Fire Safety - Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Hot Work Program

Summary: The purpose of this program is to establish “hot work” guidelines for work involving potential sources of ignition. These guidelines are meant to offer information regarding proper practice when working in “hot work” areas. The goal of this program is to provide employees, students, and contractors with the knowledge and information needed to establish and maintain a safe environment while performing permit-required hot work.

 

1. Program Description

The State University of New York at New Paltz has numerous instances in which students, staff, or contractors engage in projects that would be placed within the title of “hot work.” Any hot work, as defined by the NYS Fire Code, requires issuance of a permit from the Office of Emergency Management Prior to permit issuance, all personnel involved in hot work will receive training to “ensure that required hot work safety measures are taken to prevent fires and fire spread”, (as per NYSFC Section 3502.1). Permit issuance and program governance shall fall under the control of the Office of Emergency Management. Hot work and any impairment requests are required to be submitted 72 hours prior to the start of scheduled work to allow for scheduling within and pre-planning of the hot work area. It is the responsibility of the department performing the work to submit hot work permit requests within the stated timeframe to the Emergency Management department.

This program involves training, in conjunction with proper planning, application for permits, supervision, clean-up, and signage. Hot work has a high potential for injury and property loss if not performed safely, and SUNY New Paltz has great interest in protecting students, staff, and contractors from injury, as well as SUNY property from damage.

Students, staff, and contractors who require hot work permits will receive training according to the following schedule:

  • Prior to a person being designated as a qualified operator, as recognized by the Office of Emergency Management for the purpose of this program.
  • Prior to confirmation as a fire watch designee(s) for any single hot work site.
  • At any point when a student, staff member, or contractor is deemed to have insufficient knowledge or skills to perform hot work duties.
  • If a two year period has lapsed since the last training an individual has received through SUNY New Paltz.

2. Scope

The purpose of this program is to establish “hot work” guidelines for work involving potential sources of ignition (See section 7.1 for definition of hot work). These guidelines are meant to offer information regarding proper practice when working in “hot work” areas. The goal of this program is to provide employees, students, and contractors with the knowledge and information needed to establish and maintain a safe environment while performing permit-required hot work.

This program applies to all SUNY New Paltz facilities and properties, indoor and outdoor; owned, rented and leased, and is designed for all students, staff, contractors, and visitors who will be working in a hot work area.

     2.1 Excluded Hot Work Activities

  • This program does not cover the use of Bunsen burners in laboratory settings, and the use of electrical, desk-mounted soldering irons in laboratory or electronics workshop settings; so long as other safety measures are in place to mitigate the increased risk of fire with these activities. Please consult with the Office of Emergency Management to confirm that a lab or workshop has:
    • A fire extinguisher present in the lab or workshop
    • That the room is protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system.
    • An operable fire alarm detection system.
  • Appendix B, and C directly relate to the safe operation of electrical soldering irons and Bunsen burners to reduce the risk of fires and personal injuries.

If you are unsure if these exemptions apply, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 845-257-3310.

3. Responsibilities

The following individuals have responsibilities as part of the SUNY New Paltz hot work program.

3.1 SUNY Employees, Staff, Students, and Visitors

  • Employees, staff, students, and visitors must obey all signs and postings regarding hot work zones.
  • Employees, staff, students, and visitors must contact the Office of Emergency Management with any questions or concerns regarding safety at hot work sites.

3.2 Site Supervisor

  • Will represent the department, or contractual organization, assigned to perform the hot work and ensure compliance with the hot work program in its entirety.
  • Coordinate directly with the Office of Emergency Management to obtain any and all permits authorizing hot work. Site supervisors may have project managers from Design and Construction or Facility Operations complete hot work permit applications in their place.
  • Ensure authorization for hot work has been obtained at least 72 hours prior to hot work starting.
  • Coordinate with the Office of Emergency Management to ensure proper precautions or impairments are taken regarding fire alarm and fire suppression systems.
  • Responsible for the posting of hot work permits and warning signage for the site in accordance with the NYSFC 3503.6.
  • Coordinate with the fire watch designee(s) and qualified operator(s) to perform the pre-hot work site inspection, as required by NYSFC 3504.3.1.
  • Coordinate with the fire watch designee(s) to ensure proper maintenance and housekeeping of the site prior to and during the work.
  • Maintain proficiency in use of the on-site fire alarm system and fire reporting methods.
  • Maintain proficiency in evacuation procedures for the site.
  • Oversee completion of hot work, and follow any directions given by such persons as the Office of Emergency Management, UPD, OFPC, or New Paltz Fire Department regarding safety or hazards.
  • Coordinate with the Emergency Management department to ensure pre-hot-work check reports, permit copies, and training records are maintained for 2 years after work is complete.

3.3 Qualified Operator(s)

  • Coordinate with the site supervisor to ensure appropriate hot work permits and authorization of work are obtained through the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor ensure proper precautions are taken regarding the fire alarm system.
  • Complete all training as required by the New York State Fire Code (NYSFC), and the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Assist site supervisor with the pre-hot-work check of site, as required by NYSFC 3504.3.1.
  • Know potential hazards and hazard control measures of the hot work site.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor and fire watch designee(s) to ensure proper maintenance and housekeeping of the site prior to and during the work.
  • Coordinate with fire watch designee(s), and follow any direction given by such persons as the Office of Emergency Management, UPD, NYSOFPC, or New Paltz Fire Department regarding safety or hazards.
  • Maintain proficiency in use of fire extinguishers and the on-site fire alarm system and fire reporting methods.
  • Maintain proficiency in evacuation procedures for the site.
  • Follow PPE standards outlined in OSHA 1910.252 for appropriate clothing and protective equipment to be worn for the work being done to minimize the potential for bodily injury.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor to properly post hot work permit and warning signage for site.
  • Support and follow the hot work program under the direction of the Office of Emergency Management.

3.4 Fire Watch Designee(s)

  • Coordinate with the site supervisor to ensure appropriate hot work permits and authorization for work are obtained through the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor to ensure proper precautions are taken regarding the fire alarm system.
  • Complete all training as required by the New York State Fire Code (NYSFC), and the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Assist site supervisor with the pre-hot-work check of site, as required by NYSFC 3504.3.1.
  • Fire watch designee(s) may only be assigned the sole duty of performing fire watch duties at the hot work site(s) per NYSFC 3504.2.3.
  • Know potential hazards and hazard control measures of the hot work site.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor and qualified operator(s) to ensure proper maintenance and housekeeping of the site prior to and during the work.
  • Must be knowledgeable of the fire watch duties for the location(s) of hot work and required fire suppression equipment as outlined in NYSFC 3504.2.2-3504.2.6.
  • Ensure the presence of a minimum of one properly working ABC fire extinguisher within 30 feet of the location of the hot work as per NYSFC Section 3504.2.6.
  • Coordinate with the site supervisor, and follow any direction given by NYSOFPC, Office of Emergency Management, State University Police or New Paltz Fire Department personnel regarding safety or hazards.
  • Must adhere to NYSFC 3504.2.1, by continuing to check area for a minimum of 30 minutes after work has stopped.
  • Maintain proficiency in use of fire extinguishers and the on-site fire alarm system and fire reporting methods.
  • Maintain proficiency in evacuation procedures for the site.
  • Coordinate with the site supervisor to ensure the proper posting of the hot work permit and warning signage for site.
  • Support and follow the hot work program under the direction of the Office of Emergency Management.

3.5 Office of Emergency Management

  • Oversee and manage the implementation of this program and resolve any issues not covered in this program.
  • Ensure proper precautions are taken regarding fire alarm system.
  • Coordinate fire alarm system impairments with the Life Safety System Specialist where indicated.
  • Ensure that the hot work program is audited yearly, and updated if and when needed.
  • Oversee all training for hot work participants, as well as re-training those needing assistance.
  • Issue permits to applicants who conform to the hot work program in its entirety.
  • Provide appropriate extinguishers if needed for fire watch designee.
  • Perform site checks during work to ensure compliance with hot work program.
  • Order work stops if program violations are found that endanger safety.
  • Ensure proper compliance with Section 3501.3 of the NYSFC as it applies to restricted areas.
  • Ensure that pre-hot-work check reports are maintained on-site for a minimum of 48 hours after work is complete.
  • Coordinate with site supervisor to ensure pre-hot-work check reports, permit copies, and training records are maintained for 2 years after work is complete.

4. Program Components

4.1 Identifying Hot Work Sites

  • It is the responsibility of the department doing the work to identify if it is hot work; (see definitions.)
  • All hot work requires a permit, regardless if it is to be performed inside or outside.
  • Permits may be granted for a prescribed time period, in the case of temporary hot work sites, or for up to 30 days for fixed hot work sites. Extensions in time periods must be applied for once the initial permit is given.

4.2 Restrictions for Hot Work

  • As per NYSFC 3501.3, Hot work permits may not be issued for sites that have:
    • Areas where the sprinkler system is impaired.
    • Areas where combustible material is located within 35 feet.
    • Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids, or vapors are present.
    • Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust, saw dust, cardboard, or loose combustible materials.
    • Any confined space without special written authorization from Environmental Health and Safety.
    • Any area with floor openings or grates that are not properly sealed prior to application.
    • At other locations as specified by the Office of Emergency Management.

4.3 Labeling Hot Work Sites

  • Labeling must adhere to NYSFC section 3503.6. “Where the hot work area is accessible to persons other than the operator of the hot work equipment, conspicuous signs shall be posted to warn others before they enter the hot work area. Such signs shall display the following warning: “CAUTION-HOT WORK IN PROGRESS-STAY CLEAR.”
  • Signage must be placed conspicuously on all doors leading to hot work area.

4.4 Presence of Sprinklers in Hot Work Area, NYSFC Section 3504.1.8

  • “Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off while hot work is performed. Where hot work is performed close to automatic sprinklers, non- combustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of each day.” The Office of Emergency Management must first approve any sprinkler head shields.
  • Special precautions, (As approved by the Office of Emergency Management and Safety or NYSOFPC) shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.
  • If precautions are not satisfactory to prevent accidental activation, a fire alarm impairment request form must be submitted to the Office of Emergency Management for approval.

4.5 Presence of Fire Detection Equipment, NYSFC Section 3504.1.9

  • Special precautions, (As approved by the Office of Emergency Management and Safety or NYSOFPC) shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.
  • If precautions are not satisfactory to prevent accidental activation, a fire alarm impairment request form must be submitted to the Office of Emergency Management for approval.

 4.6 Emergency Procedures for Reporting Fire or Smoke

  • Upon recognizing fire or smoke, it is required that immediate notification is made to emergency responders by contacting University Police or Ulster county dispatch and pulling the nearest fire pull box. UPD can be reached at x2222 from a campus phone or at 845-257-2222 from a cellphone. Dialing 911 on a campus phone will contact UPD while dialing 911 on a cellphone will contact Ulster county dispatch. If it appears possible to extinguish the fire safely, the fire watch designee should attempt to do so. At no point should one place their life or safety in jeopardy for a fire.

5. Reporting Requirements

5.1 Records and Reporting Requirements

  • As per NYSFC 3503.5, pre-work check reports, and permits shall be maintained on site for a minimum of 48 hours after work is complete. The site supervisor shall turnover completed pre-work checks and all permits to the Office of Emergency Management for a two year record retention.

6. Training Requirements

6.1 Training Requirements

  • All students, staff, contractors and visitors who will be involved in hot work, or in a hot work area; are required to complete training in the use of portable fire extinguishers, as given by the Office of Emergency Management, as well as training in recognition of fire hazards, SUNY New Paltz fire alarm system and reporting.

7. Definitions

7.1 Hot Work

  • For the purpose of this guideline, “hot work” shall be defined as any work involving welding, cutting, torching, brazing, soldering, grinding, and all other similar applications producing or capable of producing a spark, flame, or heat, or explosion.
  • As previously mentioned, this Hot Work Program is not intended for the use of Bunsen burners in laboratory settings, and electrical, desk-mounted soldering in laboratory or electrical workshop settings. Refer to section 2.1 for more details.

 7.2 Hot Work Area/Site

  • The area exposed to sparks, hot slag, radiant heat, or convective heat as a result of the hot work.

 7.3 Housekeeping

  • Floors and areas in the vicinity of hot work shall be kept clean at all times.

 7.4 Fire Watch Designee

  • A person authorized by the Office of Emergency Management to provide fire watch protection will be authorized to serve as a fire watch designee. Individuals designated to fire watch duty shall have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment. Individuals assigned to fire watch duty shall be responsible for extinguishing spot fires and communicating an alarm by contacting University Police (x2222 or 911 from a campus phone, or 845-257-2222 from a cellphone) and pulling the nearest fire pull box to alert occupants of the emergency. All fires, regardless of size, shall be reported to UPD.

8. Temporary and Fixed Hot Work areas

8.1 Temporary and Fixed hot work areas

  • Per NYSFC 3503.2 The Office of Emergency Management has the authority to issue permits for temporary and fixed hot work areas where Hot Work is expected to be performed.
  • Temporary hot work permits shall be issued for hot work areas involving construction, maintenance or demolition.
  • Fixed hot work permits shall be issued to site supervisors who perform hot work on a routine basis in a specific location (i.e. The Auto Shop, the Scene Shop, etc).
  • All temporary and fixed hot work permits issued through OEM shall comply with this section.

8.2 Hot work program permit

  • It is the responsibility of the department or contractual organization to request hot work permits through the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Temporary site permits are to be renewed weekly and must follow all guidelines and restrictions outlined in the SUNY New Paltz Hot Work Program. Applicants must submit a new hot work permit request 72 hours prior to when the previous permit would expire.
  • OEM shall issue a six month blanket Hot Work Permit to designated supervisors for each fixed site.
  • Permits for temporary and fixed hot work sites will only continue to be issued if all sections of the Code are followed properly.
  • Permits must be posted conspicuously outside of the Hot Work area.
  • Permits shall be available for review by the code enforcement official at the time the work is conducted and for 48 hours after work is complete.

8.3 Qualifications of operators

  • Permits for hot work sites shall not be issued unless the “individuals in charge” of performing said hot work are capable of performing all duties safely. Demonstration of a working knowledge of the provisions outlined in the SUNY New Paltz Hot Work Program shall constitute acceptable evidence of compliance with NYSFC 3503.4.
  • Fixed hot work areas shall have the area supervisor designated as the “individual in charge”. That person, Supervisor of the Auto Shop, Technical Director of the Scene Shop, and Engineering Lab Supervisor are responsible to see that this program is followed within the fixed hot work sites.

8.4 Records

  • The individual in charge (Site supervisor or area supervisor) is responsible for the condition of the hot work area and shall maintain a prework check report on site for 48 hours after work is complete in accordance with NYSFC 3504.3.1.
  • The individual in charge shall coordinate with OEM to ensure “prework check” reports and any permits are retained for two years.

8.5 Signage

  • Visible hazard identification signs shall display “Caution Hot Work in Progress Stay Clear” in accordance with NYSFC 3503.6 when the hot work area is accessible to persons other than the qualified operator.
  • Temporary hot work sites shall display warning signage when the area cannot be restricted to the qualified operator and fire watch designee. Signage must be posted outside the hot work area at accessible points of entry from the general population.
  • For fixed hot work sites, the area is accessible to persons other than the qualified operator and fire watch designee in the Auto Shop, Scene Shop, and EIH. Therefore, conspicuous signage shall be posted to warn others before entering the hot work area when hot work scheduled.

8.6 Protection of Combustibles

  • The NYSFC outlines protective measures to be taken in hot work areas in sections 3504.1.1 through 3504.1.9. These protective measures shall be reviewed with applicants prior to issuance of a temporary or fixed hot work permit.
  • Pre hot work checks shall be completed at both temporary and fixed hot work sites prior to schedule work beginning. Pre-hot work checks shall be done in accordance with section 3504.3.1 of the NYSFC and can be found in section 8.9 of the SUNY New Paltz Hot Work Program.
  • 3504.1.1 Combustibles. Hot work areas shall not contain combustibles and shall be provided with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting exposed materials.
  • 3504.1.2 Openings. Openings or cracks in walls, floors, ducts or shafts within the hot work area shall be tightly covered to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent combustible areas, or shielded by metal fire-resistant guards, or curtains shall be provided to prevent passage of sparks or slag.
  • 3504.1.3 Housekeeping. Floors shall be kept clean within the hot work area.
  • 3504.1.4 Conveyor systems. Conveyor systems that are capable of carrying sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded or shut down.
  • 3504.1.5 Partitions. Partitions segregating hot work areas from other areas of the building shall be noncombustible. In fixed hot work areas, the partitions shall be securely connected to the floor and ceiling, such that no gap exists between the floor and the partition or the ceiling and the partition. Partitions shall prevent the passage of sparks, slag, and heat from the hot work area.
  • 3504.1.6 Floors. Fixed and temporary hot work areas shall have floors with noncombustible surfaces or a noncombustible floor covering.
  • 3504.1.7 Precautions in hot work. Hot work shall not be performed on containers or equipment that contains or has contained flammable liquids, gases or solids.
  • 3504.1.8 Sprinkler protection. Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off while hot work is performed. Where hot work is performed close to automatic sprinklers, noncombustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of each workday.
  • 3504.1.9 Fire detection systems. Approved special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.
    • Temporary Hot Work areas shall be required to submit impairment requests to the Office of Emergency Management when smoke heads need to be disabled. OEM and facilities require 72 hour notice for scheduling impairments to ensure staff availability
    • In each fixed Hot Work area, smoke detectors shall not be permitted to exist. Heat detectors shall be present to detect incidents of fire, however they must be located so as to avoid accidental activation.

8.7 Fire watch

Fire watches shall be established and conducted in accordance with Sections 3504.2.1 through 3504.2.6. This section shall address each applicable code section with guidelines as they pertain to a fire watch designee.

  • Fire watch designees shall be assigned for the hot work area(s) to report incidents of fire or emergencies. The Office of Emergency Management shall ensure that an appropriate number of trained fire watch designees are at each hot work area prior to permit issuance.
  • Fire watches shall be established and conducted in accordance with sections 3504.2.1 through 3504.2.6 of the NYSFC.
  • 3504.2.1 When Required. A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities and shall continue for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The code enforcement official, or the responsible manager under a hot work program, is authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed.
    • Section 3304.5.1 of the NYSFC authorizes the fire code official to require a fire watch designee(s) during nonworking hours for new construction that exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest adjacent grade. 
  • 3504.2.2 Location. The fire watch shall include the entire hot work area. Hot work conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to fire watches to ensure that exposed areas are monitored
  • 3504.2.3 Duties. Individuals designated to fire watch duty shall have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment. Individuals assigned to fire watch duty shall be responsible for extinguishing spot fires and communicating an alarm. All Hot Work requires a Fire Watch person and that person shall have an appropriate fire extinguisher within arms reach at all times. Fire Watch is the only task that the Fire Watch designee may participate in during the times that Hot Work is taking place.
  • 3504.2.4 Fire training. The individuals responsible for performing the hot work and individuals responsible for providing the fire watch shall be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.
    • Fire watch trainings shall be the responsibility of the Office of Emergency Management. Permits will not be issued until designees are appropriately trained.
    • Fire watch designees must undergo renewed fire watch training every two years to remain eligible. OEM will issue fire watch certifications cards to approved fire watch designees
  • 3504.2.6 Fire extinguisher. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be readily accessible within the location where hot work is performed.

8.9 Area reviews.

  • Before hot work is permitted and at least once per day while the permit is in effect, the area shall be inspected by the individual in charge.
  • Temporary hot work sites shall be inspected daily by the site supervisor or a qualified individual under the direction of the site supervisor.
  • Fixed hot work sites shall be inspected by the individual in charge. This shall be the Supervisor of the Auto Shop, Technical Director of the Scene Shop, and Engineering Lab Supervisor for their respective fixed hot work sites.
  • 35043.1 Pre-hot-work check. A pre-hot-work check shall be conducted prior to work to ensure that all equipment is safe and hazards are recognized and protected. A report of the check shall be kept at the work site during the work and available upon request. The pre-hot-work check shall determine all of the following:
    • Hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair.
    • Hot work site is clear of combustibles or combustibles are protected.
    • Exposed construction is of noncombustible materials or, if combustible, then protected.
    • Openings are protected.
    • Floors are kept clean.
    • No exposed combustibles are located on the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings or floors.
    • Fire watches are assigned.
    • Approved actions have been taken to prevent accidental activation of suppression and detection equipment.
    • Fire extinguishers are operable and available.
  • In accordance with Section 105.6 of the NYSFC, information shown on permit applications or requests for renewals shall be verified prior to signing the permit by the authorizing agency.
  • All incidents of fire, including small spot fires, must be reported to Scott Schulte or Matthew Alfultis in the Office of Emergency Management by telephone at 845-257-3310. This is required of both temporary and fixed hot work sites. Should it be determined that housekeeping is not being properly maintained, the Hot Work permit will be revoked. Failure to follow this program every time will result in the revocation of Hot Work permits.

Appendices

Appendix A: NYS Fire Code Excerpts 

  1. NYSFC Section 3502.1; Hot Work Program Definition: (See Definitions)
  2. NYSFC Section 3504.3.1; Pre-hot-work Check: A pre-hot-work check shall be conducted prior to work to ensure that all equipment is safe and hazards are recognized and protected. A report of the check shall be kept at the work site during the work and available upon request. The pre-hot-work check shall determine all of the following:
    • Hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair.
    • Hot work site is clear of combustibles or combustibles are protected.
    • Exposed construction is of noncombustible materials or, if combustible, then protected.
    • Openings are protected.
    • Floors are kept clean.
    • No exposed combustibles are located on the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings, or floors.
    • Fire watches, where required, are assigned.
    • Approved actions have been taken to prevent accidental activation of suppression and detection equipment in accordance with Sections 2604.1.8 and 2604.1.9
    • Fire extinguishers and fire hoses (where provided) are operable and available.
  3. NYSFC Section 3504.2.1; Fire Watch When Required: A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities and shall continue for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The code enforcement official, or the responsible manager under a Hot Work Program, is authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed.
  4. NYSFC Section 3504.2.2; Fire Watch Location: The fire watch shall include the entire hot work area. Hot work conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to fire watches to ensure that exposed areas are monitored.
  5. NYSFC Section 3504.2.3; Fire Watch Duties; Individuals designated to fire watch duty shall have fire extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment. Individuals assigned to fire watch duty shall be responsible for extinguishing spot fires and communicating an alarm.
  6. NYSFC Section 3504.2.4; Fire Watch Fire Training: The individuals responsible for performing the hot work and individuals responsible for providing the fire watch shall be trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers.
  7. NYSFC Section 3504.2.5; Fire Watch Fire Hoses: Where hose lines are required, they shall be connected, charged and ready for operation.
  8. NYSFC Section 3504.2.6; Fire Watch Fire Extinguishers: A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be readily accessible within 30 feet (9144mm) of the location where hot work is performed.
  9. NYSFC Section 3501.3; Restricted Areas: Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designated or authorized for that purpose by the personnel responsible for a Hot Work Program. Hot work shall not be conducted in the following area unless approval has been obtained from the code enforcement official:
    • Areas where sprinkler system is impaired.
    • Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids, or vapors are present.
    • Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust, or loose combustible materials.
    • On board ships at dock or ships under construction or repair.
    • At other locations as specified by the code enforcement
  10. NYSFC Section 3503.6; Signage: Visible hazard identification signs shall be provided where required by Chapter 27. Where the hot work area is accessible to persons other than the operator of the hot work equipment, conspicuous signs shall be posted to warn others before they enter the hot work area. Such signs shall display the following warning: “CAUTION-HOT WORK IN PROGRESS-STAY CLEAR.”
  11. NYSFC Section 3504.1.8; Sprinkler Protection: Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off while hot work is performed. Where hot work is performed close to automatic sprinklers, non- combustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of each day.
  12. NYSFC Section 3504.1.9; Fire Detection Systems: Approved special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.
  13. NYSFC Section 3503.5; Records: The individual responsible for the hot work area shall maintain “pre-work check” reports in accordance with section with Section 3504.3.1. These reports shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 48 hours after work is complete.