Hot work procedures – important to know
Nov 22, 2021
By: Itzick Simon
Construction work naturally requires many functions performed in heat and even using live, open fire. The work routine includes countless dangerous tasks that may produce a fire, and the risk to equipment and work tools is not the only danger.
A construction site is a complex with countless flammable materials and accessories that can be used as "combustion material." Notable examples of this are boards that have been oiled for quick disconnection, which any slight spark could ignite, and of course, sealing work that is carried out using heat and even with open fire.
Insurance companies are aware of the issue and include a clear clause in their contractor policies that deals with hot work. Sometimes, they explicitly state that failure to comply with the terms of the procedure is grounds for reducing coverage and, in serious cases, for canceling it altogether. There are even policies that state that particularly dangerous work involving fire near fuel or gas tanks is dependent on receiving specific prior approval from the insurance company.
To view examples of insurance company supplements - click here
By: Itzick Simon
Construction work naturally requires many functions performed in heat and even using live, open fire. The work routine includes countless dangerous tasks that may produce a fire, and the risk to equipment and work tools is not the only danger.
A construction site is a complex with countless flammable materials and accessories that can be used as "combustion material." Notable examples of this are boards that have been oiled for quick disconnection, which any slight spark could ignite, and of course, sealing work that is carried out using heat and even with open fire.
Insurance companies are aware of the issue and include a clear clause in their contractor policies that deals with hot work. Sometimes, they explicitly state that failure to comply with the terms of the procedure is grounds for reducing coverage and, in serious cases, for canceling it altogether. There are even policies that state that particularly dangerous work involving fire near fuel or gas tanks is dependent on receiving specific prior approval from the insurance company.
To view examples of insurance company supplements - click here
Main hot work procedures
Hot work practices are based on fairly similar conditions between the various policies for insurance for contracting work marketed in Israel, and these are the main points.
· Removal of flammable materials – In all hot work procedures, the policies require that “flammable materials” be removed at least 10-11 meters from the location where the work is being performed. When it comes to portable flammable materials that can be moved (such as planks or hazardous containers), the removal is physical. In the case of flammable materials that cannot be moved, the policies state that they must be covered with a non-flammable covering (such as a wet tarpaulin or asbestos blanket).
· Appointment of a responsible person – Insureds are required to appoint a responsible person on their behalf who will ensure that hot work procedures are actually carried out on site. In most policies, responsible persons are required to conduct a "preliminary tour" before work begins to verify that the procedure is being followed.
· Fire watcher – hot work is required under the various policies to be accompanied by a fire watcher. A "fire watcher" is an employee whose sole job is to oversee the dangerous work while equipped with fire extinguishing equipment and the ability to quickly call for rescue forces in the event of a fire or explosion. Most policies require that the fire watcher remain in place for a "reasonable time" (usually at least 30 minutes) after the work is completed, to ensure that no fire develops from any irons left behind.
· Supervision and notification of subcontractors – Various subcontractors frequently operate on a construction site. The primary insured must ensure that the subcontractors are notified of the hot work, including the full procedure, fire extinguishing equipment, etc.
Main hot work procedures
Hot work practices are based on fairly similar conditions between the various policies for insurance for contracting work marketed in Israel, and these are the main points.
Removal of flammable materials – In all hot work procedures, the policies require that “flammable materials” be removed at least 10-11 meters from the location where the work is being performed. When it comes to portable flammable materials that can be moved (such as planks or hazardous containers), the removal is physical. In the case of flammable materials that cannot be moved, the policies state that they must be covered with a non-flammable covering (such as a wet tarpaulin or asbestos blanket).
Appointment of a responsible person – Insureds are required to appoint a responsible person on their behalf who will ensure that hot work procedures are actually carried out on site. In most policies, responsible persons are required to conduct a "preliminary tour" before work begins to verify that the procedure is being followed.
Fire watcher – hot work is required under the various policies to be accompanied by a fire watcher. A "fire watcher" is an employee whose sole job is to oversee the dangerous work while equipped with fire extinguishing equipment and the ability to quickly call for rescue forces in the event of a fire or explosion. Most policies require that the fire watcher remain in place for a "reasonable time" (usually at least 30 minutes) after the work is completed, to ensure that no fire develops from any irons left behind.
Supervision and notification of subcontractors – Various subcontractors frequently operate on a construction site. The primary insured must ensure that the subcontractors are notified of the hot work, including the full procedure, fire extinguishing equipment, etc.
What happens in the event of a fire on site?
In the event of a fire on site as a result of a flare-up or explosion, the insured will of course want to activate the policy and be covered. The insurance company, for its part, will send professionals to the site, each with a different role: an appraiser, a fire investigator, and a private investigator, who will quickly examine a number of aspects:
· What was the cause of the fire?
· Did the insured follow hot work procedures in accordance with the policy?
· What is the extent of the damage and the costs of repairing the damage in an initial assessment?
Please note that in addition to the fact that the contractor must ensure at all times that hot work procedures are being followed, it is very important that he ensure that the execution is documented . The issue of documentation can prove to be critical in terms of being able to prove that hot work procedures are being followed as required.
All the small nuances of the procedure must be observed, as the slightest violation is enough to create a dispute that will lead to a delay, a reduction in compensation, or even the withdrawal of insurance coverage. For example, making sure that the fire inspector has indeed "disconnected" from the ongoing work and is only engaged in observing the work , or that all flammable materials have indeed been removed to the required distances and/or wrapped in a non-flammable covering.
In conclusion:
"Hot Work Procedure" is not a recommendation but a mandatory specification. A fire or flare-up on site could cause severe damage to both property and, like many aspects of insurance, "the end of the matter is in the first place."
The more an insured person is able to comply with the mandatory procedure, and not out of a desire to "fulfill their obligation" but rather out of an understanding of the importance of the issue, the greater the chance that they will be spared unnecessary damages and proceedings.
Remember that disputes regarding the cause of a fire or blaze are not trivial matters and may escalate into lengthy and challenging legal proceedings. It is important to know that even if the insured is ultimately entitled to insurance coverage, fire damage may cause quite a few indirect and consequential damages, such as delays in schedules, special expenses for urgent fire damage restoration, the purchase of new equipment to replace the damaged equipment, and the like.
Contractors' insurance does not provide coverage for financial damages (see definition of insurance event: physical damage ) to the insured project, and things can easily climb to hundreds of thousands of shekels.
"Hot Work Procedure" is not a recommendation but a mandatory specification. A fire or flare-up on site could cause severe damage to both property and, like many aspects of insurance, "the end of the matter is in the first place."
The more an insured person is able to comply with the mandatory procedure, and not out of a desire to "fulfill their obligation" but rather out of an understanding of the importance of the issue, the greater the chance that they will be spared unnecessary damages and proceedings.
Remember that disputes regarding the cause of a fire or blaze are not trivial matters and may escalate into lengthy and challenging legal proceedings. It is important to know that even if the insured is ultimately entitled to insurance coverage, fire damage may cause quite a few indirect and consequential damages, such as delays in schedules, special expenses for urgent fire damage restoration, the purchase of new equipment to replace the damaged equipment, and the like.
Contractors' insurance does not provide coverage for financial damages (see definition of insurance event: physical damage ) to the insured project, and things can easily climb to hundreds of thousands of shekels.
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