Unsafe hot work is one of the leading causes of fires, often resulting in complete losses to properties, significant business interruption and loss of customers.

Your first consideration should be to evaluate all other alternatives and choose a safer option such as bolting, hydraulic shears or reciprocal saw, mechanical clamps, threaded pipe or tube connections, non-torch-applied roofing systems, and filing (depending on the application).

If you must perform hot work, notify your facilities/plant manager or a designated leader of your emergency organization prior to starting the work. Hot work includes any work that produces sparks, heat or uses an open flame. Many rooftop repairs on roofing, drains, HVAC and signs involve hot work. Other hot work examples include cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, grinding and thawing pipe.

Before proceeding with hot work, complete the following procedures:

• Prescreen all contractors. Review their safety and loss records. Require contractors to carry suitable and sufficient liability insurance coverage to replace your property.
  
  
• Select a fire safety supervisor (from your company and approved by management) to coordinate hot work operations and monitor safety. Train contractors in the hazards and protection issues at your facility.
  
  
• Notify the property manager/landlord (if a leased facility).
  
  
• If you are an Affiliated FM client, call your local Affiliated FM office–see Office Directory.
  
  
• Follow the precautions checklist and use an FM Global Hot Work Permit System to ensure hot work is effectively managed throughout the process. This item is available free to Affiliated FM clients and can be ordered online or through FM Global customer services: (1)877 364 6726 (Canada and the United States) or +1 (1)781 255 6681 (worldwide). (Please use reference code: P9311)
  
  

For additional information please see our Learning from Losses section