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hot work site , who is serving in an interim capacity, calls for responsible leadership roles
The use of a temporary fire workplace is occasionally necessary for industrial and construction projects, but only if the fire work cannot be carried out in a permanent fire workplace. Koccasional repairs and maintenance of plant, machinery and equipment may create the need for a temporary fire station. However, its safe and successful use requires careful planning, compliance with safety requirements and close supervision. This blog post discusses the definition of a temporary fire workplace, safety requirements and best practices.
Fire work at a temporary fire site is only permitted if it cannot be carried out at a permanent fire site. The high temperatures generated by fire-fighting equipment and methods always pose a significant fire risk. Before starting work, it is therefore advisable to considerwhether the work can be carried out by an alternative, safer method.If this is not possible, the establishment of a temporary fire workplace and its use in accordance with the instructions is key to maintaining safety at work in order to minimise the risks and ensure that the work is carried out in a fire-safe manner.
What is a temporary hot work site?
When hot work site does not meet the regulations for a permanent hot work site, it is designated as a temporary hot work site. Such a site may be a construction site, an industrial facility, or another work site where a permanent hot work site is not available. The goal of a temporary hot work site is to create a safe environment where fires can be easily prevented from starting and spreading.
A person performing hot work at a temporary hot work site must always hold a valid certificate of completion of a safety training course approved by the Finnish National Rescue Association, which is obtained upon passing the course. hot work permit and written, temporary hot work permit. Both large and small companies must have hot work plan, which sets out guidelines for the safe performance of hot work at both permanent and temporary hot work sites.
Important roles of the temporary fire workplace
Key Roles at a Temporary Hot Work Site while working are the issuer of the hot work permit, the security guard, and the hot work operator. The individuals assigned to these roles are identified in the company’s hot work plan, and roles may also be combined as needed. However, a hot work operator cannot serve as the issuer of a hot work permit, nor, as a rule, as a hot work supervisor. When hot work is performed at a temporary hot work site, a hot work operator and a hot work supervisor must always be present on site. Only a few exceptional situations may arise in roofing and waterproofing work.
The role of the fire permit holder is very important and responsible in the work of a temporary fire station, but equally, the worker and the guard must recognise the dangers of the work and follow the instructions given in carrying out the work.
The fire permit issuer:
- must have a firefighter’s licence
- must be trained and experienced in recognising the risks of fire work
- be able to define safety measures for the safe execution of fire work
- ensure that the person carrying out the fire work has a valid firefighter’s licence
- check that the safety measures specified in the firearms permit have been implemented before starting work.
- order a fire watch
- a sufficient number of initial fire-fighting equipment must be specified for the scope of the work and the site
- ensure compliance with the fire plan during the work and also during breaks in the work
Firefighter:
- must hold a firefighter’s licence (Temporary certificate of successful completion of fire safety training.
- must be trained and experienced in recognising the hazards of fire work and carrying out fire work safely
- be aware of the contents of the fire plan and be able to follow it
- must ensure a fire watch
- must know how to use basic fire-fighting equipment
Fireman:
- no need to have a firefighter’s licence
- understand the risks of fire work and its environment
- know the contents of the fire plan and be able to follow it
- be able to stop the fire if necessary and make an emergency declaration
- must know how to use basic fire-fighting equipment
- prevent the spread of sparks during the work
- provide for the guarding of the site during the work and for the important after-guarding of the site
Guarding can be done by an employee of the contractor or client, a guard working for a guarding company, or an employee of a factory fire department. You can also get fire protection for your project from Protect.We have trained fire and rescue professionals to provide safety and after-sales services. Contact us and let’s take stock of the situation together.
Preparing for fire work at a temporary fire site
- Cleaning, Protecting, and Isolating the Area: All flammable materials not related to the work must be removed from the hot work site; all flammable materials must be protected; any gaps in structures must be sealed; and, ideally, the area surrounding hot work site should be isolated using non-combustible protective materials. This may include welding screens, metal shielding plates, or other fire-protective materials.
- Fire detectors and fire extinguishing systems: to prevent false alarms, the fire detector and fire extinguishing system can be switched off during the work.
- Fire risk assessment: a thorough risk assessment should be carried out before starting fire work to identify potential fire risks and define the necessary safety measures.
- Initial fire-fighting equipment: a sufficient number of functional and compliant initial fire-fighting equipment, such as hand-held extinguishers and fire blankets, must be available at the fire workplace. In particular, the fire watchman must know how to use the fire extinguishers properly when the situation so requires.
- Staff skills: people carrying out fire work must be properly trained and hold a valid firefighter’s licence and understand the risks of fire work.
- Guarding: there must be constant supervision during the fire work, including during breaks in the work. After the work has been completed, post-work surveillance shall continue for at least one hour to check for possible backfires.
When preparing for fire work, it is also a good idea to read the safety instructions of your company’s own insurance company to ensure that everything necessary to avoid risks has been taken into account..
A firearms licence must always be issued in writing
A hot work permit is issued always in writing, either electronically or on paper. If the permit is issued on paper, it must be prepared in at least four copies and distributed to everyone involved in the hot work. In renovation projects, one copy must also be provided to the client of the construction project.
A hot work permit is always required fixed-term and assigned to a specific hot work site. The permit is noted duration of hot work and Types of hot work used on the job, and only these activities are permitted under that permit. Hot work permit shall be appointed also all persons involved in the firefighting efforts: the person issuing the hot work permit, the hot work operator, the hot work supervisor, and any person conducting post-work monitoring.
The first step is for the fire permit holder to identify and assess the risks and hazards posed by the fire work and to determine the necessary safety measures.The safety measures must be recorded in the firework permit and made known to all those involved in the firework before the start of the work. No fire work may commence until the fireman and the fire warden have verified that the safety measures specified in the permit have been considered and implemented.
If any factor changes during the period of validity of the firearms licence, the firearms licence issuer must update the firearms licence to reflect the changes made. The fire permit must therefore always be up to date.
Contact us, and together we will identify the needs of your business.
Read also on the guidelines and regulations for a permanent fire workplace