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This post was last edited by yinkuilin6868 on 2016-2-18 at 10:53. Generally speaking, \"hot work\" refers to those tasks that involve the use of open flames or tools that can generate high heat or sparks. Typical examples include: welding, cutting, and even the use of electric drills, angle grinders, etc. To ensure the safety of every piece of work involving open flames and to prevent serious accidents such as smoking, fires, or explosions, it is essential that everyone involved fulfills their responsibilities thoroughly. Since it is said to be “everyone,” it certainly includes more than just the operator himself. Generally, these include: “manager,” “authorizer,” “operator,” and “monitor.” Managers (Management), also known as persons responsible for management. It is responsible for ensuring that hot work is carried out safely. Both a manager and the ultimate person responsible. Therefore, in many organizations, the General Manager or Plant Manager serves in this role. The Permit issuer is responsible for issuing fire work permits to the actual persons carrying out the fire work. It is generally held by the head of the department directly responsible for safety and fire prevention. Upon issuance, it is necessary to verify the location of the hot work, the tools to be used, the qualifications of the operators, and the training on safety precautions, etc. Operator: The person who actually performs the hot work. In addition to completing the prescribed tasks, in terms of safety management, it is necessary to fully comply with all relevant safety regulations. Fire watch: The fire watch person must remain at the site where welding or cutting work is being carried out from the time preparations begin and the work starts, until 30 minutes after the work is completed. Special identifiers are generally worn to distinguish them from ordinary workers. He must not perform any tasks; his sole responsibility is to ensure that all necessary conditions for fire prevention are maintained (removal of combustibles, provision of spark-arresting devices and fire extinguishers, verification of compliance with safety standards by actual operators, etc.). Additionally, he must constantly monitor the work site and, in the event of smoke or a fire, take immediate action to put it out. Having talked about the “people” involved in hot work, next, let’s discuss the “locations” where hot work takes place. Designated hot work area: Any hot work should be carried out preferentially in this area. In Japanese-style organizations, it is generally referred to as a “place for regular use of fire.” Generally speaking, it should be a separate space (isolated from other areas) ； This area, which is made of flame-retardant or fire-resistant materials and contains no combustible substances whatsoever, is a designated area for hot work operations. It is generally also equipped with exhaust systems, fire-fighting facilities, etc. Hot work carried out in this area generally does not require approval. However, many organizations with strict fire safety requirements also mandate that prior applications be submitted and approved for any hot work conducted in this area. However, since it is a designated hot work area that meets basic fire prevention requirements, the period of approval for it can be relatively long. For example, a month. Other hot work areas (Permit-required hot work areas): For any hot work carried out in areas other than the designated hot work zones, a prior application must be submitted and approval (Permit) obtained for each instance. Approval for hot work is issued by the permit issuer mentioned earlier. Confined spaces are certain specific areas, such as those where hazardous materials are stored or areas adjacent to equipment that produces flammable gases (such as hydrogen), where the risk of fire or explosion is high; these areas are referred to as confined spaces. However, when welding work must be carried out for certain special reasons (such as equipment maintenance), additional approval is required (often granted by the person in charge of management), and additional safety measures must be implemented before work can proceed. Furthermore, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided for those performing hot work, depending on the nature of the task (fire-resistant clothing, fire-resistant gloves, goggles, safety shoes, welding helmets, etc.). The above discusses some basic management points for hot work. At the same time, it should be noted that the basic principles regarding personnel, locations, and protective equipment mentioned above apply not only to employees within the organization but also to contractors. Therefore, training on it is not only highly necessary but should also be an important part of the hot work approval process.