HSEAA-P-134 Hot Work - watercorporation.com.au• Identify tasks that constitute hot work. • Perform a risk assessment before commencing a task. • Complete a hot work permit (when

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HSEAA-P-134 Hot Work

Doc ID 1073958

Custodian Manager Field Support

Version Date 12 Jan 18

Accountabilities Framework Level 1: Manage Occupational Safety and Health Level 2: Manage Hazards and OSH Incidents Next Review Date

16 Oct 20

1 Essential Elements

Essential Elements - A summary of key requirements described in this document, for quick-reference.

Step Requirement Reference Responsibility 1. Identify hot work tasks 7.1 Supervisor 2. Conduct risk assessment 7.2 Supervisor 3. Complete hot work permit (when required) 7.3.1 Supervisor/Responsible

Person 4. Authorise hot work 7.3.1 Authorised Person 5. Authorise hot work during Total Fire Ban 7.6.1 Operations Manager 6. Check controls before and during hot work 7.3.2 Supervisor/Responsible

Person 7. Complete hot work 7.4 Work Crew 8. Inspect the work area after completion of work 7.5 Fire Watch

Key points

DO’s

• Identify tasks that constitute hot work. • Perform a risk assessment before commencing a task. • Complete a hot work permit (when required). • Adhere to controls listed in the risk assessment documentation (e.g. JSEA) and hot

work permit (when required). • Check Fire Danger Rating and confirm controls are in place to manage the risk of fire. • Request authorisation to perform hot work during Total Fire Ban days and/or Harvest

Vehicle Movement Ban and when the fire danger rating is high or above. • Maintain fire watch for the period identified during the risk assessment. • Call emergency services (000) in the event of a fire and notify the Operations Centre

and Authorised Persons. • Stop work if safe conditions cannot be maintained/achieved.

DON’Ts

• Perform hot work in an area with a Total Fire Ban and/or Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban without authorisation

• Work without a valid risk assessment (e.g. JSEA). • Attempt to contain a fire (unless trained and competent and it is safe to do so). • Accept unsafe conditions.



2 Purpose This Procedure outlines the responsibilities and minimum requirements to manage risk associated with hot work, including identification of hot work activities, triggers for a hot work permit, minimum controls to manage hot work and instructions to follow in circumstances where hot work is required. The specific risks associated with hot work are:

• Explosion. • Fire. • Burns • Inhaling fumes or gases. • Eye/skin damage from exposure to ultra violet radiation.

The purpose of this Procedure is to ensure that the above risks are managed consistently across Water Corporation’s controlled sites.

3 Scope The requirements of this Procedure apply to workers planning, executing and managing Hot Work activities including but not limited to:

• Grinding. • Welding. • Thermal or oxygen cutting or heating. • Any other heat or spark producing tasks (e.g. the use of metal blades on brush cutter).

This Procedure is applicable when the above activities are undertaken on:

• Water Corporation’s operating sites. • Water Corporation non-operating sites including land owned by the Corporation, land

managed by the Corporation and land leased by the Corporation to other parties. • Construction sites controlled by Water Corporation.

♦ Exemptions: The use of a hand held propane gas torch with auto-piezometric ignition and

auto-cut off used to sterilise a water sampling sample point is not considered hot work, refer to Drinking Water Sampling Procedures for detail on how to conduct this task.

Additional controls are applicable for hot work within:

• Designated flammable gas areas (refer to WC-OSH 135 Working in flammable Gas Area Procedure).

• Confined spaces (refer to S466 Confined Spaces Standard).

This Procedure does not apply to: • Workshop environments equipped to carry out hot work classified as designated Fire Safe

Area.

http://aqua/link/?doc=768394






Content 1 Essential Elements .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 2 3 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 4 Roles and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 4 5 Training .................................................................................................................................................... 5

5.1 Authorised Persons ....................................................................................................................... 6 6 Flowchart ................................................................................................................................................. 7 7 Procedure – Hot Work ............................................................................................................................. 8

7.1 Identification .................................................................................................................................. 8 7.2 Risk Assessment (Safe Job Planning) .......................................................................................... 8 7.3 Risk Controls (Mitigation) .............................................................................................................. 9

7.3.1 Hot Work Permit .................................................................................................................. 9 7.3.2 Mandatory Risk Controls................................................................................................... 11

7.4 Conducting hot work ................................................................................................................... 14 7.5 Completion of work ..................................................................................................................... 14 7.6 Special Circumstances ................................................................................................................ 15

7.6.1 Hot Work on Total Fire Ban Days ..................................................................................... 15 7.6.2 Minimum controls for hot work in Total Fire Ban days ...................................................... 16 7.6.3 Hot work during Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) ........................................ 16

8 Emergency Response where hot work has created a fire..................................................................... 17 9 Monitor and Review ............................................................................................................................... 17

9.1 Management System .................................................................................................................. 17 10 Records ................................................................................................................................................. 17 11 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 18 12 References ............................................................................................................................................ 20 13 Compliance Mapping ............................................................................................................................. 21 14 Document Revision History ................................................................................................................... 21 Appendix A Hot Work Permit ................................................................................................................ 23 Appendix B Fire Extinguisher Guidance .............................................................................................. 24



4 Roles and Responsibilities Role Responsibilities Authorised Person (Permit Issuer)

• Review and approve hot work permit, including determining controls measures that need to be in place to manage the risks.

• Discuss with the hot work permit applicant the hazards and controls associated with the work to confirm clear understanding of the permit requirements.

Branch Managers / Alliance Manager

• Maintain and review a list of approved Authorised Persons for hot work for the Business Unit under their accountability.

• Review the training and competency of those who are going to conduct hot work to ensure they meet the requirements listed in this Procedure.

Contract Manager • Identify upcoming works by a Contractor that will require a hot work permit. • On a greenfield site:

o Allow Contractors to use their own internal procedures and Hot Work permit system (as an alternative to this procedure) where that process achieves an equal or better standard of control.

• On a brownfield site: o Endorse the selection of a Contractor’s nominated Authorised Person

for issuing hot work permits under this procedure. o Assess Contractor’s hot work procedure and determine adequacy,

document arrangements on the Clearance to Work Permit. Employees • Understand the hazards associated with hot work and adhere to the control

measures identified in the hot work permit and Job Safety Environment Analysis (JSEA).

• Inform the Supervisor or Responsible Person of any changes in conditions, work methods or scope that may affect the hazards associated with the task or jeopardise the controls in place.

Fire Watch • Attend area/location when hot work is in progress. • Maintain fire suppression equipment in a ready to use condition at all times. • Raise an alarm, apply fire suppression or take other pre-determined

contingency measures in the event of fire. • At the completion of hot work, remain in the vicinity for the period stated on the

hot work permit to check for hot spots, smouldering flammable material and other potential fire hazards.

• Monitor the effectiveness of the control measures specified on the hot work permit and JSEA, including that sparks do not fall outside the fire safe exclusion zone and climate conditions have not deteriorated.

• Establish effective means of communication (e.g. satellite, mobile phone) to raise alarm with emergency services and with the person conducting the hot work and stop works immediately if a hazardous condition is observed.

Head of S&W • Implement and maintain a process to manage hot work. • Ensure this Procedure is maintained, meets compliance obligations and

effectively manages risks. • Allocate resources for an assurance program that includes monitoring the

effectiveness of this Procedure. Operations Centre • Notify relevant business areas of declared “Total Fire Ban” and areas affected. Operations Manager • Authorise hot work during “Total Fire Ban“ and/or “Harvest and Vehicle

Movement Ban”. • Notify Operations Centre in order to enact Total Fire Ban exemption




Role Responsibilities Supervisor/ Responsible Person (Permit Holder) Note: The Responsible Person is appointed by the Supervisor and it is not necessarily the line manager of the workers.

• Review the Work Breakdown Structure to identify the tasks associated with hot work and the hazards that arise from them.

• Conduct risk assessment (e.g. JSEA) for the scope of works and identify controls.

• Review Fire Danger Rating for the area where hot work is going to be undertaken.

• Request training compliance reports to the Local Training Coordinators to check employees keep statutory/legal compliance qualifications valid at all times.

• Identify and control risks arising from the work itself, and liaise with the Authorised Person to ensure asset related risks have been reduced so far as practicable.

• In the event of Total Fire Ban/Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban, notify the Operations Manager that hot work is essential.

• Communicate to the work team hazards and controls associated with hot work. • Ensure conditions of the hot work permit are followed. • Inform all relevant parties where equipment or plant is to be removed from

service. • If a permit is to be transferred to a new holder, confirm that the new holder is

fully aware of the permit requirements. • Keep the permit issuer and permit users informed of any changes. • Monitor hot work to ensure that controls are effectively implemented and take

action should changes in scope or conditions occur.

5 Training All workers performing activities or roles listed in Table 1 must meet the listed training and competency requirements prior to undertaking the activity or role.

Line Managers must periodically review training records to confirm workers have satisfactorily completed the required training courses for roles and activities described in Table 1.

Training is available to Water Corporation employees and Alliance Partners via the Learning Management System (LMS) and/or the Waterfront. Table 1 Training requirements for Hot Work

Mandatory for Roles Course Name Period of Validity

Comment

Persons involved in: • issuing OSH permits

(authorised persons) • receiving an OSH permit to

work (Supervisor/ Responsible persons)

• Project Managers, Contract Managers or Superintendent’s Representatives engaging a contractor where an OSH Permit (hot work) will apply.

OSH Permit (Online) SAP #Q12326

3 years Online course which describes: • Activities that require an

OSH permit. • Water Corporation permit

to work process. • Role, responsibility and

process of issuing, receiving or working under a permit to work.



Mandatory for Roles Course Name Period of Validity

Comment

Persons performing the role of ‘fire watch’ for hot work activities. Welders offsiders, Fire Spotters, Welder’s Observers

Fire Extinguisher SAP #Q00000303

3 years This course provides information on the classification of fires and extinguisher types.

Employees performing hot work Safe Job Planning SAP# Q10127

Introduction to Water Corporation’s HSEAA Risk Assessment process including tools and workplace hazard identification.

Welders Welders offsiders, Fire Spotters, Welder’s Observers

Provide Basic Emergency Life Support SAP #Q10010502 (HLTAID002) 1 day course ( 6 hours) NB: This training course includes the use of defibrillator.

3 years This course covers: • Basic life support skills • CPR • Use of AED • Fractures wounds • Principles of first aid and

survival

Contractors must be responsible for maintaining their employee’s training records. The ‘OSH Permit (Online)’ course materials can be made available via DVD upon request to S&W via the Water Corporation Contract Manager.

5.1 Authorised Persons For hot work at premises under the day-to-day control of the Water Corporation, the Authorised Person must be a Water Corporation Operations person from the relevant business area unless the Contract Manager has endorsed the selection of a contractor’s Authorised Person. This must be captured in the Clearance to Work Permit.

Regional Business Managers must ensure that a list of approved Authorised Persons for hot work is maintained, reviewed and readily available.




6 Flowchart



7 Procedure – Hot Work

7.1 Identification Hot work includes any process that generates heat or spark, or has the potential to ignite a fire. Source of ignition can occur in tasks, including but not limited to:

• Grinding. • Welding. • Thermal or oxygen cutting or heating. • Any other heat or spark producing tasks (e.g. the use of metal blades on brush cutter,

sparking electrical tools and equipment). • Work than involves naked flames. • Metal slashing.

♦ Exemptions: The use of a hand held propane gas torch with auto-piezometric ignition and auto-cut off used to sterilise a water sampling sample point is not considered hot work, refer to Drinking Water Sampling Procedures for detail on how to conduct this task.

The person planning/assigning or scheduling (Supervisor) the work must identify if there are tasks within the scope of works that constitute hot work.

All effort should be made to minimize the need to conduct hot work, where this is not practical the following alternative work methods should be considered:

• Removal of equipment to a designated hot work zone/fire safe area. • Mechanical fixings/chemical bonding of materials instead of welding. • Threaded pipe fittings instead of soldering. • Cold metal cutting equipment.

In managing hot work, the hierarchy of control must be applied as far as practicable by:

1. Undertaking the work in a way that does not include hot work; or

2. Re-locating the hot work so that it is undertaken in a Fire Safe Area; or

3. Undertaking the hot work in-situ in accordance with controls identified through a Job Safety Environment Analysis (JSEA) and hot work permit.

Note: A Fire Safe Area is an area specifically configured and provisioned for the safe undertaking of hot work (e.g. a fabrication workshop) .

7.2 Risk Assessment (Safe Job Planning) All hot work tasks must be supported by risk assessment (Safe Job Planning) documentation and a hot work permit. Workers must identify the hazards involved in the work task and work location before carrying out any hot work tasks at the commencement of the work or when change is identified.

Safe Job Planning must consider the following factors: • Location of work, if the hot work is to be undertaken in a flammable gas area, WC-OSH 135

Working in flammable Gas Area Procedure must be followed. • Scope of works to be undertaken. • Plant and equipment involved and corresponding hazardous energy sources or spark

producing parts (e.g. metal blades or cutting disks). • Identify flammable and combustible materials and substances located within 5 metres of

the work and require fire suppression equipment (refer to Appendix B for guidance).




• Identify any potential sources of flammable gases or vapours and determine need for atmospheric testing (refer to S476 Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Standard).

• Identify vegetation, dry grasses and bush located within 5 metres of the work. • Topography of the surrounding terrain. • Type, extent and location of any utilities in the area within 20 metres. • Climatic conditions e.g. temperature, wind direction. Check in the Bureau of Meteorology

(BOM) webpage. • Ventilation of the area – both natural and mechanical. • Emergency response plan (e.g. proximity of emergency equipment and response services). • Communication plan and reliable communication devices. • Traffic management (e.g. access and egress, pedestrian, vehicle). • Qualifications, competency and skills of persons undertaking the work. • Fire danger risk rating, Check BOM webpage/FireDangerRatings or the Department of Fire

& Emergency Services website. Note: If the rating is listed as severe or above, the Supervisor must notify the Operations Manager to determine whether or not the work can proceed. If approval is given, this must be documented in the hot work permit. • Total Fire Ban (TFB). When a TFB has been declared it will be available on the Department

of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) website or the local council/shire website. Hot work must not proceed when a TFB is in place. If the work is considered essential and must be undertaken on a TFB day, the Supervisor must notify the Operations Manager, Refer to Section 7.6.1.

• Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB). Contact local council/shire to determine whether one has been declared in the works area.

• PPE Requirements.

7.3 Risk Controls (Mitigation) 7.3.1 Hot Work Permit Hot work must always be undertaken under a hot work permit, except when conducted in:

• A Fire Safe Area. • An area where the Fire Danger Risk Rating is moderate or below – only applicable to field

work.

Hot work that does not require a hot work permit must be managed and controlled with a JSEA.

If determined that a hot work permit is required, the Supervisor/Responsible Person must complete the hot work permit before the task can commence.

Additional permits to work might be required depending on the nature and complexity of the works these include:

• Confined Space Entry Permit, if hot work is going to be performed in a confined space. Refer to S466 Confined Space Procedure for detail on how to obtain this permit.

• Flammable Gas Area Permit, if hot work is going to be performed in an identified flammable gas area and/or hazardous area. Refer to WC-OSH 135 Working in Flammable Gas Area Procedure for detail on how to obtain this permit.


http://www.bom.gov.au/

http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/forecasts/fire-danger.shtml

https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/pages/firedangerratings.aspx




http://waternet.watercorporation.com.au/hrw/osh/osh_forms/Hot%20Work%20Permit%20review.pdf






A hot work permit is valid for one shift from when it is first activated and must be reviewed in the event of the hot work ceasing for a period of more than two (2) hours.

For internal works, the stages of a hot work permit are as follows:

• The need for a hot work permit is identified through the risk assessment process (Safe Job Planning).

• The Supervisor/Responsible Person (applicant) must document the specific details of the hot work to be undertaken. This information includes as a minimum:

o Site and exact location of the work.

o Details of the work including work order number that the work is related to.

o Type of hot work to be completed.

o Date and time of when the hot work is to be completed.

o Applicant details including organisation details (if different from Water Corporation).

• The applicant must check the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) website or the local council/shire website:

o Total Fire Ban (TFB).

o Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB).

o Fire Danger Rating.

Hot Work must not proceed when a TFB/HVMB is in place. If the work is considered essential and must be undertaken on a Total Fire Ban day, the Supervisor must notify the Operations Manager, Refer to Section 7.6.1

If approval is given, this must be documented in the hot work permit.

• The applicant must submit the hot work permit to the Authorised Person within their Region or Business unit for verification and approval. Authorised Persons are listed here.

• The Authorised Person must consider the permit application and record the mandatory risk controls and permit requirements in Section 2 . The Authorised Person must sign the hot work permit and return the completed permit to the Supervisor/Responsible Person.

Note: The Authorised Person (at their discretion) may withdraw the authorised permit (e.g. at the declaration of a Total Fire Ban).

Additional controls should be documented in the hot work permit or referred to in the additional instruction/information row.

• At the work site, the Supervisor/Responsible Person must develop/validate the JSEA and confirm that the work team are aware of the required controls in the JSEA and hot work permit and that they are implemented. The hot work permit must be readily available at the work site. By completing and signing Section 3 the Supervisor activates the permit and the hot work can commence.

Note: The Responsible Person may also assume the role of Authorised Person where workforce structure and / or operational requirements necessitate such an arrangement.

• While hot work is in progress, the Fire Watch must monitor the effectiveness of the control measures specified on the hot work permit and JSEA, including that sparks do not fall outside the fire safe exclusion zone and climate conditions have not deteriorated, and must halt the work if necessary.

• The Supervisor must verify that the hot work task has been completed in accordance with the permit and that the work area and equipment have been left in a safe condition.





• The Supervisor/Responsible Person must not sign Section 4 until they are satisfied that the nominated fire watch period (minimum 20 minutes unless otherwise stated on the hot work permit) has been completed and does not need to be extended or amended.

• The Authorised Person must record and file a copy of the completed permit and attachments as per Section 8.

For works under contract, the Contract Manager must ensure a process is in place to identify upcoming works by a Contractor that will require a hot work permit. Typically this is achieved through project start-up and progress meetings by having an agenda item to identify any upcoming work that requires an OSH Permit to be issued through Water Corporation or its Alliance partners (refer to WC-OSH 024 Selection and Management of Contractors).

7.3.2 Mandatory Risk Controls The following mandatory controls must be implemented for all hot work tasks:

• Display hot work permit (where required, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment) in a prominent location immediately adjacent to the proposed hot work.

• Remove dry grasses, vegetation and bush within the 5 metre exclusion zone. • Remove flammable and combustible liquids/substances within the 5 metre exclusion zone. Note: Where this is not practicable (e.g. When welding adjacent to a paddock), such materials must be protected by a fire proof blanket, screens, tenting and or thorough wetting down of the area which is constantly monitored during and after the hot work process has concluded. • Screens must be erected to mitigate the effects of welding flash/arcing on persons in the

vicinity when working adjacent to other work groups or in close proximity to public including roadways.

• Pedestrian traffic must be excluded from the work area. • Permanent or transportable fire suppression devices must be serviceable and in place.

Relevant personnel must be trained and competent in its use. • Vehicles used as a mean of fire suppression must be dedicated to and not leave the

location of the hot work for the duration of the work and fire watch period. • Maintain fire watch for duration of hot work, during any breaks and continually after

cessation of hot work, for the timeframes listed in Table 2 and Table 3. Fire Watch must not be assigned/performed to any other activities that may distract fire watching. Smoking is prohibited while performing fire watching duties.

Table 2 Fire Watch Requirements – Field Work

Normal Conditions

Fire Danger Rating of

“Severe” or Above Total Fire Ban

Continuous while hot work is in progress. Minimum 20 minutes after cessation of works to confirm the area is safe.

Continuous while hot work is in progress. Minimum of 30 minutes after cessation of works to confirm the area is safe.

Continuous while hot work is in progress. Minimum of 60 minutes after cessation of works to confirm the area is safe.




Table 3 Fire Watch Requirements – Indoor Work

Normal Conditions Fire Danger Rating of “Severe” or Above Total Fire Ban

60 mins 60 mins 60 mins

Note: Typical office or control room environment or laboratory with combustible fittings, combustible building construction (with or without cavity) or combustible wall coverings and /or window treatments.

• Provide fire suppression equipment as per Table 4 requirements. Fire suppression

equipment must be located at each work location (no more than 10m away).

Table 4 Fire Suppression Equipment Requirements

Indoor Work

Normal

Conditions Field Work

Fire Danger Rating of “Severe” or

“Extreme” Total Fire Ban

• Appropriate 9kg Portable Fire extinguisher at location as determined by Appendix B

• Within reach of a fixed fire hose reel.

• Operational sprinklers (where installed).

• Appropriate 9kg Portable Fire extinguisher as determined by Appendix B

• Fire Suppression unit retained to a minimum of 200L.

• Appropriate 9kg Portable Fire extinguisher as determined by Appendix B

• Fire Suppression unit retained to a minimum of 400L.

• Two operational 9 Litre stored water fire extinguishers.

• Fire Suppression unit retained to a minimum of 400L of water, with an operational pump and 20m of 19mm diameter hose.

Only required if hot work is performed within 30 metres of any bush or grassland • Provide a bulk water supply

tanker (min 5000 litres) where no reticulated water supply is available within 1km of the worksite.

• Five meter fire safe exclusion zone. Smoking is prohibited while setting the exclusion zone.

Note: The fire safe exclusion zone must be evaluated to ensure that the compound or building structure / layout doesn’t permit an undetected ignition source (splatter, sparking or ember) to migrate between floors and/or become trapped within / behind combustible structures (where it may cause fire, if undetected).

• Fire Emergency Response Plan including contact details, communication and response plan.

• Indoor heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system intakes within the fire safe exclusion zone must be sealed and / or de-energised to ensure that an ignition source emanating from the hot work is not drawn into the system and transported to a location where it may come into contact with a combustible material, flammable liquid and/or atmosphere.

• Mandatory PPE for hot work activities are listed in Table 5.



Table 5 Hot Work PPE Requirements

Mandatory for all Hot Work

Electric Arc Welding

Gas Welding and

Cutting Grinding

• 100% Cotton (class 0)/Denim or flame retardant clothing.

• Safety glasses rated to medium impact.

• Gloves rated to EN 407 (Protection from thermal hazards) and EN 388 (Protection against mechanical risks).

• Appropriate class hearing protection.

Mandatory PPE for all Hot Work activities and: • Powered Air

Purifying respirators (PAPR) for Electric Arc welding tasks.

• Shade lenses (10-14).

• Leather or Flame Retardant Apron or Jacket.

• Leather or flame retardant head and neck protection.

• Leather chaps, trousers and or spats if determined by Risk Assessment.

Mandatory PPE for all Hot Work activities and: • Minimum P2 respirator • Face shield with brow

guard rated to minimum medium Impact (indicated by I or F marking) and Molten metal and hot solids (indicated by M or 9 marking)

• Shade lenses (3-6) for Gas Welding.

• Leather or Flame Retardant Apron or Jacket.

• Leather or flame retardant head and neck protection.

• Leather chaps, trousers and or spats if determined by Risk Assessment.

Mandatory PPE for all Hot Work activities and:

• Face shield with

brow guard rated to minimum High impact (indicated by the V symbol) and Molten metal and hot solids (indicated by M or 9 marking)

• Chin guard on face shield if determined by risk assessment.

Atmospheric testing must be implemented if potential sources of flammable gases or vapours are identified during the risk assessment (e.g. Safe Job Planning). Refer to S476 Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring for detail. The Authorised Person must determine:

• What to test for. • Appropriate equipment/technique (instrument, tubes; gas chromatography). • Safe working levels. • Monitoring frequency.

For hot work to proceed, flammable gas and vapour test results must be less than 5% of the lower explosive limit. In the event concentration levels exceed 5% of the LEL hot works must cease immediately until corrective action is taken to eliminate or reduce the concentration to a safe level.

Additional controls should be implemented for the hot work based on the environmental hazards identified in the risk assessment developed for the task. These additional controls must be documented in the hot work permit or refer to in the additional instruction/information row.





7.4 Conducting hot work Prior to commencing the work, the Supervisor/Responsible Person must communicate the works being undertaken, hazards and controls to all relevant personnel who are operating within the area.

Personnel conducting hot work must sign onto the permit or JSEA indicating that they have read and understood the task to be performed, the hazards and the controls that are in place.

Workers must raise concerns with the Supervisor/Responsible Person, and these must be addressed before the task can commence.

A copy of the hot work permit must be attached to the respective risk assessment (e.g. JSEA).

The Supervisor/Responsible Person must install signs and/or barricades to clearly indicate the area where the hot work is being performed where the hot work is conducted in areas within close proximity to the public, near roadways or the works involve multiple work teams. Signs must be placed in a prominent position so that other workers and the public are aware of the hot work area location. Signs and/or barricades must remain in place until work is completed.

When conducting the work, the Supervisor/Responsible Person must adhere to the following safe work practices:

• Document and implement the controls listed within the relevant Safe Job Planning documents (e.g.JSEA).

• Perform regular inspections to ensure controls are effectively being implemented. • Review and update the safe job planning documents (e.g. JSEA) following any changes to

the activity or working environment. Changes include but not limited to: o Work method, tools and equipment. o Environmental conditions e.g. inclement weather, vegetation, roadside traffic, poor

visibility, increased volume of pedestrians. o Work team e.g. contractors, personnel on shift work, visitors, bystanders. o Scope of work.

7.5 Completion of work The Fire watch must inspect the area for hot, smouldering or burning materials and maintain the fire watch as per Table 2 and Table 3.

At the completion of work the following steps must be undertaken to make the work area safe: • Remove fire blankets and other protective material. • Roll up any hoses and return any fire extinguishers. • Remove tools and equipment. • Remove all warning signs and barricading.



7.6 Special Circumstances 7.6.1 Hot Work on Total Fire Ban Days Hot work is not permitted on TFB days. If hot work is considered essential, the Operations Manager must enact a Total Fire Ban exemption in order to conduct hot work.

Hot work is considered essential to: • Conduct urgent repairs and maintenance (welding, cutting and grinding) on existing

infrastructure considered critical for the supply of essential services. • Enable access to pipelines and other infrastructure that is “off-road”. • Work cannot reasonably be postponed to a time with safer weather conditions.

Whilst this is primarily concerned with field hot work, some indoor environments such as pergolas, annexes and carparks are still subject to TFB restrictions. For TFB days which occur in conjunction with a HVMB approval is required from the relevant local council/shire before proceeding. A Total Fire Ban exemption must be enacted as per Enacting of a Total Fire Ban Exemption Work Instruction before work can commence. Hot work must not be undertaken in the open air, within areas where a declared Total Fire Ban is in effect, except where all of the following conditions are met:

1. Water Corporation Operations Manager has determined that the work is essential, AND

2. An exemption for the hot work has been enacted by the Operations Manager obtained from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), AND

3. The conditions of the exemption are complied with prior to work commencing, including notifying the relevant authorities listed in Table 6, AND

4. The Operations Manager must notify the Manager Control Centre Operations (1300 483 514) of approval to commence field works.

Table 6 Total Fire Ban Days Notification

Location of work

Notification – Who? Timeframe - When?

Perth metropolitan area

DFES State Situation Analysis Officer via email [email protected]

on the day of and prior to these activities occurring

Outside of the Perth metropolitan area

Nearest DFES regional office on the day of and prior to these activities occurring

Within 3 km of state forest District Duty officer of the Department of parks and wildlife


Outside of the Perth metropolitan area

Contact the Local Government Bushfire Control Officer in regards to any declared vehicle movement bans




mailto:[email protected]



7.6.2 Minimum controls for hot work in Total Fire Ban days Depending on the location of the work, the following minimum controls are applicable when conducting hot work in Total Fire Ban days: Hot work to be conducted more than 30 metres from any bush or grassland

• Establish and maintain an area of 5 metres in all directions free from flammable materials immediately around the work site.

• Erect welding screens and wet down surrounding area to reduce possible spark ignition. • Provide two (2) operational 9 litre stored water fire extinguishers (or equivalent water

supply). • Provide a fire suppression unit with a minimum of 400 Litres. • Resource one (1) able-bodied person (trained in extinguisher operation) to be in attendance

and dedicated solely to the detection and suppression of any fire. • Resource two (2) able-bodied people to remain at the worksite for at least 60 minutes after

the works have been completed to inspect for any potential fire activity prior to their departure.

Hot Work within 30 metres of any bush or grassland As above, plus • Provide a bulk water supply tanker (min 5000 litres) where no reticulated water supply is

available within one (1) km of the worksite.

Hot Work to enable access to pipelines and other infrastructure that is “off road” Prior to leaving any formed road:

o Inspect all engines, plant, equipment and machinery to confirm that the exhaust systems are clean and free from leaks and fitted with suitable spark arrestors.

• Inspect motor vehicles to ensure that exhaust systems are clean and in sound condition. • Check access to the worksite to ensure that no vegetation can come into contact with

catalytic converters fitted to any vehicle. • Locate the vehicles and plant in an area free from flammable material.

The Supervisor/Responsible Person must check that controls are listed in the safe job planning documentation (e.g. JSEA) and effectively implemented prior to work commencing.

7.6.3 Hot work during Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) A HVMB is declared by the Local Council/shire and limits the operation of machinery and plant equipment likely to cause a fire when operated over or near flammable material, dry grass, stubble or bush. Unlike TFB, a HVMB may only occur for a particular time period during the day. Hot Work is not permitted during a HVMB unless approval has been obtained from the Operations Manager and Local Council/shire. Most local council/shires list information pertaining to HVMB on their website or workers can sign up to the text message notification list.



8 Emergency Response where hot work has created a fire Where a hot work task has resulted in fire, on-site personnel should attempt (where safe to do so) to suppress the fire using fire suppression equipment at hand (Refer to Appendix B for guidance on type of fire extinguishers).

Where fire suppression is not successful, personnel must immediately call 000 and request the assistance of Emergency Services (fire) who in turn will notify the relevant local authority Bush Fire Control Officer of the incident.

On-site personnel must verbally notify both the Authorised Person and the Operations Centre (1300 483 246) to inform them of the incident and action taken. The Authorised Person must verbally notify their line manager of the incident.

Where practicable (and without endangering their own safety) personnel are to remain at the site of the fire until Emergency Services arrive or until such time as they are directed or receive approval from their Line Manager to leave site.

9 Monitor and Review

9.1 Management System The application of this Procedure must be verified over a sample of Hot Work records as per the WC-OSH 006 OSH Audit and WC-OSH 016 Workplace Inspections procedures.

10 Records Hot work records must be filed in accordance with the Water Corporation Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, with the filing convention, retention period and disposition type outlined below: Record To be retained by Filing convention Retained

for (time period)

Disposition Type

Safe Job Planning for Hot Work Including records of: • Job Safety

Environment Analysis (JSEAs)

Section Manager of the relevant Responsible Person / Work Area

OSH – Risk Management – Identification and Analysis

2 years after last action

Destroy 2 years after last action

Hot work Permits Including associated records of: • Atmospheric

monitoring

Section Manager of the relevant Authorised Person / Work Area

OSH - Risk Management - Work Permits



Incident Reports involving hot work Including records of: • Job Safety

Environment Analysis (JSEAs)

• Hot work permits • Atmospheric

monitoring records

Sentinel n/a Retained in accordance with the General Disposal Authority for Human Resource Management Records (GDAHRM).

Branch Manager OSH – Risk Management - Incidents – [Name of Business Unit]

3 years after last action date








Record To be retained by Filing convention Retained for (time period)

Disposition Type

Training and Competency records

SAP n/a Retained in accordance with the General Disposal Authority for Human Resource Management Records (GDAHRM).

Branch Manager STAFF DEVELOPMENT - Training



Note: Hardcopy aqua files are sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the above. Electronic copies are not required.

11 Definitions Term Description

Authorised Person A person who is competent to complete permits, identify potential hazards/risks and control measures associated with the assets, having regard for the work to be performed, and has been officially appointed by the Region/Business Unit/Alliance as an Authorised Person The Authorised Person must communicate with the Supervisor/ Responsible Person on all control measures and outstanding risks arising from the asset.

Confined Space A Confined Space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy within which there is a risk of one or more of the following: i) an oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range; ii) a concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss

of consciousness or asphyxiation; iii) a concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury

from fire or explosion; iv) engulfment in a stored free flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may

cause suffocation or drowning.

Competent Person A person who has, through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task correctly.

Contractor A company or person that has contracted with the Corporation to provide goods and/or services including Suppliers, Consultants and Vendors. The term includes direct employees of the contractor, subcontractors engaged by the contractor, and any other persons who have been engaged by the Contractor to perform work on behalf of the contractor.

Contract Manager An authorised representative of the Water Corporation (Principal) responsible for selection of a contractor and or management of a contract. “Contract Manager” includes the Superintendent, Superintendent’s Representative, Project Manager, Consultant or Agent. The Contract Manager may not be the same individual throughout the process.

Emergency The occurrence or imminent occurrence of a hazard which is of such a nature or magnitude that it requires a significant and coordinated response.



Term Description

Emergency Response Plan

An Emergency Response Plan guides the response of an entire or specific area of the organisation to both small and large incidents.

Employees A person who is conducting work covered by the Enterprise Agreement or an individual common law contract with the Water Corporation or an alliance, or who meets the definition of an employee under the Fair Work Act 2009. This includes: - consultants or contractors working within Water Corporation business units or regions - alliance personnel performing the services under an alliance contract

Field Hot Work Field Hot Work is classified as Hot Work activities conducted in the “open air” beyond the reach of a fixed fire hose reel.

Fire Safe Area An area specifically configured and provisioned for the safe undertaking of hot work (e.g. fabrication workshop).

Fire Safe Exclusion Zone

An area (5 metres in any direction from the site of the proposed hot work) that has been prepared for the safe completion of hot work.

Flammable Gas Area An area where a flammable gas atmosphere could be present under normal and credible abnormal operation, therefore, special precautions are required to control any potential ignition sources. A Flammable Gas Area will always encompass a Hazardous Area, and may include a buffer zone to a natural boundary to assist is easy delineation.

Hot Work Welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating, including fire-producing or spark-producing operations that may increase the risk of fire or explosion. This includes plastic welding, mechanical or electrical cutting devices, and the use of an angle grinder.

Ignition Source An ignition source is a source of energy sufficient enough to ignite an explosive atmosphere (e.g. flames, welding, electrical sparking etc.).

Indoor Hot Work Indoor hot work includes any hot work activities conducted within the boundaries of a Water Corporation building, office or facility which is not a Fire Safe or Flammable Gas area, and is within reach of a fixed fire hose reel. The length of the hose must be capable of extending to the work area

Job Safety Environment Analysis (JSEA)

A documented risk assessment which breaks down the job into work steps with the identified hazards and required control measures formally recorded for each step.

Must The word ‘must’ is to be understood as mandatory, non-negotiable requirement that is to be followed. There will be no deviation from this requirement.

Normal Conditions Fire Danger Ratings of “Low-Moderate”, “High” and “Very High” as determined by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Powered Air Purifying Respirator

A device incorporating a half face piece, full face piece or head covering which provides the wearer with air filtered through a powered filtering unit, comprising a filter of filters, an electrically operated blower unit. The respirator is referred to as a PAPR

Prohibited or Restricted Burning Times

Times when it is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to be unlawful to set fire to the bush or that fires can only be set in accordance with the conditions prescribed in a permit (per Bush Fires Act 1954)



Term Description

Responsible Person

A person who provides direct supervision of work that is being undertaken in the absence of a Supervisor. The Responsible Person can give instructions to workers and can be held accountable for the work and actions of other workers under their supervision. The responsible person is appointed by the Supervisor and it is not necessarily the line manager of the workers.

Risk The probability of harm occurring to a person, damage to equipment or harm to the environment.

Risk Assessment The overall process of estimating the magnitude of risk and deciding what actions will be taken.

Should The word ‘should’ is to be understood as recommended but non-mandatory. Deviation from the requirement is permissible provided there is a sound reason for it. ‘Should’ allow the reader to make a judgement and decide whether or not to follow the recommendation.

Supervisor A person who is directly supervising work and has the power and authority to give instructions and be held accountable for the work and actions of other employees or contractors A supervisor holds this authority within a workplace or workgroup but may not be a direct line manager of the people within that workplace or workgroup.

Total Fire Ban Declared by the Minister for Emergency Services on advice from Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) after consultation with relevant local shire councils.

Lighting of any fires in the open air or any other activities that may start a fire, including all open fires for the purpose of cooking, camping, incinerators, welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting is not permitted for the full 24 hour period

Welding Blanket A thermal blanket that is fire retardant, designed to inhibit the risk for fires when undertaking hot works. Used to extinguish small fires by covering the fire with the blanket.

Welding Screen Barrier used to protect employees outside of the work area from welding flash and grinding debris.

Work Encompasses all physical activity required to facilitate the cleaning, examination, inspection, investigation, testing, lubrication, maintenance or repair of plant or services.

Worker A person who carries out work in any capacity for or on behalf of the Water Corporation. A worker agrees to perform work at Water Corporation’s direction, instruction or request (whether express, implied, oral or in writing). These includes employees, contractor, subcontractors, employees of contractors and subcontractors, labour hire employees, apprentice and trainees, work experience student, outworker, or volunteer.

Workplace A place where any person is or may work. The workplace is defined by the extent of activities being conducted.

12 References Document Number Title

S022 Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

S 147 Noise and Vibration

S 398 Working Alone or in Isolation






Document Number Title

WC-OSH-135 Working in a Flammable Gas Area

S466 Confined Spaces Standard

S476 Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring

WC-OSH 007 Safe Job Planning

WC-OSH 010 OSH Incident Process (Notification, Investigation and Reporting)

WC-OSH 023 Clearance to Work on Water Corporation Assets

WC-OSH 024 Selection and Management of Contractors

13 Compliance Mapping Task Legislation

Hot Work Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 Environment Protection Act 1986 Bush Fire Act 1954

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1995 Environment Protection Regulations 1987 Gas Standards (Gas Supply and System Safety) Regulations 2000 Bush Fire (Infringements) Regulations 1978 Emergency Management Regulations 2006

Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace Code of Practice : Utility Providers 2010 Welding Electrical Safety, WTIA Technical Note No. 22, published by the Welding Technology Institute of Australia Health and Safety in Welding, WTIA Technical Note No.07 published by the Welding Technology Institute of Australia

AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment AS1335:1995 Hose and hose assemblies for welding, cutting and allied processes AS/NZS 1337: Eye protectors for industrial applications AS 1674.1 – 1997 Safety in Welding and Allied Processes. Part 1. Fire Precautions AS/NZS 3957: Light-transmitting screens and curtains for welding operations AS/NZS 4502: (series) Methods for evaluating clothing for protection against heat and fire. AS4289:1995 Oxygen and acetylene gas reticulation systems AS4839:2001 Safe use of portable and mobile oxy-fuel gas systems for welding, cutting, heating and allied processes AS/NZS 60079: (series) Explosive atmospheres

14 Document Revision History Document Revision History October 2017 Clarify mandatory controls to manage hot work and address Sentinel action (ACT-

046321). Jan 2018 Change to training requirements, incorporate Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban and issue

new Hot Work Permit.

http://aqua/link?doc=9716894









MOC # 18477859 To provide feedback about this Procedure, please email the S&W Management System Team on [email protected] or visit the Waterfront.

mailto:[email protected]



Appendix A Hot Work Permit




Appendix B Fire Extinguisher Guidance

Indicators

Extinguisher WATER FOAM DRY CHEMICAL CARBON DIOXIDE

Markings

Wood, Paper, Plastics

YES Limited YES Limited

Flammable Liquids NO YES YES Limited

Flammable Gasses NO NO YES Limited

Electrical Equipment NO NO YES YES

Cooking Oils, Fats NO YES YES Limited

HSEAA-P-134 Hot Work - watercorporation.com.au• Identify tasks that constitute hot work. • Perform a risk assessment before commencing a task. • Complete a hot work permit (when

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