AU hazard library

Hot work & ignition sources

Welding, grinding, oxy-cutting near combustibles. Permit-controlled per AS 1674.

Fire / explosion from welding, cutting, grinding sparks

Sparks, slag, hot debris from welding, oxy-cutting, plasma cutting, or grinding ignite combustible materials, flammable atmospheres, or fuel-air mixtures resulting in fire or explosion.

Initial risk

EXTREME

L3 × C5

Best residual

LOW

With full hierarchy of controls

HRCW reference

contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Controls (hierarchy of controls order)

Eliminate
Residual LOW
Substitute cold-work methods (bolt, rivet, cold-cut)
Where joining or cutting can be achieved without ignition source (bolted connections, mechanical cutting, hydraulic shears), use the cold-work method.
Cited: AS 1674.1
Engineering controls
Residual MEDIUM
Fire blankets, screens, and 9 kg dry-powder extinguisher
Fire-rated welding screens around the work zone; fire blankets covering combustibles within 10 m; minimum one 9 kg dry-chemical-powder extinguisher (AS/NZS 1841.5) within 5 m of the hot work; charged hose where reticulated water is available.
Cited: AS 1674.1 s 4 · AS/NZS 1841.5
Administrative controls
Residual MEDIUM
Hot Work Permit + fire watch + atmospheric clearance
Hot Work Permit issued by site authority identifying the work, the location, the combustibles cleared (10 m radius minimum), the atmospheric clearance (where required), the fire-watch personnel and equipment, the validity window (single shift only) and post-work watch (≥60 min after).
Cited: AS 1674.1 · AS 1674.2

PPE

Welding PPE ensemble — Auto-darkening welding helmet (Shade 9-13), flame-retardant jacket, leather gauntlets, flame-resistant trousers, safety boots, respiratory protection if welding galvanised or coated steel.Standard: AS/NZS 1338.1 / AS/NZS 1337.1
Industrial safety helmet — Type 1 industrial safety helmet with chin strap where required by site rules or wind exposure. Replace at expiry date or after impact.Standard: AS/NZS 1801
Steel-cap safety boots — Type 1 safety footwear with steel toecap, slip-resistant sole, ankle support; electrical hazard rating where exposed to live electrical work.Standard: AS/NZS 2210.3
P2 disposable respirator — P2-rated disposable particulate respirator with fit-check and clean-shaven seal area. Replace when breathing resistance increases or per shift.Standard: AS/NZS 1716

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