Prevention of Hot Work Fires in Healthcare Facilities Sherie Van Slyke Engineering Specialist
Are hot work fires common in hospitals? What is hot work? Hot work statistics The contractor component. Construction projects. The basics of a hot work program.
What is Hot Work? Any temporary or permanent operation that produces sparks, flames, or heat
Why should I be concerned about hot work at my facility?
1997 2010 FM Global Hot Work Losses by Cause FM Global Hot Work Losses (1997-2010) Cause of Hot Work No. of Est. Gross Average Losses 2010$ Cutting/Welding 311 $645,730,404 $2,076,304 Roofer's Torch 57 $491,902,587 $8,629,870 Electric Welder/Cutter 24 $55,197,655 $2,299,902 Acetylene Torch 40 $38,849,152 $971,229 Grinding Spark 50 $28,438,315 $568,766 Plumber's/Painter's Torch 13 $14,359,036 $1,104,541 Hand Tool Spark 6 $4,147,353 $691,225 Oxygen-Hydrogen Torch 3 $1,316,254 $438,751 Thawing-Frozen Pipe, Etc. 3 $1,119,372 $373,124 Form of Hot Work Not Specified 34 $12,887,704 $379,050 Grand Total 541 $1,293,947,831 $2,391,770
FM Global Hot Work Losses (1997-2010) How many of these were Hot Work Permit System No. of Losses Est. Gross 2010$ preventable? Average Permit System 192 $1,040,384,613 $5,418,670 Deficient 100% Permit System 9 $2,816,027 $312,892 Effective Grand Total 201 $1,043,200,639 $5,190,053 The average loss where Hot Work Permit System was deficient was 17 times larger than the average loss where Hot Work Permit System was effective.
Hot Work: Hidden Dangers Smolder for hours before breaking out into fire Sparks travel long distances Hidden areas vents, floor openings, recessed walls, beneath equipment Hidden combustible materials Poorly maintained hot work equipment
Hot Work Control Can only be controlled through careful procedures Performing hot work is a process, not a single event! 1. Before 2. During 3. After
Workshop: Is a Hot Work Permit needed? 1. Contractor performing soldering in the hospital mechanical space where minimal combustibles are present? 2. Contractor performing hot work in a project area that was deemed hot work safe yesterday? 3. Contractor installing torch applied roof covering? 3. Welding will be completed in the designated welding area.
Key Steps - BEFORE Can it be avoided? Precautions checklist
35 ft. Rule Remove ignitable liquid, dust, lint and oily deposits. Remove all combustibles from the area. Cover all wall and floor openings. Eliminate possible explosive atmosphere in the area. Install FM Approved welding pads, blankets and curtains under and around work. Sweep the floors clean. Protect or shut down ducts that might carry sparks to distant combustible material.
Post At Job Site Key Steps
Key Steps Part 2 Fire Watch Signoff Final Checkup
Leading Ignition Sources Controlled by Contractors at the Time of Loss, 1990-2009 FM Global loss history shows the risk of fire more than DOUBLES when 7% 5% 4% 3% Hot Work 7% Electricity Arson Smoking contractors perform hot work without supervision. Contractors account for 74% 74% of hot work losses. (Total Losses > US$1.1Billion) Hot Surface Burner Flame
Hot Work Control Responsibilities Before Fire Safety Supervisor Decides if there is a safer way to complete the job Determines if hot work can be performed in area identified Verifies precautions Authorizes and signs permits Communicates to other employees Fire Watch Prepared to continuously monitor area for 60 minutes after the hot work is complete Ready to sound alarm and use an extinguisher Trained to Respond
Hot Work Control Responsibilities - During Fire Watch Maintain constant watch of area Watch for stray sparks and smoldering Stop hot work if unsafe conditions develop Provide initial fire response if necessary Be prepared to sound alarms and notify emergency personnel
Hot Work Statistics Hot work losses averaged over 5 years: Averaging 25/year @ $3M each 1 in 15 occurs with sprinklers impaired After Completion of Work: Fires/Explosion % of Total Hot Work Losses 30 Min. 34 33% > 30 Min. 60 Min. 15 15% > 60 Min. 4 Hrs. 21 21% > 4 Hrs. 32 31%
Leading Ignition Sources Controlled by Contractors at the Time of Loss, 1990-2009 7% 5% 4% 3% Hot Work 7% Electricity Arson Smoking 74% Hot Surface Burner Flame (Total Losses > US$1.1Billion)
Fire Watch Hot Work Control Responsibilities - After Remains in the area for 60 minutes and inspects the area for smoldering Signs permit and leaves it posted for the 3-hr monitoring period Monitor for 3 hrs after completion - methods of monitoring can be smoke detectors, security rounds, security cameras, operators in area Fire Safety Supervisor 4 hrs. after hot work Conducts final inspections of area Signs off on permit retains permit for records
Hot Work Control Commonly neglected steps: Did not search for alternate method for repairs Prepare the area properly Make sure all fire protection is in service Train the fire watch Involvement of contractors: Not familiar with hazards of your facility Loss history shows 100% increase in fire risk
Questions?