Hot work is work involving cutting tools, such as angle grinders, arc welding, hot-air, gas torches, and more. Sparks or flames can be produced during such work, posing explosion and fire hazards.
Hot work involves significant risk for employees. Therefore, by law, a risk assessment must always be carried out before such work begins.
All procedures must be carefully reviewed to reduce the risk of fire before hot work starts.
Preparation and work
Combustible materials should be removed whenever possible; otherwise, they must be covered or wetted before cutting work or work with an open flame begins. This also applies to:
Combustible material produced during the work, such as packaging and wooden pallets from roofing work
Gas cylinders that are not in use
During cutting work, glowing metal particles (slag) can travel long distances. Therefore, you should always consider where the slag might land and take appropriate measures before the cutting work begins.
During welding and cutting work, the work clothing itself can catch fire. Therefore, employees must wear work clothing that can withstand the slag produced during cutting or welding. This applies to gloves, footwear, and coveralls.
Care must be taken during welding and cutting work to prevent slag from falling into pockets, folds of clothing, shoes, or inside gloves.
At least two fire extinguishers suitable for the task must be available.
The fire extinguishers must be no more than 10 meters from the work area.
A designated employee must be assigned the role of monitoring fire hazards during work. They must be informed about what this role entails.
Fire and explosion hazards can result from the presence of gas and oxygen. When working with gas during welding, caution must be taken, and all appropriate safety equipment must be used.
Gas cylinders must be equipped with flashback arrestors that prevent flame from traveling back into the cylinder. There must also be a one-way valve in the handle for both the gas and oxygen hoses.
After use, the oxygen and gas cylinders must always be closed.
Hoses must be inspected regularly and replaced as needed. Gas and oxygen hoses can leak, and in enclosed spaces, this poses a serious fire and explosion hazard.
Oil and grease must never be used on equipment connected to oxygen. Oxygen can react with the oil, creating a fire and/or explosion hazard.
Only approved equipment should be used for gas and oxygen.
Gas cylinders at the worksite
When gas cylinders are not in use, they must be stored in a safe location. The worksite is not a storage place for gas intended for later use.
Gas cylinders in use must always be protected from tipping or falling.
If gas cylinders are on a cart, they must be securely fastened to it.
Cutting and welding work produce air pollution. Proper ventilation must always be ensured during such work.
It is not advisable to cut or weld galvanized steel with a torch.
Fixed welding stations should be equipped with local exhaust ventilation.
For occasional welding work, portable extraction equipment should be used.
When cutting or welding in confined spaces, fresh air should always be blown in, along with using exhaust ventilation at the cutting or welding site.
Ventilation must be considered, and a respirator should be used when working with an angle grinder.
Work involving welding or cutting in confined spaces—such as tanks, cylinders, or boilers—poses specific explosion and fire hazards.
Before beginning any cutting or welding work in a confined space, it must be ensured that no flammable residues—such as fuel or similar substances—are present. In tanks where fuel or other combustible materials have been stored, gas measurements must be taken before work begins to confirm that no explosive atmosphere is present
It is not advisable to weld electrically on a damp surface. Electrical conductivity can occur between the welder and the welding equipment.
It is essential to wear dry gloves when changing the welding wire.
Care must be taken to ensure that the welding torch is insulated.
The welding rod stub must be removed from the welding torch before it is set aside.
Common accidents with angle grinders occur when the cutting or grinding disc contacts the operator's hand or other body parts. This most often happens when the guard is removed from the grinder or when hands are used to support the piece being cut or ground instead of using tools.
Cutting or grinding often produces sparks, which pose fire and explosion hazards.
Combustible materials near the work area must be removed, covered, or wetted. Fire extinguishers should be available nearby.
Proper ventilation must be ensured.
Clothing and personal protective equipment that can withstand sparks from grinding and cutting must be used. It is recommended to use a respirator or face shield, as particles can get under the goggles. Goggles alone do not protect the face.
Both hands must always be on the angle grinder while working. If it is necessary to secure the piece being cut or ground, use clamps, vices, or other suitable tools.
It is forbidden to remove the guard from the angle grinder.
Most angle grinders have a handle for holding the tool. It is unsafe to remove the handle and use the grinder without it.
Angle grinders are not suitable for work in tight spaces.
When changing the disc on an angle grinder, care must be taken to ensure it does not accidentally start. The grinder must always be disconnected from power while changing discs.
Consider the surrounding environment and other personnel. Shield yourself or adjust your working method to ensure that no other staff are put at risk.
A 60-minute fire watch is important after cutting work or working with an open flame.
It must be ensured that all material that has been melted, welded, or cut is completely cool before leaving the site.
Those on fire watch must have a fire extinguisher readily available.
The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health, in collaboration with the Housing and Construction Authority, has published wall posters with safety precautions for hot work (PDF).
The posters are A3 in size. They are available in both vertical and horizontal formats, as well as in Icelandic, English, and Polish.
In Icelandic
Er öryggið í lagi? Lóðrétt (A3)
Er öryggið í lagi? Lárétt (A3)
In English
In Polish
Service provider
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health