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IMPACT-

THE FIRE PERMIT=

Hot Work Permit

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Welcome !

This course is linked to the use of IMPACT, so it is assumed that:• You know how to use IMPACT or,• At least have passed the e-learning IMPACT fundamentals

module.

This e-learning IMPACT Fire Permit module is part of a series of e-learning modules that explain how to use the different safety forms available in the tool correctly.

This e-learning module gives you an overview of “fire prevention” in order to perform some hot work activities, and prepare the Fire work permit with IMPACT correctly.It does not replace a course for fire prevention.

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Objectives:

• To identify the hazards imported into an area by the hot work activity (e.g. gas, power tools, …)

• To identify the risks generated by a hot work activity (e.g. fire, explosion, …)

• To have an overview of the basic principles of prevention for hot work activities (e.g. remove flammable material, limit the area to people involved in the hot work, …)

• To learn how to generate a Fire Permit at CERN using the IMPACT tool

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Why do I need a Fire Permit and what is it purpose?

Mandatory according to the CERN Safety Code E – Fire Protection – Appendix V

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Purpose:• To ensure that acceptable fire and explosion prevention measures are taken before starting

the hot work

• Ensure that every hot work is performed with an acceptable level of safety

• To assign specific responsibilities to the personnel involved in the work

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YES NO

Where do I need a Fire Permit?

Note:• Some areas (e.g. workshops)

are designed and arranged to perform hot works, therefore a Fire Permit is not required in these areas.

• Outside these areas, a Fire Permit is mandatory

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CuttingGrindingWelding

Re-roofing

Examples of hot work activities that require a Fire Permit when performed outside a workshop:

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The main risks associated with hot work

Fire– Due to sparks flying– Due to thermal propagation– Due to a bad welding circuit

Explosion– Ignition of a flammable mixture– Overpressure and mechanical

failure– Activities with flammable gases or

vapours being performed simultaneously (co-activity)

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Possible causes of a Fire during a hot work activity

• Sparks resulting from welding, cutting or grinding can travel a long way (up to 10m)

• The heat spreads towards the walls, pipes, floors and sandwich panels

• During electrical welding, a bad selection of a connection point leads to a localized electrical resistance and overheating

Possible compensatory measures

• Install fire blankets to protect the existing materials, services and equipment that cannot be removed from the vicinity

• Perform a careful preliminary inspection of the structures with special attention to the areas adjacent to the structure and the combustible material

• Check regularly for hot spots along the cables which connect the piece to be welded and the welding machine

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Possible causes of an explosion during a hot

work activity

• Heat can move a product from its liquid state to vapor, which mixed in air can create an explosive atmosphere

• Welding a closed tank causes diffuse heating and an increase in pressure, which may exceed the rupture threshold -> EXPLOSION

• Generation of an explosive atmosphere close to a hot work activity

Possible compensatory measures

• Flush the tank with a dry fire suppressing gas before starting the welding activity, and monitor the air with a specific detector

• Always ensure that all closed areas being part of a hot work activity or adjacent to it have an opening for ventilation

• Ensure ventilation, and monitor the concentration of gases in the air

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• If you already have a work permit (= IMPACT activity), search for it using the search menu

IMPACT

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• From your IMPACT activity generate a Fire Permit

IMPACT – Fire Permit

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• Complete the Fire Permit with as much detailed information you can

IMPACT – Fire Permit form

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• Workflow Info lines

IMPACT - Fire Permit form

• Fire Permit ID

• Fire Permit Status

Note: You shall never start the hot work activity before the Fire Permit is fully approved

• Fire Permit fields to be completed by the creator

• Helper and reminders information

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• Define the compensatory measures to put in place for this work (e.g. heatproof curtain code SCEM 59.80.20.A, portable extinguisher, …)

IMPACT - Fire Permit form

• Specify the responsible person to install the protection means

• Specify any additional restrictions that have to be taken into account before, during or after the work (e.g. Fence the area, …)

• The hazards declared in the IMPACT activity will be imported automatically, but complete these fields with the missing information

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• Specify the exact start and end date and time of your hot work activity. Note: It is simple to clone a Fire Permit, so avoid creating Fire Permits that are valid for long periods just because you need to do a hot work activity in the beginning and at the end of your activity

IMPACT - Fire Permit form

• Specify the exact location where the hot work activity will take place

• Specify the hot work to be performed and how it will be perform with as much detail you can

• Specify who will perform the hot work activity

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• Specify if fire detection exists in the place of your hot work and if it needs to be inhibited. Note: An IS37 (Disable/Enable Alarm request) will be generated automatically if you select that the smoke detection needs to be inhibited, but you still need to submit it

IMPACT - Fire Permit form

• List the warning devices that will be available

• List the fire-fighting devices that are available in the area

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• Provide a closure feedback once the end date is reached.

Note: You can terminate your Fire Permit before the end date, but you will have to provide a closeout feedback

IMPACT - Fire Permit Fields

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• Once you complete the fire permit with all the information required, submit it for approval. Note: You should submit it with enough time in advance (recommended: 2 weeks in advance)

IMPACT - Fire Permit form

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Notification received by the Fire Permit responsible

NOTE: You must never start a hot work activity without having a Fire Permit fully approved. If needed contact the person that has to sign it (name available in the workflow info lines). As responsible for the hot work activity it is your responsibility to have the permit fully approved, before the activity starts, and to to close it as soon the activity is completed.

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Examples of warning devices, extinguish means, protection systems and detection systems

Warning devices

Extinguish means

Protection systems

Heat-protection screens (CERN store SCEM code: 59.80.20.020.3)

Detection systems

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Role and responsibility of the Fire Permit responsible

• Inspect the area where the hot work activity will take place, and identify the adequate preventive measures to be implemented

• Ensure that the Fire Permit is filled with exact and detailed information

• Ensure the hot work activity doesn’t start before the preventive measures are implemented and before the Fire Permit is fully approved

• Ensure that the workers performing the hot work activity have the necessary training and information to perform the work safely

• Ensure that the area where the hot work activity took place is supervised for two hours after completion of the hot work activity

• Ensure the area is left clean after the hot work activity

• Terminate the Fire Permit as soon as possible after the hot work completion

• Provide closure feedback to the Fire Permit

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Summary

• You must have an approved Fire Permit for any hot work performed outside a workshop

• You must never start a hot work activity without an approved Fire Permit

• You must plan the hot work activity carefully before requesting your Fire Permit

• You must define the protection means necessary to be put in place during the work

• You must check if a detection system exists close to the work area and define if it needs to by inhibited for the duration of the work

• You must use IMPACT to request your Fire Permit

• Your Fire Permit must be part of an IMPACT activity

• You must terminate your fire permit and IS37 if the works finish before the planned end date

• You must limit the duration of your Fire Permit to the strictly necessary