Hot Work Requirements
What is Hot Work ?
Hot work is defined as cutting and welding operations for construction/demolition activities that involve the use of portable gas or arc welding equipment, or involve soldering, grinding, or any other similar activities producing a spark, flame, or heat. Hot work introduces significant fire hazards into University of Arizona buildings.
Hot Work Permit.
The hot work permit system is intended to educate the parties involved in any construction, of hot work hazards and to implement control measures to help mitigate them.
A hot work permit is the means by which the departments of Planning Design & Construction and Risk Management Services (RMS) 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.
How Does the Hot Work Permit System Work?
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 person requesting the hot work permit must to go to the Risk Management Services website (this website). From this page of the website go to the sidebar on the right side of this page and click, Hotwork Permit and Shutdown Request. After completing the Hot Work Permit request form, click "send" at the bottom of the form. An email will be sent to RMS Fire Prevention and FM Fire Safety. RMS will review the permit and contact the applicant if there are questions or concerns. If there are none, RMS will respond to the request by email, including the permit number in the response. The email with the permit number is the permit. The permit and the Fire Safety Precaution Checklist must be posted at the hot work job site for the duration of the work. The contractor may then perform the hot work, following the precautions outlined on the Fire Safety Precaution Checklist, and filling out the checklist. After the hot work is completed, the contractor turns the permit over to their UA Construction Project Manager.
When is a Hot Work Permit Necessary?
Hot work permits are needed for all cutting or welding activities that are conducted with portable gas or arc equipment or involve soldering, grinding, or any other similar activities producing a spark, flame, or heat on University of Arizona construction projects.
Where is a Hot Work Permit Necessary?
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.
Who Needs Hot Work Permits?
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.
How Do I Get a Hot Work Permit?
UA Risk Management Services issues hot work permits by email. Permits can be requested at any time by using the on-line application form. Permits can only be issued when the RMS Fire Prevention staff is at work, RMS office hours are weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm (holidays excluded).
When the Hot Work Permit is emailed to the applicant the UA Project Manager is copied.
How Long is a Hot Work Permit Valid?
The duration of a hot work permit is limited to 30 days. 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. In filling out the Hot Work Permit Request form, the applicant puts in the starting date and time, and the ending date and time. That period needs to fit within the 30 day limit.
Where Should the Hot Work Permit be Posted?
Hot work permits should be posted at the job site in an accessible and conspicuous location. Job site trailers are an acceptable location.
Who Checks To See If the Hot Work Requirements Are Met?
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.
Where can I find Fire Safety Precautions Checklist
Please click and print the Fire Safety Precautions Checklist. The checklist must be on site at all times while hot work is proceeding
After the Hot Work Permit is Filled or The Hot Work is Complete…Then What?
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.