504 Hot Work Permit Rev 8
504 Hot Work Permit Rev 8
504 Hot Work Permit Rev 8
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
1.0 PURPOSE
Westlake is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and protecting all
persons working in our facilities from uncontrolled hazards in the workplace. Management
recognizes the potential for fire from hot work activities. This document provides
requirements to manage the risk of ignition of flammable gases or vapors, and or
combustible material while performing hot work.
2.0 SCOPE
This procedure applies to all Westlake Chemical Geismar employees and contractors who
operate, conduct maintenance and/or provide services for the Geismar facility’s s
processes.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.3.2 Division II - Locations where flammable gases and liquids are handled,
processed or used but will normally be protected by mechanical
ventilation or a closed system in which they can only escape in
the event of an accidental breakdown, rupture or abnormal
operation, locations adjacent to Division I areas where
flammable gases or vapors may occasionally exist unless
prevented by clean air ventilation and effective safeguards.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
3.5 Combustible Dust - particulate solid that will burn violently when suspended in air
over a range of concentrations, regardless of particle size or shape. Note: any
“material that will burn in air” in a solid form can be explosive when in a finely
divided form as a powder or dust.
3.6 Combustible Material - Capable of reacting with oxygen and burning if ignited.
Examples include oil, paper, various chemicals products, wood, plastic, textile fibers
such as carpet and cardboard.
3.8 Operations - The person assigned to an area / department that normally controls
and operates the equipment.
3.10 Hot Tap - The technique of attaching a welded branch fitting to piping or equipment
as it remains in service, and then creating an opening in that piping or equipment by
drilling or cutting a portion of the piping or equipment within the attached fitting. Hot
Tapping by definition involves “Level 1” Hot Work on equipment “in service” (see
HSP506 Hot Work on Pressure Boundaries).
3.11 Hot Work- For the purposes of this procedure, hot work can be defined in three
different levels. Additionally, Appendix 1 contains a quick reference guide of
requirements for each Level.
3.11.1 Level 1: High Energy Hot Work – any operations that can produce a spark,
arc or flame hot enough to cause the ignition of ordinary combustible
materials, combustible dusts, flammable gasses or vapors. Examples
Printed controlled copy expires 24 hours after 12:54 PM on 6/8/2021.
Document Number: HSP - 504 Current Rev: 1/25/2023
Revised By: Gregory Thorn Review Cycle: 3 years
Manager Approval MOC HSE-20-17 Revision No. 8
Revisions noted in italics Page 3 of 18
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
3.11.2 Level 2: Low Energy Hot Work Hot work requirements for vehicles entering
process units with the potential to become an ignition source. This also
includes stationary internal combustion engines.
3.11.3 Level 3: Power Tool Only – Hot work requirements for the use of electrical
or pneumatic tools not approved for Class 1, Division II areas. This also
includes portable electronic devices.
3.12 Incipient Fire – The initial or beginning stage of a fire, which can be controlled or
extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose
systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.
3.13 Joint Job Walk (JJW) – a meeting that is held by the operator (permit issuer) and
the worker (permit recipient) that is conducted at the job location where the work is
to be performed. The goal of the JJW is to identify all hazards and perform a
detailed review of the work to be performed and mitigate and manage each hazard
to avoid an incident during the performance of the task.
3.14 Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) - The lower limit of flammability of a gas or vapor at
ordinary ambient temperatures expressed in a percent of the gas or vapor in air by
volume. For the purposes of this procedure, the %LEL limit for hot work permit
authorization is 0.0% LEL. A variance per HSP-103 must be obtained prior to
conducting work with readings above 0.0% LEL.
3.15 PED (Portable Electronic Device) - Any battery-operated device with a battery
larger than a button that has the potential to create a spark when the battery is
removed or is in use.
3.16 Permit Issuer: Westlake Employee who has been identified by Unit Manager and
certified by HSE department to issue permits.
3.18 Work permit - a multifaceted safety planning tool to ensure that necessary safety
precautions have been addressed prior to beginning work on site. This permit is
used to authorize Hot Work.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
3.19 Spark Producing Operations - Any activity that produces or has the potential to
produce sparks, such as, but not limited to welding, brazing, soldering, torch or arc
gouging, cutting, grinding, sandblasting, and the use of power tools. Department
supervision should consider the possibility of sparks resulting from scraping,
hammering, pneumatic tools and other operations, and the advisability of obtaining
a hot work permit to cover such work. Vehicles are also capable of producing
sparks.
3.20 Stop Work Authority - A critical piece of a successful safety culture that provides
employees and contract workers with the responsibility and obligation to stop work
when a perceived unsafe condition or behavior may result in an unwanted event.
3.22 Welding Pad - A heat-resistant fabric designed to be placed directly under a hot
work operation such as welding and cutting. It is intended for use in horizontal
applications with severe exposures such as that resulting from molten substances
or heavy horizontal welding designed to prevent the ignition of combustible
materials that are located adjacent to the underside of the pad.
3.23 Vehicles – mechanized and /or internal combustion engine-driven equipment used
for carrying or transporting something. Examples include: golf carts, trucks,
forklifts, portable gasoline, diesel or electric pumps, powered compressors, light
plants, etc.
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1.1 Ensure that process lines or equipment is cleared, isolated and secured per
the site’s requirements.
4.1.2 Ensure that affected employees (e.g., including contractor personnel) are
aware of hot work taking place in the area or unit.
4.1.4 For shift changes, review on-going hot work activity with affected employees.
4.1.5 Develop an action plan and communicate to authorized employees the means
Printed controlled copy expires 24 hours after 12:54 PM on 6/8/2021.
Document Number: HSP - 504 Current Rev: 1/25/2023
Revised By: Gregory Thorn Review Cycle: 3 years
Manager Approval MOC HSE-20-17 Revision No. 8
Revisions noted in italics Page 5 of 18
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
4.1.6 See that cutting and welding are scheduled so that plant operations, e.g., that
might expose combustible dust and / or materials to ignition are not started
during hot work activities in the affected area.
4.1.8 Visits the hot work job site, conducts a Joint Job Walk (JJW) and completes an
assessment to ensure the area and process conditions are acceptable for hot
work.
4.1.9 Take necessary precautions to ensure combustible materials have been
removed or controlled within 35 feet of the hot work that is to be performed.
4.1.10 If all combustible materials cannot be removed, ensures that safeguards are in
place to confine the heat, sparks and/or slag.
4.2.1 Review and comply with all requirements of the safe work permit procedure.
4.2.2 Contractors shall ensure that all their crew(s) maintain compliance with all hot
work requirements when performing hot work on Westlake’s property.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
4.3.3 Ensure that only qualified and authorized employees perform hot work activities.
4.3.4 Ensure that employees who are found to have insufficient skills or understanding
of hot work procedures do not perform hot work activities and receive retraining
before conducting any hot work activities.
4.3.5 Ensure that the authorized employees utilize the required PPE for the hot work
to be performed to include approved welding garment protection for torso, arms
and hands and proper PPE to protect the face, head and eyes.
4.3.6 Provide appropriate job safety instruction (i.e. potential hazards, restrictions of
the job, etc.) to the authorized employees.
4.3.7 Notify the Permit Issuer of the need to update the hot work permit when
authorized workers are away from the job for more than 30 minutes.
4.3.8 When the hot work is complete, notify the Permit Issuer so that the hot work
permit can be closed. The hot work permit should not be closed until 30
minutes following the hot work activities.
4.3.9 Assign a qualified fire watch to the hot work site when required who will remain
at the job site for 30 minutes following the hot work activities.
4.3.10 Review all applicable permits written for the hot work activities with the
authorized employees performing the work and initiate dialog on potential
hazards associated with the hot work.
4.3.11 Verify that all atmospheric monitoring when required has been completed and
that all readings are within acceptable and approved ranges for hot work
activities.
4.4.1 Activate “Stop Work Authority” when unsafe work conditions or at-risk behavior
is observed.
4.4.2 Be qualified as a hot work permit receiver per the site’s permit procedure.
4.4.3 Be trained and qualified to perform the level of hot work assigned by the
employer.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
4.4.4 Inspect designated hot work area(s) for combustibles and other hazards prior to
beginning hot work activities.
4.4.5 Utilize the required personal protective equipment for the type of hot work to
be performed to include approved welding garment protection for torso, arms
and hands and proper PPE to protect the face, head and, eyes.
4.4.6 Be present and participate in all hot work Joint Job Walk.
4.4.7 Review and understand all requirements of the hot work permit and ensure that
necessary approvals have been granted prior to beginning any hot work
activities.
4.4.8 Follow the requirements and/or precautions documented on the hot work permit
and ask questions as necessary.
4.4.9 Inspect, operate, and handle equipment properly so as not to endanger lives
and property.
4.4.10 Perform hot work only when conditions are safe and stop if conditions change
from the permitted conditions.
4.4.11 Notify either the Permit Issuer or operations supervisor of the employees
performing the work of an absence from the job of 30 minutes or more.
4.4.12 Notify either the equipment owner supervisor or operations when the hot work
task is complete.
4.5.1 Activate “Stop Work Authority” when unsafe work conditions or at-risk behavior
is observed.
4.5.2 The fire watch must wear a highly visibility color vest and have appropriate
fire extinguishing equipment and alarm air horn in a state of readiness
throughout job completion.
4.5.3 The fire watch must be familiar with plant emergency procedures and trained
in accordance with OSHA 29CFR1910.252.
4.5.4 The fire watch must look for fires in all hot work areas and try to extinguish
them when capable, sound the alarm air horn and contact Permit Issuer.
4.5.5 The fire watch will keep the area wet down when applicable and will, in the
event of an emergency, stop the hot work.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
4.5.6 A fire watch must be present 30 minutes after all hot work operations are
completed.
4.5.7 The fire watch cannot leave the area when hot work activities have started
without the supervisor first assigning another trained person to relieve them.
4.5.8 Fire watch must be trained and qualified to monitor and observe hot work
activities.
4.5.9 The fire watch must participate in all pre-job meetings and read the permit
and additional Fire Watch responsibilities (listed on back) and sign accepting
the requirements.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1.1 Hot work can only be permitted when the process or electrically classified
area is free of combustible and or flammable materials and or combustible
dusts and atmospheric monitoring is within acceptable ranges. If this cannot
be accomplished the hot work should be relocated outside the electrically
classified or process area to a designated hot work area.
5.1.3 Implement safeguards and controls (e.g., fire blankets, enclosures and
wetting or cleaning surfaces)
5.1.4 Mandatory Respirator Selection Guide for Performing Hot Work on Specific
Metallurgies
5.1.4.1 When permitting hot work, you shall use the “Mandatory Selection Guide
for Performing Hot Work on Specific Metallurgies” (Appendix 2) to
identify the appropriate respiratory protection.
5.2.1 Hot work permits are required in all plant operating areas including tank
farms except:
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.2.3 Areas specifically designated by the Process Owner and HSE department as
construction sites unless located within the perimeter of a process area.
5.3.3 On unclean or improperly prepared tanks, pipes, vessels, etc., that may
develop atmospheres with LEL > 0.0%. See HSE-507 Process Opening.
5.4.1 A detailed description of the work will be submitted to Operations far enough
in advance for evaluation.
5.4.3 When hot work is considered, a Permit Issuer must be contacted to obtain
the hot work permit as specified on the Work permit.
5.4.4 Permit Issuer will give approval if satisfied that hot work is necessary and
can be accomplished in a safe manner.
5.4.5 A fire watch must be assigned prior to issuing the permit for all Level 1 –
High Energy Hot Work.
5.5.1 Hot work permits will follow the same requirements as Work permit.
5.5.2 Hot work permits will become void and work will shut down immediately if:
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.5.2.7 The permit may be reissued once the "All Clear" is sounded
5.6.1 Operations that can produce a spark, arc or flame hot enough to cause the
ignition of ordinary combustible materials, combustible dusts, flammable
gasses or vapors.
5.6.2 Requirements:
5.6.2.1 A fire watch who shall not be assigned any other duties.
5.6.2.4 All hot work will be conducted following OSHA's 29CFR 1910.252
"Welding, Cutting and brazing."
5.6.2.8 If sewers, trenches, and low spots are within a 35-foot radius of
Level 1 – High Energy Hot Work, and a reasonable potential exist
for the presence of a flammable material then they must be:
Printed controlled copy expires 24 hours after 12:54 PM on 6/8/2021.
Document Number: HSP - 504 Current Rev: 1/25/2023
Revised By: Gregory Thorn Review Cycle: 3 years
Manager Approval MOC HSE-20-17 Revision No. 8
Revisions noted in italics Page 11 of 18
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.7.1 A safe work permit will be issued for all vehicles and any other internal
combustion engine-driven equipment taken into an operating unit. (Example:
trucks, forklifts, portable gasoline, diesel or electric pumps, powered
compressors, light plants, etc.)
5.7.2 The Permit Issuer must conduct an initial atmospheric monitoring for the
area in which the vehicle entry will be used and document the readings on
the permit.
5.7.3 Continuous running equipment in high hazard areas (Class 1 Div. 2) shall
never be left unattended. The area operator is responsible to control access
into these areas via use of vehicle access gates, cones or chains.
5.7.4 If a vehicle will be in and out of the unit in a reasonable amount of time, initial
monitoring may be acceptable.
Printed controlled copy expires 24 hours after 12:54 PM on 6/8/2021.
Document Number: HSP - 504 Current Rev: 1/25/2023
Revised By: Gregory Thorn Review Cycle: 3 years
Manager Approval MOC HSE-20-17 Revision No. 8
Revisions noted in italics Page 12 of 18
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.7.5 The Maintenance Crew Leader or vehicle driver will obtain clearance from
the appropriate unit control room for the vehicle and/or equipment to enter
the operating unit. The permit will be signed by Permit Issuer.
5.8.1 Work requiring the use of electrical or pneumatic power tools that are not
approved for Class I Division II areas (etc.) must be permitted for hot work
with the designation of power tools only.
5.8.2 The Permit Issuer must conduct an initial flammable gas check of the area in
which the power tools will be used and document the readings on the permit.
5.8.3 Hot Work for Power Tools Only will not require the use of a fire watch unless
sparks are produced (i.e. use of Metabo saw)
5.8.4 Permitted equipment will be immediately shut down by the operator in the
event the plant emergency alarm system is sounded. The permit will
become invalid and may be reissued once the “All Clear” is sounded.
5.8.5 An approved fire extinguisher must be obtained and located at the job site if
sparks will be produced. Important: Emergency fire extinguishers located
throughout unit cannot be used to meet this requirement.
5.8.6 Portable Electronic Devices (PED) will follow the same requirements with the
exception of the fire extinguisher requirement.
5.9.2 Hot work in confined spaces will follow all requirements of Westlake's HSP-
503 Confined Space Permit Program. When hot work is suspended for a
period of time (30 minutes or greater) in a confined space (such as during
breaks, lunch, or overnight):
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.9.2.3 The gas applied to the torch must be positively shut off at some
point outside the confined space; and
5.9.2.4 The torch and hose must be removed from the confined space.
5.10.1 The work area including all lower levels of elevated structures, sewers,
trenches, and low spots near hot work sites must have an Initial Atmospheric
Monitor test per the protocol below.
5.10.2 All readings must be recorded on the Work permit. Level 1 -High Energy Hot
Work will require Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring in Class 1 Div. 2
following the same protocols.
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
5.10.4.3 Toxicity (for example, VCM, EDC), if potential for toxins exist during
Hot Work
5.12.1 A hot tap permit will be issued in addition to the safe work permit for all hot
tap activities (see HSP-506_3 Hot Tap Checklist).
6.0 TRAINING
6.1 Training will be conducted initially and when there are changes in the workplace or
technology that requires modification of the Hot Work Procedure. Refresher training
shall be required if there is evidence that there is a lack of knowledge regarding the
hot work procedures or work practices as identified through the site hot work program
assessment.
6.2 The training will be documented and stored in an approved database (i.e. Westlake’s
Learning Management System).
6.3 Training content will be determined by and appropriate for designated roles and
responsibilities associated with hot work activities. (i.e. Those individuals who are
responsible for conducting atmospheric monitoring must be trained in the operations
of atmospheric monitoring equipment. Those designated to be fire watches must be
trained in all duties and operation of equipment utilized while serving as a fire watch).
6.4 All Westlake employees and contractors involved in hot work operations will be
trained on the site’s Hot Work Procedure including the roles and responsibilities and
the Hot Work Permitting process.
6.5 Westlake will provide location specific hot work requirements to contractors
conducting hot work.
6.6 An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Hot Work Program shall be conducted
annually and shall include:
Printed controlled copy expires 24 hours after 12:54 PM on 6/8/2021.
Document Number: HSP - 504 Current Rev: 1/25/2023
Revised By: Gregory Thorn Review Cycle: 3 years
Manager Approval MOC HSE-20-17 Revision No. 8
Revisions noted in italics Page 15 of 18
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
7.0 RECORDKEEPING
7.1 Permits will be kept by Operations for one week following work completion by each
department.
8.1 The Hot Work procedure will be reviewed at least once every three years. The HSE
Department will ensure this review is performed to assess compliance.
9.0 REFERENCES
9.1 Occupational Health and Safety Administration's 29 CFR 1910.119(k) (February 1992)
Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals – “Hot work permit”.
9.2 Occupational Health and Safety Administration's 29 CFR 1910.252(a) (June 1990).
Welding, Cutting and Brazing – General Requirements “Fire prevention and protection”.
9.3 Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 68.85 (June 1996). Subpart D –
Program 3 Prevention Program – “Hot work permit”.
10.0 APPENDICES
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
10.2 Appendix 2 – Mandatory Respirator Selection Guide for Performing Hot Work on
Specific Metallurgies
10.3 Appendix 3 – EXAMPLE: Hot Work Permit (red highlights specific hot work)
RevisionHistory
Appendix1
HotWorkLevelsQuickReferenceGuide
Initial Continuous
Fire Fire
Level Atmospheric Atmospheric
Watch Extinguisher
Monitoring Monitoring
If sparks
Level 3 – Power Tools Only X
produced
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
Appendix2
MandatoryRespiratorSelectionGuideforPerformingHotWorkonSpecificMetallurgies
HEALTH ANDSAFETYPROCEDURE504–HotWork
Appendix3-EXAMPLE:HotWorkPermit(redhighlightsspecifichotwork)