Skyline Renewable Energy — Life Critical Policy
Hot Work
Policy Summary
Welding, cutting, grinding and any spark-producing task are prohibited in or near fuel handling areas without a permit, a tested atmosphere, cleared combustibles and a dedicated fire watch.
Policy Topics
Permit and Authorization
Hot work without a valid permit is a life critical violation — including a single quick weld.
A written permit issued by an authorized individual after a site assessment.
A permit valid for one shift and one location only — no carryover.
Confirmation that alternatives such as cold cutting or mechanical joining were considered first.
Sign-off at completion by the issuer.
A permit is a record of the controls in place, not a permission slip.
Atmosphere and Area Preparation
Fuel vapour travels and pools. Prepare the area before the first spark.
- Test for flammables in the work area and in adjacent low points, drains and sumps.
- Suspend all product transfers within the affected area for the duration of the work.
- Remove combustible material or protect it with fire-resistant covers.
- Cover floor and wall openings, and seal drains that could carry sparks.
- Shield containers that held flammable product — empty vessels still carry vapour.
Fire Watch Requirements
The fire watch is a dedicated life safety role.
- Assigned exclusively to watching for fire — no other duties.
- Equipped with charged extinguishing equipment appropriate to the hazard.
- Present during the work and for 30 to 60 minutes after it ends, as the permit requires.
- Authorized to stop the work immediately if conditions change.
The fire watch never leaves the post, even briefly.
Post-Work Verification
Most hot work fires start after the work stops.
- Maintain the fire watch through the required monitoring period.
- Inspect the area, including hidden spaces and the far side of walls, for heat and smoke.
- Confirm all hot surfaces have cooled before the area is left.
- Return the area to normal condition and close out the permit.
Report any smouldering or unusual heat immediately, even after the permit is closed.
Demonstrate Your Understanding
Complete the compliance quiz to confirm your understanding of this life critical policy.