Fire Risk and Hot Work
You are installing metal roof cladding on a new build. The building contains flammable insulation materials stored inside. You need to use a gas torch to weld some details. The roof has a bitumen membrane underneath. The site has a hot work permit system. The weather is dry and hot. There is no fire extinguisher nearby. The nearest water supply is 50 m away.
1. What are the fire risks and what controls should be in place?
Read the worked answer
Fire risks: hot work (gas torch) can ignite flammable insulation, bitumen membrane, or other combustibles. Dry, hot weather increases risk. Controls: 1) Avoid hot work if possible; use cold methods (e.g., mechanical fixings). 2) If hot work is necessary, obtain a hot work permit. 3) Remove or protect combustibles: clear area of flammable materials, use fire blankets or shields. 4) Have fire extinguishers suitable for the fire type (e.g., dry powder or CO2) immediately available. 5) Assign a fire watcher with no other duties. 6) After work, maintain a fire watch for at least 1 hour (or as per permit) to check for smoldering. 7) Ensure access to water or other extinguishing media. 8) Train workers in fire procedures. 9) Check the weather: avoid hot work in very dry conditions if possible. 10) Inform the fire brigade if required? Not usually, but inform site management.
2. What should you do about the lack of fire extinguisher and water supply?
Read the worked answer
Do not start hot work until adequate firefighting equipment is provided. The lack of extinguisher and distant water supply is a serious deficiency. You should: 1) Stop and inform the site manager. 2) Require provision of appropriate fire extinguishers (at least two: one for the hot work, one for backup) at the work location. 3) Ensure a water supply or other extinguishing agent is readily available (e.g., a hose reel or water extinguisher). 4) If these cannot be provided, do not proceed with hot work; use alternative methods. 5) Consider the permit conditions: the permit should specify fire precautions. 6) Record the actions and ensure they are implemented before work starts.