All “hot work” is to be monitored by fire watch for 30 minutes after the last cut or weld.
A “hot work” permit shall be executed prior to the work to be done.
All fire watch personnel are to have training in the use of fire protection equipment.
All Supervisors and welders are to be trained in the appropriate safety measures for welding and cutting safety.
The object to be welded or cut cannot be removed, all moveable fire hazards shall be
removed from the area.
If welding or cutting cannot be done safely, the welding or cutting shall not be performed.
Only Yaskawa qualified associates shall perform welding and flame cutting operations.
It is the Policy of Yaskawa America, Inc. that a Hot Work Permit shall be issued by the Director of Facilities before conducting any operation involving welding or cutting or use of flame or spark-producing equipment in areas not specifically designated for such use.
A hot work permit shall be valid for the day and the operation for which it is issued. Jobs requiring more than one day shall require a separate permit for each day’s work.
When means other than gas or electric arc cutting or welding could provide equal or superior work quality, the least hazardous means of performing the job shall be used.
Only electrode holders which are specifically designed for arc welding and are of a capacity capable of safely handling the maximum rated current required by the electrode shall be used.
When the electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrode shall be removed and the holder hung in a safe location.
All arc welding cables shall be completely insulated, flexible, and capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress.
Only cable free from repair or splices for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the cable end to which the electrode holder is connected shall be used.
Substantial insulated connectors of a capacity at least equivalent to that of the cable shall be used to connect or splice lengths of cable. If cable lugs are used, they shall be securely fastened together to give good electrical contact and the exposed metal parts shall be completely insulated.
Cables in need of repair shall not be used. Do not use cables with frayed,cracked or bare spots in the insulation when a cable, other than the cable lead of this section, becomes worn to the extent of exposing bare conductors, the portion thus exposed shall be protected by means of rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation.
Cables shall be kept at least 7’ above work floor or walkways whenever possible. All cables at walkway elevation shall be kept to one side in an orderly fashion.
Make sure that all work has a separate and adequate ground pulled from the welding machine to the work location. Attach the ground connection as close to the work location as possible.
Ground return cables shall have a safe current carrying capacity equal to, or exceeding, the specified maximum output capacity of the unit it services.
The frames of all welding machines shall be grounded either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductor, or through a separate wire which is grounded at the source of the current.
All grounding connections shall be inspected to ensure that they are mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current.
A suitable fire extinguisher shall immediately available in the work area. A fire
watch shall be provided when there are flammable materials nearby.
Whenever practicable, all arc welding operations shall be shielded by noncombustible or flame-proof screens which will protect associates and other persons working in the vicinity from the direct rays of the arc.
Before welding in elevated areas, always check the floor below for personnel, machinery, flammable or combustible items.
Dispose of electrode studs in proper containers since rod stubs on the floor are safety hazards.
When the arc welder has occasion to leave his work or to stop work from any
appreciable length of time, or when the machine is to be moved, the power supply switch shall be opened.
Any faulty or defective equipment shall be reported to the supervisor.
Welder and welder helpers shall wear proper protective clothing, head, and eye protection while welding. Safety glasses shall be worn beneath welding hoods.
Cable connections to welding machines shall be enclosed with protective covers.
The inert gas metal arc welding process involves the production of ultra‐violet radiation with intensities of 5 to 30 times that produced by shielded arc welding. If chlorinated solvents are present, this welding process can cause the decomposition of these solvents liberating toxic fumes and gases. Employees shall not be permitted to engage in, or be exposed to this welding process until the following special precaution has been taken:
Compressed gas cylinders shall be moved, stored, and used in accordance with Yaskawa’s Compressed Gas Cylinder policy.
Before a regulator is connected to a cylinder valve, the valve shall be opened slightly and closed immediately. This action is generally termed “cracking” and is intended to clear the valve of any duct or dirt that might otherwise enter the regulator. The person cracking the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. The valve of a fuel gas cylinder shall not be cracked where the gas would reach welding work, sparks, flames, or other possible sources of ignition.
The cylinder valve shall always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator. For quick closing, valves on fuel cylinders shall not be opened more than 1‐1/2 turns. When a special wrench is required it shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in the case of an emergency.
Oxygen and fuel gas pressure regulators, including their related gauges, shall be in good condition and proper working order while in use. Defective regulators shall not be used.
Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder valve, the cylinder valve shall always be closed and the gas released from the regulator.
All fuel gas and oxygen hoses in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift. Defective hose, or hose in doubtful condition, shall be removed from service.
Flash back arrestors at the torch and a check valve at the fuel gas regulator are required to prevent dangerous flames from traveling back into the equipment.
Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift for leaking valves, hose couplings or tip connections. Defective torches, or troches in doubtful condition, shall not be used.
Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices, and not by matches or from hot work.
Always wear protective clothing suitable for the cutting operation.
Always wear approved cutting goggles with flame cutting. Use at least a number 3 filter with safety lenses on both sides of the filter. Infrared radiation from the flame or hot metal can injure the eyes.
When flame cutting, sparks can travel 30 to 40 feet. Keep work areas clean and free from hazardous materials. Do not allow sparks to hit hoses, regulators or cylinders.
A suitable fire extinguisher shall be available in the immediate area when flame cutting.
If you must flame cut with combustible or volatile materials present, take extra precautions and provide for a fire watch.
When using acetylene, never exceed 15 PSI on the torch side of the gauge. Higher pressure can cause an explosion.
Keep oil and grease away from oxygen regulators, hoses and fittings. Oil and grease in contact with oxygen may cause spontaneous combustion.
Breaching this policy may result in an injury. Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action being initiated in accordance with Yaskawa America's discipline policy.
Hot Work Permits are to be submitted to and maintained by the Director of Facilities.
| Rev # | Description | Release Date | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Conversion of old safety documents, rewrite, and issue | 9/12/2016 | Thurwanger |
| Review Date | Reviewed by | Changes Required (Yes/No) | Revision # if updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/21/2017 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/16/2018 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/22/2019 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/14/2020 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/21/2021 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/18/2022 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/31/2023 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/16/2024 | Thurwanger | No | |
| 1/21/2025 | Thurwanger | No | |
Policy Video
