Hot Work Different types of 'Hot Work' can be carried out in the workplace. Hot work is a process that can be a source of ignition and, if flammable material is present, it can be a fire hazard. Common types of hot work in the workplace include welding, soldering, cutting, grinding, and drilling. To help in prevention of an accidental fire occurring, safe systems of work and the issue of a permit to work may be put in place. Sources of fuel Sources of fuel that are quite commonly found in the workplace include: Paper and Cardboard This appears as one of the most common types of fuel found in the workplace. It is widely found in waste, and due to poor housekeeping it can accumulate in the form of old papers and bits of torn cardboard. Stored materials may include stationary, and packaging materials. Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings They are found in the offices, rest rooms, workstations. These can be made from plastics and other potentially Wall and ceiling linings can be made from combustible materials and therefore will affect the speed of fire and smoke spread. It may be necessary to protect the escape routes against fire and smoke by upgrading the construction of the floors, walls, and ceilings to a fire resisting standard. Any holes in fire resisting floors or walls, such as pipework openings, should be filled with fire resisting materials to prevent spread of fire, heat, and smoke. Electrical Insulations They consist of materials that easily burn when exposed to a flame. Faulty or overloaded electrical equipment can provide a source of heat and fuel from the insulation itself. Structural Materials Commonly used are timber, building boards, wall, and ceiling linings, which use plastics. All these materials if they are not protected can easily ignite. Piped Gas Supply Most workplaces will have a piped gas supply, which may serve ovens, cookers, and boilers within the workplace. If these are not properly installed and maintained, there is a danger of fire, explosion, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Cylinders of Flammable Gas It will depend on the nature of the workplace if this is stored or used. Compressed gas cylinders contain gas stored under pressure, which can release certain hazards in the workplace, such as fire or explosion due to the release of flammable gases near ignition sources, spontaneous combustion from oxidising, exposure of toxic or corrosive gases and asphyxiation by displacement of oxygen. combustible materials. Wall and Ceiling Linings
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