Apa itu permit to work untuk hot work dan kapan diperlukan?

Hot Work Permit adalah authorization khusus untuk pekerjaan yang menghasilkan panas, api, atau percikan - high-risk activity yang dapat cause fire atau explosion.

Apa yang Termasuk Hot Work:

• Welding: Arc welding, gas welding, spot welding
• Cutting: Oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, laser cutting
• Grinding: Menghasilkan percikan metal
• Brazing, soldering
• Torch application: Waterproofing, roofing work
• Powder-actuated tools
• Any open flame work

Kenapa Hot Work Berbahaya:

• Ignition source: Percikan 1000°C+ dapat ignite flammable material
• Unnoticed fire: Percikan masuk ke crack, start smoldering fire hours later
• Flammable atmosphere: Fuel vapor, hydraulic mist can explode
• Confined space: Limited escape route jika fire start

Kapan Hot Work Permit Required:

ALWAYS required untuk hot work except:

• Dalam designated hot work area (welding shop dengan fixed control)
• Permanent cutting/welding station dengan engineered safety

Definitely required untuk:

• Field welding/cutting di construction site
• Repair work pada equipment (fuel tank, hydraulic system)
• Work di atau near confined space
• Work di area dengan flammable material storage
• Work pada pipeline atau vessel yang contained flammable

Hot Work Permit Content:

• Work description: What, where, when
• Duration: Typically valid untuk single shift only
• Hazard assessment: Fire/explosion risk identified
• Precautions checklist: (see below)
• Fire watch requirement
• Authorization signature: Permit issuer, worker, fire watch

Mandatory Precautions Before Hot Work:

1. Area Preparation (30-60 min before start)

• Remove combustibles:
• Move flammable material minimum 10 meter radius
• If cannot move - cover dengan fire-resistant tarp
• Remove debris, oil-soaked rags, paper
• Wet down:
• Spray water di combustible floor, wall nearby
• Keep area damp selama work
• Cover openings:
• Seal floor crack, drain, opening dimana percikan bisa masuk
• Use non-combustible cover (metal sheet, wet blanket)

2. Equipment/Vessel Preparation

Jika welding/cutting pada tank atau equipment:

• Drain & purge: Remove ALL flammable liquid/gas
• Clean thoroughly: Steam clean, solvent wash, dry
• Ventilate: Flush dengan inert gas atau air
• Atmospheric test: Verify <10% LEL, adequate oxygen
• Isolate: Blank flanges, LOTO valves

3. Fire Protection Equipment

• Fire extinguisher: Minimum 2x 9kg ABC type, charged, accessible
• Fire hose: Charged dan ready (jika available)
• Fire blanket
• Water bucket/barrel untuk emergency

4. Assign Fire Watch

• Trained person dedicated untuk watch for fire
• Positioned dengan clear view of work dan surrounding
• Equipped: Radio, fire extinguisher, torch
• Authority: Can stop work jika unsafe

During Hot Work:

• Worker minimize percikan dengan technique
• Fire watch continuously scan untuk smoke/flame
• Other personnel maintain safe distance
• No smoking di area

After Hot Work (Fire Watch Continue):

• CRITICAL: Fire watch continue 60 minutes AFTER work complete
• Why? Smoldering fire dapat start hours later
• Inspect all areas dimana percikan could have landed
• Check behind wall, under floor, dalam crack
• Use thermal camera jika available

Special Situations:

Work Near Fuel Tank:

• Tank must be empty minimum 24 hours, purged, tested
• Even "empty" tank has vapor - extremely dangerous
• Consider alternative method (mechanical cutting) jika possible

Confined Space Hot Work:

• Requires BOTH hot work permit AND confined space permit
• Extra stringent - continuous atmospheric monitoring
• Forced ventilation mandatory

Operator Role:

Heavy equipment operator may:

• Witness hot work on their equipment (repair)
• Assist dengan moving equipment untuk access

Operator responsibility:

• Verify permit displayed dan valid before allow work
• Ensure fuel tank isolated jika welding near
• Stay clear dari work area - no unnecessary personnel
• Report unsafe practice jika observed

Consequence of Permit Violation:

• Immediate work stoppage
• Disciplinary action - possible termination
• If fire result - criminal liability possible

Hot work is controlled activity - NEVER proceed without valid permit!