DID YOU KNOW?
NFPA estimates that hot work caused an average of 4,580 structure fires per year, resulting in 22 deaths [1]
STAY INFORMED
- Each year, dozens of deaths and injuries occur as a result of hot work. [1]
- Hot work includes welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, torching, and other tasks involving flames, heat, or sparks.
- Hazards can include material combusting, flammable vapors igniting, fire spreading, and even explosions when work is performed on tanks, vessels, piping, and other enclosed equipment with hazardous residues.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Before performing hot work, consider alternative options that do not create heat, flame, or sparks
- Inspect and prepare the area to remove combustible material
- Verify that required permits, atmospheric testing, and approvals are complete before work begins
- Have a suitable fire extinguisher ready along with a trained fire watch when required