtained, a brief description of how the permit should be used will be provided to the contractor.
Once the permit is signed-out, Risk Management and Safety will notify the project's UA Construction Project Manager that a hot work permit has been issued for a particular project and the duration for which the permit has been issued.
The duration of a hot work permit depends upon the type of project (new or existing construction) and the character of the hot work. The following are guidelines used to determine how long a permit is good for. These are guidelines. If there are conditions unique to the project or activities a contractor will be performing, exceptions can be made. Contact your UA Construction Project Manager for information.
Hot work permits should be posted at the job site in an accessible and conspicuous location. Job site trailers are an acceptable location.
The contractor or sub-contractor/trade performing hot work is ultimately responsible for conducting their hot work activities in a sound, fire-safe manner and following the precautions outlined on the hot work permit. The responsible contractor or sub-contractor/trade supervisor or foreman shall review the work area and sign the card daily.
The UA Construction Project Manager may periodically check the work and job site to verify that the contractor is carrying out the requirements of the hot work permit.
Once a hot work permit has been filled or when the hot work has been completed, the contractor shall return the completed hot work permit to the UA Construction Project Manager for the project records. Once the project has been closed-out, the hot work permits may either be disposed or retained.
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