HSE Management System

Hot
Work

Ref:
Rev 0 (Sept
2015)

Page 1 of 6

Introduction
Mauritanian Copper Mines S.A. recognizes a potential for fire from hot work
operations. For that reason this program should be implemented in all
departments at the to protect employees and property from fire resulting from
hot work operations. This program applies to hot work activities in each
department that meet the criteria set forth by the written program. The
program will also apply to outside contractors that provide a service to the
facility by performing hot work operations. This program does not apply to
designated areas that have been equipped for such operations, i.e.
maintenance shops designated welding areas. The designated areas will be
defined by department supervisors in correlation with Occupational Safety and
Health. Hot work operations conducted outside the designated areas should
only occur when all other means to perform the task have been exhausted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOT WORK PROGRAM
1.0
Purpose... 2
2.0
References...
2
3.0

Definitions .. 2

4.0
Responsibilities .....
2
5.0
Procedure .. 3
5.1 General
5.2 Activity Requiring a Hot Work Permit
5.3 Situations when Hot Work is not permitted
5.4 Situations when Hot Work is allowed with Restrictions
5.5 Fire Watch 4
5.6 Hot Work Permit Administration
5
5.6.1
Restrictions / Conflicting Work
5.6.2
Change In Operating Status
5.6.3
Suspension / Re-Validation / Handover.
6.0
TRAINING .... 6
6.1
Initial Training
6.2
Refresher Training
7.0

Program Evaluation.7

8.0

..

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1 | Page

9.0

Appendix A: Employee Training Form

Appendix B: Hot Work Permit
Appendix C: Hot Work Audit Checklist

HSE Management System

Hot
Work

Ref:
Rev 0 (Sept
2015)

Page 2 of 6

1. PURPOSE & SCOPE

The purpose of this program is to provide guidance for persons, including outside
contractors and property managers, who manage, supervise, and perform hot work
operations. The program will establish written procedures and a permit system to
prevent fires resulting from hot work operations involving open flames or
operations that may produce heat or sparks set forth by the following standards
OSHA 1910.252, OSHA 1926.352. This procedure provides details on the
implementation of the h o t work permit system. It encompasses hot work activities
on or immediately adjacent to all Company assets and facilities and addresses safe
welding areas, simultaneous operations, gas levels, etc. so that hot work activities
may be undertaken in a safe manner.
2. REFERENCES
Permit to Work System Ref:
XXXX
Hot Work Permit Ref: XXXX
3. DEFINITIONS
Hot Work - any welding, cutting, burning, grinding or any other activity involving
open flames, sparks or other ignition sources which may cause smoke, fire, an
explosion or which may trigger detection systems.
Fire Watch A trained competent person who maintains a continuous and
thorough inspection of an area during hot work or potentially hazardous operations,
with the purpose of safe-guarding personnel and equipment.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure the requirements of this procedure are fully implemented onsite

Safety

Verify that all planning for hot work has taken into account any
simultaneous operations or conflicting work. Ensure conflicting work is
Obtain and complete the Hot Work Permit
controlled or ceased to prevent interfering with hot work. Ensure hot
and associated certificates or checklists in
work is ceased when necessary to perform other tasks
accordance
withafter
the Permit
to Work
Review Hot Work Permits and
approve only
ensuring
all safety
Along with the fire watch and others involved in the job, thoroughly check
precautions have been taken. Ensure permit protocol is followed as per
the hot work area and remove or isolate any combustible materials;
the Permit
to Work System.
Permit
Holder
Implement necessary safety precautions and complete the work in
2 | Page
accordance with this procedure and the Job Safety Analysis;
This document is UNCONTROLLED when printed. Verify revision before use.
Upon completion of the job, ensure the job site has been left in a
satisfactory condition and Fire Watch duties continue as required.

Fire Watch

Perform only the duties of fire watch during welding, burning or other hot
work and for 30 minutes after the hot work ends;
Be familiar with the assigned responsibilities of the Fire Watch and all safe
work practices noted on the Hot Work Permit and Risk assessment

HSE Management System

Hot
Work

Ref:
Rev 0 (Sept
2015)

Page 3 of 6

5. PROCEDURE
5.1 General
Performing hot work involves the following general steps:
Specifying the work to be done and the equipment to be used when
applying for the hot work permit (see Appendix A Completing a Hot Work
Permit)
Specifying the precautions to be taken to prepare the work site and the
precautions to be adhered to while completing the work.
Completing preparatory work, checking that the facility can safely be
worked on and that prescribed personal safety precautions have been
taken, including the use of a Fire Watch.
Giving permission for the work to start by signing a declaration on the permit
Checking the safety of work in progress, the validity of the hot work
permits and certificates, and verifying that all precautions are being
adhered to.
On the completion of work, assuring that the job site has been left in a
satisfactory condition and withdrawing the Hot Work Permit.
Please note that for welding workshop and welding designated area, a work
permit is not required. However, each of such places must receive written
approval from Safety in order to register places where it is allowed to do
Hot Work without permit and be sure that the place is adapted.
5.2 Activity Requiring a Hot Work
Permit
A Hot Work Permit is required for all types of hot work listed below. However,
the list is not exhaustive and it is ultimately up to the Safety Team to
determine when other activities may require a Hot Work Permit.
Gas welding, burning and cutting operations
Electrical Welding
Use of non-intrinsically safe equipment in Zone 1 or Zone 2 Area.

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3 | Page

 Chipping / Abrasive Blasting / Spray painting in process or on/near

vessels containing hydrocarbons.
Hot work in a Confined Space
All hot work must have a Risk Assessment done. Any other additional
requirement for protection, precaution and preparation to do the hot work
shall be determined by the Safety Team when applying for a hot work permit.
5.3 Situations when Hot Work is not permitted
Hot work must cease when portable gas detection systems indicate the
presence of combustible gas in the atmosphere at or above 5% of the lower
explosive limit (LEL). Furthermore, hot work is not permitted when activities
listed below are occurring on the immediate area:

Bunkering flammable materials

xxx

Note! - Hot work is not allowed within 60 (18m) of the STAR station, lines or vents during
transfer of fuel oil or any other flammable material.

5.4 Situations when Hot Work is allowed with Restrictions

Hot work may be performed simultaneously with other operations provided
certain restrictions are acknowledged and followed. Examples include hot
work nearby spray painting operatio

This document is UNCONTROLLED when printed. Verify revision before use.

4 | Page

5.5 Fire Watch

A Fire Watch must be posted during welding, burning or cutting activities or
when otherwise necessary during other hot work activities. The Fire Watch is
responsible for the following:
Be familiar with the assigned responsibilities of the Fire Watch and all
conditions noted on the Hot Work Permit, Risk assessment, etc.
During job preparation, assist the craft (welder, etc.) with removal or
isolation of combustible materials from the hot work area;
Have appropriate, properly maintained fire extinguishing equipment
readily available (portable fire extinguisher at the hot work location) and
know the location of nearby fixed firefighting equipment and be trained in
their use.
Be familiar with the procedures for shutting down equipment used during
hot work (welding equipment, etc.) in case of an emergency
Perform only the duties of the fire watch during the hot work activity
and for 30 minutes after hot work ends to detect and extinguish any
smoldering fires, etc. During this time, remain in the hot work area at all
times and maintain a clear view of and immediate access to all areas
included in the fire watch
Continuously monitor for portable gas detector alarms, heat transfer,
falling slag, sparks, smoke, smoldering materials, or other obvious signs of
incipient stage fire or fire precursors during Fire Watch duties
Immediately notify the welder of any hazardous or emergency conditions
near the hot work area and stop all hot work when necessary
In the event of a fire, notify personnel, sound alarm (announce location of
the fire), extinguish the fire if safe to do so with available equipment until
the fire team arrives.
5.6 Hot Work Permit Administration
Refer to Appendix A for instructions on completing a Hot Work Permit
5.6.1 Restrictions / Conflicting Work
It is important to ensure that any one activity does not conflict with
another. To control this, both the Safety and the PH must be aware of
potential interaction and should check when a Permit is prepared whether
it impinges upon a current Work Permit or activity.
Consideration should be given to the number and types of Permits
issued. Due to the limited number of supervisory personnel available, it
may be necessary to limit the number of Permits current (valid) at any
one time. However, this will depend largely on the overall work program,
as well as the specific jobs to be undertaken, and it is ultimately up to
the Safety to determine how many activities may be carried out safely
at the same time.
Restriction on the number of activities which are inherently dangerous
is critical. This includes activities such as hot work in a hazardous area,
work in confined spaces... The limited number of supervisory personnel
available, as well as the limited ability to respond to simultaneous
emergencies, suggests that these types of activities should only be
carried out concurrently with a great deal of enhanced control.

5.6.2 Change In Operating Status

The sounding of the General Alarm, or the occurrence of other
emergency situations, mandates that all Permits must be immediately
withdrawn. Following such emergency

HSE Management System

Hot
Work

Ref:
Rev 0 (Sept
2015)

Page 5 of 6

situations (except for drills), all hot work permits are invalid and new
permits must be completed before hot work can recommence.
All hot work must stop immediately upon detection by a portable gas
detector of combustible gas in the atmosphere greater than or equal to
5% of the LEL.
5.6.3 Suspension / Re-Validation / Handover
The Hot Work Permit does not make allowance for
validation or handover. In a case where a hot work
invalid prior to completion of the work, a new permit
before work may recommence. It is the Safety Team
ensure that work not completed is re-permitted to ensure

suspension, repermit becomes

must be issued
responsibility to
safe completion.

6. TRAINING
Training for all personnel involved in the approval and issue of Hot Work Permits
and fire watch duties
6.1

Initial Training

Initial training will be provided within 30 days of assignment. The supervisor

must ensure that all employees meet the requirements before assignment. The
names of each employee shall be documented as record for completion of the
training.
The supervisor will ensure that all new employees receive training before
conducting a task that meets the criteria of hot work operations in the written
program. An employee can be utilized as a helper, prior to receiving the initial
training, as long as they work directly under a trained employee.
The initial training should include the following topics:
Written program
Hot work procedures, including how to obtain a permit
Proper equipment operation
Handling and storage of welding materials
Compressed gas cylinder safety
Fire precautions Fire watch
Fire extinguisher training
Physical and chemical hazards
Hazard control
PPE selection and use
6.3

Refresher Training

Employees will receive refresher training in hot work at least three years after
the initial training. The refresher training will include the topics set forth by
the initial training. It will also provide updates or new requirements, if
applicable.

7. AUDIT AND REVIEW

The hot work programs shall be evaluated on an annual basis utilizing the protocols
set forth by Safety Manager. The evaluation team will consist of a designee
department Manager / Supervisor and a Safety Officer from Safety Management.
The Safety Management will define the scope of the evaluation. The safety officer
and designee will coordinate the schedule for the audit utilizing Microsoft Project.
The final report will be developed the safety officer and designee utilizing the
information received during the evaluation. The deficiencies determined in the
report will be documented and corrective action plans will be developed.

The evaluation should at least include the following:

Written Program
Permit System
Designated Areas
Individual Shops
Training/Retraining

8. RECORDS

Revision Log

Completed Hot Work Permits are to be kept on file along with associated Permit to
Work documentation for one year. It is the responsibility of each department to
ensure that their employees receive the required training. Training can be provided
by the Training Department and Safety department. Training records will be
retained by the Training Office and Safety office.

Date
Sept-15
May -16

By
O. Mignot
K MacintyreStewart

Revision
0 Initial Release.
1- New Release

HSE Management System

Hot
Work

Ref:
Rev 0 (Sept
2015)

Page 7 of 6

APPENDIX A Completing a Hot Work Permit

To complete the permit, the Permit Holder shall obtain the Hot Work Permit and
related Certificate(s) and/or Safe Work Checklist (as required) from the Safety Team.
1. SECTIONS A, B, a n d C are to be completed by the Permit Holder (PH). PTW is a
No:
sequential number and is given by the Safety Team. In Section A, the PH must
provide the required information such as Facility, Permit Holder Name and Department
or Company name for business partner. In Section B, the PH will complete a
description of the work and its location, while in Section C relevant information on
any special instructions required to do the hot work and the name of Equipment to
be worked on is provided. The PH then completes the date/time from the work to be
performed.
REMEMBER! Permits are valid for a maximum period of 12 hours, or until the end of
the normal work shift (whichever comes first). Remember also, that a welding shop is
not classed as a safe working area. It is to be operated under a Permit.
2. SECTION D: The Safety will review the permit to determine whether work can
be performed without conflicting with other work or activities at the site and
time when work would be started. The PH completes section D by checking
the YES or NO column for PPE and Safety Precautions which are required to
perform the hot work. All hazards related to the hot work are to be identified in
the Risk assessment attached by the PH to the permit. The PH specifies the
period of permit validity, and then completes the prescribed Safety Precautions
and Work Site Preparations as required under Section D.
3. SECTION E: The PH marks (X) in the YES/NO for isolation of any safety
critical system.
REMEMBER! Safety Critical Systems functionality, limitations, and the implications of
putting them of-line, must be considered when making a decision to isolate.
When an Isolation (Mechanical/Electrical) is required, this must be done in accordance
with MCM procedure. When Confined Space Entry is required, this must be done in
accordance with MCM procedure. Risk asse ssmen t is mandatory for hot work and
the completed document must be attached to the Hot Work Permit. The PH will
provide the RA No. for the job. If there is an associated Safe Work Procedure for the
job, the PH is also responsible for providing it. If not required, put N/A.
Hot
Work
in
Classified
Hazardous Area:
Zone1: contains a hazardous gas/air mixture under normal
operating conditions.
Zone2: is hazardous only in abnormal operating conditions, and if so, it will only
exist for a short time. Subject to gas readings, the Safety is responsible for giving
approval for hot work in Classified Hazardous Areas.

4. SECTION F: Once the precautions required by both the permit and certificates
have been taken and the worksite preparations are complete, the PH signs the
permit indicating that he/she has read, understands and will comply with all
specified work conditions. Helpers must also sign to declare that they too will
comply with the permit requirements.
5. SECTION G: The Safety reviews the permit a n d c o m p l e t e s t h e c h e c k l i s t
a n d a t t a c h e s t o t h e p e r m i t , revises or adds any additional preparations
and precautions that may be required. His signed approval, together with date
and time is required before the hot work can be performed. By signing the
permit, the Safety agrees to and authorizes the work to be done under the
specified precautions and conditions.
6. SECTION H: The permit is then taken to the Contractor Rep. He will review the
permit and once satisfied with all safety preparations and precautions, sign
Section H to indicate that he/she has been

informed of the work to be carried out and is satisfied with the safety precautions being
taken. At this point, the work specified on the permit may commence. Not that this
section need to be completed in case of third party only.
REMEMBER! Record the Hot Work Permit in the PTW
Log Book.
9. DISTRIBUTION
PERMITS

AND

DISPLAY

OF

One hard copy of the Work Permit shall be displayed at the work site, or where this is
not practical, shall be carried by the Permit Holder. The original copy of the Work
Permit, along with Safety Checklist any completed Isolation/Confined Space
Certificate or Safe Work Checklist, will be displayed on the Permit Board which will be
located at the Safety office. All valid permits shall be displayed on this board.
In addition to the Permit Board, a Magnetic Permit board showing a general layout
of the mine should be displayed in a Cinder palace position, and colored buttons used
to indicate the relative positions of current (valid) Work Permits.
IMPORTANT! A tool box talk or pre job safety meeting must be conducted by the
PH, to ensure a full understanding by all members of the team of their role in the job,
how it is to be undertaken, the hazards identified, risk controls, and equipment needed
to safely complete the job.
After the PH is satisfied with all the preparations and precautions and he/she is sure that
all personnel under his responsibility understand how to perform the work safely, THE
WORK CAN NOW START. While the work is in progress, the PH shall closely monitor
how the work is performed and provide information, instruction and supervision as is
necessary to ensure the safety of his/her subordinates/workers.
The hot work permit is subject to periodic check for verification that all
protection, precautions and work preparations remain in place throughout
the job. A permit can be cancelled Due To Non- Compliance if at any time the
Safety observes, or is led to believe that all precautions and conditions agreed to on
the permit are not being complied with. He shall withdraw the permit and not issue
another until he is completely satisfied that agreed precautions and protection are in
place.
10.COMPLETION OF PERMITTED
JOB
The PH ensures the work area is secure and all tools & equipment are placed back in
proper storage. The PH is also responsible for ensuring that the site has been
cleaned and made ready for normal operations before the permit can be signed off.
Complete SECTION I - PH, Safety, C o n t r a c t o r Rep (if relevant) - SIGN OFF.
Permits should be cleared and signed of immediately following completion of the
work, and not held until the end of the shift. This ensures that the Permit Status Board
remains accurate and informed decisions regarding other work and permits can be
made. Return Risk Assessment with Hot Work Permit and complete the log entry in the
Log Book.
Filing: Permits must be filed when work is complete. This is the responsibility of
the PH.
These records must be kept for a minimum of one year by the Safety Dept.

HSE Management System

Permit to Work Hot Work Permit
PermitForm
Holder:
Dept.:

MCM

Ref:
Rev 0 (SeptPage 9box)
of
(Mark the appropriate
2015)
1

HOT WORK

PTW No:
A

Facility :

Description of Work :

Special Instruction / Equipment :

Location of Work

PTW Date
From

YES

NO

PRECAUTIONS

Hard Hat/Feet Protection/

Glove/Safety Glasses

Fall Arrest/Protection
Radioactive Badge

Goggles/Face Protection/
Respiratory Protection

Barrier/Catchment
Warning Signs/ Partition

Hearing Protection
Floatation Devices

Fire Extinguisher
Fire Hose (water on-line)

YES

NO

From

To

PRECAUTIONS
Fire Watch ( No exceptions when welding or burning, except
in theWelding Shop) YES
NO
Oxy/Acy Hose fitted with Non Return Valves at Torch
or Regulator (Mandatory) YES
Welding leads/insula tion - no damage and grounded.
(Mandatory) YES

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
% LEL
FLAMMABLE GAS CHECKS (Location)
Safety Critical System Isolate:
Yes
No
Oxygen
Isolation (Mechanical) Cert. No:
H2S
Isolation (Electrical) Cert. No:
CO
Confined Space Entry Cert. No:
Methane
Risk Assessment No. (Mandatory for all hot work; include site survey for combustibles):
Safe Work Procedures (if YES, specify):
Working in Classified Hazardous Area Zone 1 or Zone 2: Yes
(Requires applicable Risk assessment)
No
DECLARATION : I understand the precautions and protection required. It is my responsibility to work safely and maintain
a clean and orderly worksite. I will notify the Supervisor when the job is completed.
User/Holder's Signature : ....................................................................... Helper's Signature : ...............................................
CONSENT - Contractor Supervisor
Aware of the job to be done and the precautions to be taken. Signature :.............................Date/ Time:.....................

H
G

PPEs

To

PTW Time

APPROVAL - Safety
I authorize the job to done in accordance with the stated
precautions and MCM safe work practices. ( Checklist
attached and signed )
JOB COMPLETED - Permit Holder
I hereby certify that:
The equipment/area ready for operations - YES NO
The worksite cleaned up, tools, materials - YES NO and
equipment remove from work area and properly stored
Acknowledged by Safety :.................................

One Copy - Displayed on Safety Board

Signature :...........................Date/Time:............................
Signature:.................................................................
Date : ....................................... Time :..........................

Acknowledged by Contractor Supervisor :

2nd Copy - Retained and displayed by User at Work Site

Checked By:

Date:

Checked By:

Date:

Position:

Time:

Position:

Time

BEFORE INITIATING HOT WORK

MAKE SURE AN APPROPRIATE FIR

This Hot Work Permit is required for any operation involving open
flames or
producing heat and or sparks. This includes, but is not
limited to:
Brazing, Cutting, Grinding, Soldering, Thawing Pipe, Torch Applied
Roofing and Welding

INSTRUCTIONS
Verify precautions listed at right or
do not proceed with the work
========================================
HOT WORK BEING DONE BY:
EMPLOYEE

Available sprinklers, hose streams

and Extinguishers are in service
/operational.
Hot work equipment in good repair.
Requirements within 10 meters of work
Flammable liquids, dust, lint and oil
deposits removed.
Explosive atmosphere in area eliminated
Floors swept clean.
Combustible floors wet down, covered with
damp sand or fire-resistant sheets.
Remove other combustibles where possible.
Other wise protect with fire-resistant
tarpaulins or metal
shields.
All wall and floor openings covered.
Fire-resistant tarpaulins suspended beneath
work.

CONTRACTOR

DAT
E

Required Precautions Checklist

Job
No_

LOCATION/BUILDING & FLOOR

NATURE OF JOB

Work on walls or ceilings/enclosed area

Construction is noncombustible and
without combustible covering or
insulation.
Combustibles on other side of walls moved
away.
I verify the above locations has been examined, the precautions checked Danger exist by conduction of heat into
another
The Required Precautions Checklist have been taken to prevent
area.
fire, and
Enclosed equipment cleaned of all
Permission is authorized for
combustibles.
Containers purged of flammable liquids/vapors.
work. Signed:
NAME OF PERSON DOING HOT
WORK

PERMIT EXPIRES:
DAT
E:

AM
TIM
E:

PM

Fire watch/Hot Work area monitoring

Fire watch will be provided during and for (30
Minutes) after work, including any coffee or
lunch
breaks.
Fire watch is supplied with suitable
extinguishers.
Fire watch is trained in use of this
equipment and in sounding alarm.
Fire watch may be required for
adjoining areas, above and below.
Monitor Hot Work area for 30 minutes after
job is complete

HOT
WORK
NEEDED

Superviso
r print the
form and
complet
(ABCDE +
relevant
document
s)

Superviso
r prepare
all
required
precautio
n and
sign
(F)

Safety
approval
on the
work
place
and the
permit
(G)

Contracto
r sign if
required
(H)

Copy of
the
Permit
keep on
the work
place

Superviso
r run TBT
meeting

Job Can
START

All
parties
Sign OFF
when
Job is
complet
ed
(I)