Workers who perform hot work can quickly become complacent. They don’t realize that simply “pencil whipping” the permit without making the area safe for hot work can place them and their coworkers at risk. It’s human nature that the more frequently you perform a task the more comfortable you become with it. Before you know it, you let your guard down, skip steps, or decide you needn’t worry about safety because it will just take a minute — and then the unthinkable happens. Even the best hot work program can’t prevent a fire or explosion if it isn’t used, steps are missed, or hazards are ignored.
Hot work is any process that can be a source of ignition when flammable or combustible material is near. Anytime employees work with equipment that produces a spark or open flame, or a process that generates excessive heat, there is a risk of fire.