Firechief has launched a Hot Work Kit – the first ‘all in one’ kit developed especially for contractors and tradesmen who carry out Hot Work on site. Each Hot Work Kit contains everything needed to do Hot Work safely – all wrapped up in a handy carry to site bag.
• 2kg ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher – approved to EN3
• 1.2 x 1.8m high performance industrial Fire Blanket, tested & approved to BSEN1869:1997 Annex C Fire Performance Test
• Plastic pocket for storage of Hot Work Permit forms
Why do you need a Hot Work Kit?
Welding, soldering, brazing, grinding and drilling are all known as ‘Hot Work’ and all pose fire risks – especially when working in areas containing flammable or combustible materials.
Hot Work is governed by strict safety regulations and by law all employers and self-employed contractors must assess the fire risks in a work area, obtain or self-complete a Hot Work permit for each job and ensure that the necessary fire safety equip¬ment is on site in case of an incident. Those who don’t comply can be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), sentenced, fined and even jailed.
If your Hot Work is unavoidable, you must have a Hot Work Permit in place BEFOFE any work starts. A Hot Work Permit is completed and issued by someone who understands the fire risks fully – such as the site supervisor or the contractor responsible for the work – and summarises what work is to be carried out, when and what precautions are needed.
So, if you are responsible for completing a Hot Work Permit on a site, what should you consider?
Remove or reduce the fire risk
It is important to minimize risk as much as possible. Ideally, try to carry out all the Hot Work before most of the combustible material gets onto site or have a special area where all Hot Work is done or even better carry out all the Hot Work off site.
Protect, cover or shield
Give special consideration to coverings such as polythene which are weather proof but not fire proof as well as flammable liquids and acetylene which are another risk and be shielded or better still, stored off site.
Risks on larger sites
On larger sites, temporary buildings and cabins are also a risk as they usually contain heaters, fires and paperwork so whenever possible they should be separated from the new construction. There must also be site security to guard against arson as this is the most significant fire risk.
Fire risk assessments carried out on construction sites may need to be updated frequently as construction progresses; for example, escape routes and emergency procedures may need changing and emergency procedures too, and give consideration to inspecting the escape route on a weekly basis to ensure it is clear and that you have the best means of warning workers in case of emergency
The Firechief range of products set the standard for those who are seeking competitively priced, superior quality, UK-approved fire safety products. Look out for the Firechief brand for products you can trust to help keep you safe. Contact sales@firechiefglobal.com or call us on 0330 999 0019