UNDERGROUND HOT WORKS AUDIT

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Site conducted
Conducted on
Prepared by
Location

Hot Works Activity Planning

Risk Management—Verify that a task-specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Permit, Authority to Work (ATW) documentation, Fire Watch Checklist, and evidence of the Supervisor's inspection of the hot work area are all in place and duly completed.

Work Area and Equipment Preparation

Are the areas and equipment in safe condition?
Have combustible materials been removed within 10 metres of the hot work area? If not, are they protected by fire-resistant coverings or shields or kept wet?
Are screens and shields erected around the job site to prevent or contain flashes, sparks and slag/debris from impacting personnel?
Has the area been barricaded and marked as an increased risk?
Arranging for forced ventilation where required?
Fire-fighting equipment positioned in immediate proximity of the work and for the sole purpose of the task being completed, e.g. not a fire extinguisher attached toa building or piece of equipment?
Ensuring that firefighting equipment is compatible with the class of fire that may occur and compatible with the hazards that may be present, e.g. electrical hazards?
Notifying personnel in the area and Tanami Expansion Project 2 Emergency Services?
Ensuring there is a trained and competent designated Fire Watch nominated?
Inspecting all Hot Work equipment and ensuring that it is safe to use?
Ensuring that gas cylinder and handpiece flashback arrestors are fitted, hoses and fittings are in good condition and stored off the ground, and an equipment inspection has been completed?

Designated Hot Works Area

Has the hotworks area underground been approved?

Designated Fire Watch

Is there a designated trained fire watch person?
Is the fire watch person competent in the following: 01. Fire Extinguisher Training; 02. Emergency Procedures for radio communications; 03. The Fire Watch is posted at that job site until the area has been cleared of any potential hazards. 04. Be familiar with the locations of first aid equipment; 05. Inspect the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment and ensure it is fit for purpose, in date and operational; 06. Ensure fire fighting equipment is available and ready for use in the immediate work area; 07. Ensure the FWC is conducted prior to the commencement of HW1 activities; 08. Ensure all persons conducting HW1 are signed onto the JHA and the ATW; 09. Inspect the work area prior to any welding, cutting or grinding being performed; 10. Identify and protect rubber lining, piping, vessels, electrical lines, and all other equipment whilst hot works are undertaken; 11. Ensure all combustible materials are removed (10m) from immediate surroundings; 12. Ensure the correct PPE is used, including the provision of welding screens where practicable, to prevent eye injuries to other people in the area; 13. Ensure hot work equipment, including electrical leads, are fit for purpose. 14. Remove any potential fire hazards, i.e., oil, rags, trash, solvent, etc; 15. Take necessary precautions such as: welding screens, fire blankets, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, barricades including area below, etc; 16. Observe for any fires or hot spots that may result from the welding, cutting or grinding, i.e., flying sparks, falling slag, hot metal, arc or open flames; 17. Extinguishing any fires and hot spots; 18. Assure fire watch is maintained during breaks and meals; 19. Inspect the area at the end of job for any possible hot spots, and potential flame ups due to smouldering materials. The area shall be monitored for a minimum of 30 minutes post activity only if the risk has been identified and work is conducted near combustible, flammable material; 20. Remain at the site until relieved by another Fire Watch or until the area has been secured from any potential fire hazard

PPE

Eye protection welding googles suitable for oxy-acetylene works
Leather gloves
Long sleeve cotton shirt and pants, or one piece overalls
Leather lace up work boots
Hearing protection
Double eye protection, which includes a welding mask
PAPR welding helmet must be worn when welding with the exception of tack welding where a standard welding mask is the minimum requirement for welding masks

Fumes and Gases

The welding/cutting arc may cause reactions that produce carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and other gaseous contaminants. Significant quantities of ozone may also arise from the intense ultraviolet radiation emitted from some arcs. Have samplings of airborne particles and gases been carried out?