HSE Management System

Hot Work
PROGRAM

Ref:
Rev 1 (May2016)

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INTRODUCTION Mauritanian Copper Mines S.A. Recognizes the potential for fire
from hot work operations and this program should be implemented in all departments 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
1.0
Purpose..
.... 2
2.0
References..
... 2
3.0
Definitions
...
4.0
Responsibilities
. 2

.
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
.. 4
5.5
Fire
Watch
.. 4
6.0
Hot
Work
Administration.
6.1 Restrictions / Conflicting Work
6.2 Change In Operating Status
6.3. Suspension / Re-Validation / Handover

Permit
5

7.0. TRAINING ......

6
7.1
Initial Training
7.2
Refresher Training
8 AUDIT & REVIEW .
6
9 RECORDS

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6
10 DISTRIBUTION AND DISPLAY OF PERMITS
.. 7
11 COMPLETION OF PERMITTED JOB ...
7
APPENDIX
A

Completing
. 8

Hot

Work

Permit

SAFETY CHECKLIST
HOTWORKS WARNING
HOTWORKS PERMIT ( See attached documents separate )

HSE Management System

Hot
Work

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Rev 1 (May2016)

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1.
P

URPOSE & 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
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Ensure the requirements of this procedure are fully implemented onsite

Verify that all planning for hot work has taken into account any
simultaneous operations or conflicting work. Ensure conflicting work is
controlled or ceased to prevent interfering with hot work. Ensure hot
work is ceased when necessary to perform other tasks
Review Hot Work Permits and approve only after ensuring all safety
precautions have been taken. Ensure permit protocol is followed as per
the Permit to Work System.
Obtain and complete the Hot Work Permit and associated certificates
or checklists in accordance with the Permit to Work System;

Safety

Permit Holder

Along with the fire watch and others involved in the job, thoroughly check
the hot work area and remove or isolate any combustible materials;
Implement necessary safety precautions and complete the work in
accordance with this procedure and the Job Safety Analysis;
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 1 (May2016)

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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.
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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.
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 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.

On pipes and other metals that can conduct enough heat to ignite nearby
combustibles.
When the entire buildings fire detection system is shut down.
Where processes involving flammable liquids, gases, and dusts cannot be shut
HSE Management System
Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May2016)

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down or made safe.

5.4 Situations when Hot Work is allowed with Restrictions

Used containers No welding, cutting, or other hot work shall be performed on used
drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until they have been cleaned so thoroughly
as to make absolutely certain that there are no flammable materials present or any
substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to
heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Any pipe lines or connections to the
drum or vessel shall be disconnected or blanked.
Venting and purging All hollow spaces, cavities or containers shall be vented to
permit the escape of air or gases before preheating, cutting or welding. Purging with
inert gas is recommended.
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Potentially Explosive Atmospheres If there is a potential for mixtures of flammable

gases, vapors, liquids or dust in the air, no hot work will be conducted until the
SAFETY OFFICER /MANAGER has completed a review and air monitoring has confirmed
that there is no danger of an explosion.
5.5 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

HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May2016)

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6. Hot Work Permit Administration

Refer to Appendix A for instructions on completing a Hot Work Permit

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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.

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 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.

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.

7. TRAINING
Training for all personnel involved in the approval and issue of Hot Work
Permits and fire watch duties
7.1

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
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training, as long as they work directly under a trained employee.

HSE Management System

Hot Work

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Rev 1 (May2016)

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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
7.2
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
8. 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 & Re-Training

9. RECORDS
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

By
O. Mignot

Revision
0 Initial Release.

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LogRevision

May -16

K MacintyreStewart

1- New Release

HSE Management System

Hot Work

10.DISTRIBUTION
PERMITS

AND

DISPLAY

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Rev 1 (May2016)

Page 7 of 8

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
11.COMPLETION OF PERMITTED
JOB
The PH ensures the work
proper storage. The PH
cleaned and made ready
Complete SECTION I -

area is secure and all tools & equipment are placed back in
is also responsible for ensuring that the site has been
for normal operations before the permit can be signed off.
PH, Safety, C o n t r a c t o r Rep (if relevant) - SIGN OFF.
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Permits should be cleared and signed off 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

Hot
Work

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Rev 1 (May2016)

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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, and C are to be completed by the Permit Holder (PH). PTW No:
.is a 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
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putting them off-line, must be considered when making a decision to isolate.

When 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 assessment 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 and completes the checklist and
attaches to the permit, 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.

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