Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
12
Months
of Safety
July 2023
Hot Work

Hot work is any operation or task that produces heat that could injure a worker or that could act as a source of ignition, causing a fire or explosion.

Workers involved in hot work such as welding, cutting, soldering, and grinding are at risk of fires and leaks of flammable gas. Potential hazards include burns, grind-related injuries, and injuries from sparks.

A hot work program should contain:

  • Documented identification of all tasks involving hot work
  • Hazard identification/risk assessment
  • Adequate safe work procedures for hot work
  • Training and supervision of all workers and contractors who perform hot work
Hot Work Resources and Tools
In the workplace, fire extinguishers are tools, and it is essential to train any worker who might need to use one in their safe operation. Fire extinguishers are also good safety equipment for the home and car.
Inspecting and maintaining your fire extinguishers is critical so that they are read and available for use when they are needed.
Toolbox Talk
Hot work is work that creates sparks or a flame (i.e. tiger torch), or a fire that must be monitored after being extinguished.
Hot work involves burning, welding, riveting, grinding, using fire or spark-producing tools, or other work that creates a source of ignition. We do not want our hot work to ignite combustible and flammable materials.