Fire Safety: Hot Work Risks FPA Infozone 21 st June 2018 Howard Passey BEng(Hons) MIFireE FIFSM Principal Consultant
Hot Works What is it? Any temporary operation or task, that involves open flames or production of heat and/or sparks
Hackitt All those engaged at every stage of the life cycle of HRRBs carrying out work that impacts on fire safety, or other building safety risks, should have the proven competence to do so. Hot work, being temporary in nature, means that it is likely to be carried out by those unqualified in fire safety or in an area that is not specifically designed with fire safety in mind.
Dusseldorf Airport 11th April 1996 - the unthinkable happens
The legislation Meaning of responsible person 3. In this Order responsible person means (a) in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control;
The legislation 5. Duties under this Order (3) Any duty imposed on the responsible person in respect of premises shall also be imposed on every person, who has, to any extent, control of those premises so far as the requirements relate to matters within his control. (4) Where a person has, by virtue of any contract or tenancy, an obligation of any extent in relation to (a) the maintenance or repair of any premises, including anything in or on premises; (b) the safety of any premises, that person is to be treated, as being a person who has control of the premises to the extent that his obligation extends.
Responsible Persons So, if you are involved in provision, maintenance or management of fire safety at any level then you share liability If it is your responsibility to specify a system, materials; and/or appoint a contractor, it is also your responsibility to ensure that they are competent to undertake the work. It s no longer simply a duty of care or voluntary it s a legal obligation. Competent? Sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities
Legislation - Summary All guidance requires stated safe working practices Establish a permit to work system The Hotwork Permit becomes a legal document required under legislation The permit doesn t simply state how work will be safe It defines responsibilities and so liability It therefore requires that both the operative and permit issuer are competent
Advice and guidance JCOP HSG168 RC7 CDM
Hot Work Permit Two Parts Permit Checklist
Hot work permit
Checklist
The hazards from fire Fire load Determines size of fire Unnecessary fire load High flammables Cylinders Fire produces more energy Increases potential for spread of fire Rapid fire development
The hazards... Voids Smoke spread throughout building Unseen threat Problematic fire fighting
Unstable and explosive User competence Approx 200m Store off-site 2hr Use in an open space Consider alternative
LPG Colourless and odourless Denser than air Gas at normal pressure Flammability region 2% - 10% in air
Flammable Liquids 10m or 20m (high risk) Minimum Quantities Shaded areas At least 4m from boundary Signage and protection Bunds and housekeeping
Flammable Liquids Extremely Flammable Flashpoint <0 C Boiling point <35 C Highly Flammable Flashpoint < 23 C Flammable Flashpoint 23 C 60 C 1 kg HFL 500 litres of gas small fuel spill = big explosion Do not undertake ANY hotworks
Dusts
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
External Cladding
Modular construction
Modular construction
Hot work managing the risks Do elsewhere Remove Alternative means Part if not all Reduce Alternative approach Cover Protect Shield Manage Hot work permit Fire watch PPFE
Fire watch A continuous fire watch for at least 30 minutes after hot work is completed, with further checks being made at regular intervals, up to 60 minutes after completion before the permit is signed off. Where hot work has been undertaken in high fire hazard areas the work area should be subject to a continuous fire watch for at least 60 minutes following cessation of hot work Where hot work has been undertaken within or adjacent to a timber framed structure a continuous fire watch should be maintained for at least 60 minutes and the area be carefully inspected at regular intervals for at least two hours after completion prior to closing the permit.
How can FPA assist? The training bit Collaborative approach Working with manufacturers Designing training to produce more effective practitioners Blended approach Practical facilities offer hands-on experience which will only enhance knowledge and skills required Open and bespoke course availability
FPA Hot Work Passport Scheme Background TESCO Hot work fires: 2003/4 = 0 2004/5 = 1 2005/6 = 5 2006/7 = 35
FPA Hot Work Passport Developed in conjunction with employers and contractors One-day course Assessed Unique ID Valid for 5 years
Hot work supervisors Contract Managers Delegates Hot work operatives Maintenance staff
Since 2007 2860 delegates Scheme adopted by 186 contractors Tesco hot work fires Reduced to negligible
Advice and information
Advice and information
Advice and information
Advice and information
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Thank You Any Questions? For more information visit.. www.thefpa.co.uk