Managing the Risks of Hot Works

Understanding Hot Works

Hot works refer to any activity that involves open flames, sparks, or the production of heat. Common examples include welding, soldering, grinding, the use of blow torches, and cutting discs. These activities pose significant fire hazards, making proper risk management essential.

Do You Conduct Hot Works?

While your business may not directly engage in hot works, you could still be exposed to associated risks through contractors performing maintenance or repair tasks. Roofing is a prime example of work that frequently involves heat application. If you're unsure whether a job involves hot works, always seek clarification from the contractor before the job begins.

Since urgent repairs may leave little time for due diligence, it's critical to have safety measures in place in advance.

Essential Safety Measures

To mitigate risks, businesses should implement the following precautions:

• Hot Work Permit: Every hot work activity should be accompanied by a completed and retained permit. This document ensures that all safety controls are in place before work begins.
• Contractor Liability Insurance: Obtain and store a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage in case of an incident.
• Fire Prevention Measures: Establish fire watches, remove combustible materials from the work area, and provide fire extinguishers nearby.

Why Are Insurers Concerned About Hot Works?

Insurance risk surveys often require businesses to have a hot work permit system in place. The reasoning is clear, hot works are a leading cause of major fires in commercial and industrial settings.

Beyond property damage, hot works can also pose risks of burns and fume inhalation, affecting worker safety. Insurers expect contractors to have comprehensive risk assessments to ensure safe work practices. According to Zurich’s claims data, 15% of all commercial and industrial fires are caused by hot works, often due to poor safety practices and inadequate risk controls.

How We Can Help

At Quality Care Group, we offer support to help businesses manage their hot works risks effectively:

• Hot Work Permit Template: We provide a standard hot work permit that can be adapted to your specific requirements.
• Insurance Policy Review: We assist in reviewing contractors’ insurance policies to ensure they have adequate coverage in place.

By proactively managing hot works risks, businesses can safeguard their premises, employees, and financial stability. If you need guidance on implementing a hot work permit system or reviewing contractor insurance, get in touch with our risk management team today on 01273 424904.