Hot work tasks – like welding, cutting, grinding, and soldering – are essential across many industries. This is also a high-risk activity that brings fire, explosion, and health hazards into the workplace. In Ontario, strict hot work safety laws are in place to protect workers and businesses, and it’s critical for employers to understand both the legal responsibilities and the best practices for controlling the risks.
What is Hot Work?
Hot work includes any operation that can produce flames, sparks, or heat sufficient to ignite materials. Common examples are:
- Welding
- Torch cutting
- Brazing
- Grinding
- Soldering
What are the hazards of Hot Work?
Hot work carries risk to the individuals conducting hot work as well as to the surrounding environment and people. These can include:
- Burns from flame, sparks or hot surfaces
- Inhalation of toxic smoke and fumes
- Injuries to the eyes from UV radiation exposure
- Electrical hazards
- Fire from sparks igniting combustibles
- Heat damage such as melting, burns or fire
- Explosion
What laws govern Hot Work Safety in Ontario?
Under clause 25(2)(h) of the OHSA, employers are required to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. Regulation 851, which covers Industrial Establishments, addresses safety in industrial workplaces, such as safe handling of hazardous materials and the need for proper ventilation which are both critical when performing hot work.Regulation 632/05, which governs Confined Spaces, allows hot work to happen in a confined space.
Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and its associated regulation, the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) regulate hot work activities as they establish comprehensive requirements to mitigate associated fire risks.
The Canadian Standard Association Standards (CSA) also have guidelines that help employers protect their employees which include CSA-W117.2.12 Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes and CSA-Z94.3:20 Eye and Face Protectors and CSA-Z94.4 Selection, use and care of respirators.
What do these Hot Work Safety laws mean for employers?
Employers play a key role in hot work safety by identifying hazards, implementing controls, and enforcing a clear hot work procedure. A strong hot work safety program must include proper hot work safety training for workers and supervisors, close supervision of tasks, and the provision of appropriate protective equipment. Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to serious consequences, including injuries, fines, work stoppages, or criminal charges.
How Can Employers Control Hot Work Hazards?
Controlling hot work safety hazards is a critical responsibility for employers to help prevent fires, explosions, and serious injuries. By implementing a comprehensive hot work safety program and following a clear hot work procedure, employers can significantly reduce the risks. Below are best practices employers should follow to ensure a safe and compliant hot work environment.
Use a Hot Work Permit system
No hot work should start without formal authorization. A hot work permit confirms that hazards have been identified, controls are in place, and everyone understands their roles.
Prepare and monitor the work area
Remove or protect combustible materials within at least 11 meters (35 feet) of the work zone. Shield areas that can’t be moved or use flame-resistant blankets. Monitoring the atmosphere is especially important for confined spaces: test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and airborne contaminants.
Assign a fire watch
A trained person, equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, must watch for hazards during the work and for at least 30 minutes afterward.
Build a Hot Work Procedure and Train Your Workers
A clear and well-documented hot work procedure is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring consistent safety practices. This procedure should outline step-by-step instructions for safely performing hot work. Employers must provide thorough hot work safety training so that workers and supervisors understand both how to carry out their tasks safely and how to respond effectively in case of an emergency.
Plan for Emergencies and Conduct Regular Inspections
Effective hot work safety involves not only preparing for emergencies but also maintaining high standards through ongoing oversight. Employers should have clear rescue procedures and readily available firefighting equipment as part of their emergency response plan. At the same time, they must conduct regular inspections and audits of hot work procedures, equipment, and training programs to ensure ongoing compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Customized Hot Work Safety Solutions for Your Workplace
Maintaining hot work safety takes more than just procedures—it requires expert planning, assessment, and guidance. OSG’s consulting services can help you identify hazards, conduct thorough risk assessments, and develop a customized hot work safety program tailored to your workplace. Partner with OSG to ensure your organization is meeting hot work compliance requirements and keeping your employees safe.
Book a consultation with us today.