Hot Work Training: Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Compliance

person wearing ppe and performing welding

Hot work, a term used to describe any process involving open flames or generating heat and sparks, is commonly carried out in industries like construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and automotive repair. Activities such as welding, cutting, grinding, and soldering are all examples of hot work. While these tasks are essential to many operations, they also come with inherent risks, including fires, explosions, and injuries.

By ensuring that workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and address hazards, hot work training significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries. As a matter of fact, situation in Finland was so bleak, that in 1987 nearly 40% of all the bigger fires were caused by Hot work and there were significant economic losses to many parties. Insurance companies cried out STOP like Sam Brown in her song but louder. Wise men and women gathered, hot work procedure was developed to ensure that people who actually do the deed know how to do it and hence Hot work training began the following year. We’ve had had the pleasure to be a part of this development with Hot work card trainings since 2009 and more then 650 courses for 7500 participants. Official name of this course in Finland is Tulityökorttikoulutus and it is known as Hot work license training in English.

Hot work procedure is relatively easy to adapt, most times simple and practical and it has been a success. Amount of Hot work fires has dropped significantly in Finland.

And hey, it’s not just us. In our neighbor; Sweden this development has been very similar. Hot work training (Heta Arbeten) began there in 1990 and amount of fires due to hot work has dropped more then 80% since.

In this blogpost we focus on Hot work training and its importance as an essential part of the whole Hot work procedure. Obviously any procedure that is not adapted by operational personnel is in practice as useful as winter spike tires in a car in Sahara. That is why hot work procedure as well as the hot work training license training is rather practical then theoretical.

Hot work training is vital in mitigating these risks and ensuring that employees perform these tasks safely and effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of hot work training, highlighting why it is a crucial aspect of workplace safety and efficiency.

1. Enhanced Safety and Risk Mitigation

One of the primary reasons for providing hot work training is to enhance workplace safety. The risks associated with hot work are significant—sparks, molten metal, and heat can lead to personal injuries, fires and explosions if not carefully managed.

Through hot work training, employees are educated on the proper precautions to take before, during, and after conducting these tasks. Key elements of the training typically include:

Preparing the Hot work permit in which following things are taken into account:

  • Properly assessing the work environment to identify potential fire hazards.
  • Defining of working zone and evaluation of the working zone and also vicinity areas.
  • Checking all flammable materials in the area, including building materials, structures, openings, ventilative structures, thermal installation etc.
  • Preparing the location. No fuel, no fire. So clean away what you can and cover the rest.
  • Setting up fire-resistant barriers and fire watch procedures.
  • Understanding how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) like fire-resistant clothing, gloves, and face shields.
  • The safe handling and storage of flammable materials.
  • Being ready in case something still goes wrong; vigilant hot work guard with fire extinguishers is a true VIP.

2. Compliance with Safety Regulations

Hot work activities are regulated by various governmental and industry standards to protect workers and property. Contents of Finnish Hot work training is based especially on Finnish Hot work standard SFS 5900 along with other European and local legislation such as Rescue Act and Occupational safety act.

Hot work training ensures that both employers and employees understand and adhere to these safety regulations. By maintaining compliance, companies avoid costly fines, legal issues, and potential work stoppages, while promoting a culture of safety within the organization. Three important roles with Hot work are:

  1. Hot work permit issuer
  2. Hot work operator
  3. Hot work guard

We go through these roles in the hot work training. We go through these roles in the hot work training.

3. Improved Operational Efficiency

When employees are properly trained in hot work procedures, they can carry out tasks more efficiently. Hot work license training covers not only safety precautions but also the most effective methods for completing work. This can lead to:

  • Reduced downtime: Proper planning and execution of hot work activities ensure that tasks are completed quickly and without disruptions, reducing downtime due to accidents or safety violations.
  • Faster response to hazards: Trained employees can identify and mitigate potential issues faster, reducing the likelihood of costly delays and damage to equipment or infrastructure.
  • More effective use of resources: Training ensures workers know how to handle equipment, materials, and tools efficiently, minimizing waste and preventing costly mistakes.

By ensuring that all team members have a solid understanding of procedures, companies can improve overall productivity while maintaining high safety standards.

4. Protection of Equipment and Property

In industries where expensive machinery, equipment, and infrastructure are involved, hot work training can play a crucial role in protecting these assets. Improper handling of hot work tools can lead to equipment damage, fires, or explosions, which could result in significant financial losses. Also remember that it does not have to cause an actual fire to cause a damage. Wrecked paint layer on the wall or scorched surface of machinery is not the most pretty sight either. In some cases whole room must have been re-painted after careless hot work.

Training employees on proper safety protocols, including the use of fire-resistant blankets, the importance of maintaining clear workspaces, and correct handling of heat-generating tools, helps safeguard equipment and property from damage. In addition one important part is to know what to do before all hell breaks loose, so we put time and effort on Fire fighting practice too. It depends on clients instructions, wishes and the overall circumstances which kind of extinguishers we use on the practice but options are hydrant, powder, CO2, foam. And everyone will put out a fire with smothering blanket too.

There is more, in industries like oil and gas, where explosive gases may be present, the consequences of an accident during hot work can be catastrophic. Therefore, hot work training serves as an essential component of asset protection by minimizing the risk of dangerous incidents.

5. Increased Employee Confidence and Morale

When workers undergo hot work training, they gain a sense of confidence in their ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently. We encourage all but especially most enthusiastic guys to hold their horses, stop and think before they act. This empowerment not only helps prevent accidents but also boosts morale, as employees feel valued and well-prepared for their work. Knowing that they have the knowledge to act appropriately in an emergency can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security.

Additionally, a well-trained workforce demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee safety and professional development. This fosters a positive work environment, improving employee retention and overall job satisfaction.

6. Fostering a Culture of Safety

Hot work training doesn’t just teach employees the mechanics of performing tasks—it also instills a broader safety culture within the workplace. A workplace where safety is prioritized at every level becomes more cohesive, with all employees recognizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Often accidents happen at home. It is certainly a good thing that participants take heed of these instructions also there.

Training promotes communication among team members and fosters collaboration in identifying potential hazards before they become major problems. This mindset is crucial in creating a work environment where everyone, from management to the workforce, is responsible for maintaining safety standards.

7. Preparedness for Emergency Situations

Despite the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Hot work training ensures that employees know how to react appropriately in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, explosion, or injury. Workers are trained on:

  • How to quickly identify fire hazards and alert the fire watch or emergency response teams.
  • The proper use of fire extinguishers and other emergency firefighting equipment.
  • Evacuation procedures and first aid for burn injuries or heat-related illnesses.

By preparing workers for emergency situations, training reduces the impact of potential accidents and ensures that employees can respond effectively, minimizing harm and damage.

Conclusion

Hot work training is an investment that pays dividends in terms of safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and employee morale. By equipping workers with the knowledge to perform tasks safely and effectively, companies can prevent accidents, reduce costs, protect valuable assets, and foster a positive work environment. Also in case something did go wrong, it is easier to establish this was due to some unexpected circumstances and not due to negligence when hot work procedure was being followed. This should also smooth things insurance- wise.

In industries where the stakes are high and the risks are significant, ensuring that all workers are trained in hot work procedures is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental component of a strong, safety-conscious organizational culture.

Further information on our courses can be found here https://www.tva.fi/kurssi/hot-work-license/

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