Public requirements for hot work
Both the insurance industry and Norwegian authorities set requirements for the performance of hot work. Requirements from the authorities are laid down and described in Norwegian laws and regulations.
Central legislation
Key laws are the Working Environment Act and the Fire and Explosion Protection Act. These describe in a general way how to behave in risky work. Among important regulations that have specific provisions for hot work is the Regulations on the Performance of Work. It sets requirements for risk assessment when using equipment that can produce heat or sparks, and that flammable material in the vicinity of the workplace must be removed or shielded with non-flammable material. Responsibility for information and training lies with the employer with the participation of employees and other personnel with HSE tasks.
Fire prevention measures
The Fire Prevention Regulations also contain provisions regarding activities that involve a risk of fire. "Everyone is obliged to exercise caution when carrying out activities that may lead to fire," the regulations state. The requirement of caution includes both a duty to assess fire risk and to stop or take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk.
Internal control requirements
Companies that perform hot work, like other types of businesses, are also required to follow the provisions of the regulations on systematic health, environment and safety work in businesses (Internal Control Regulations). Internal control means, among other things, that the company must map hazards and problems and, on this basis, assess risk, as well as prepare associated plans and measures to reduce risk conditions. The process must be documented in writing and repeated each time hot work is performed. This applies to both whether the workplace for performance is arranged or random.
Work placement
In cases where a client outsources work to a contractor, the Internal Control Regulations state that the client must base the activities covered by the assignment on the contractor's internal control system. In addition, the client must provide information about any common rules and the like and ensure that any deficiencies are corrected or necessary adjustments are made to its own or the contractor's internal control. This means that the client must ensure that the contractor has a satisfactory internal control system. In order to meet the requirements in its own insurance agreement, the client must also ensure that the performer has a certificate in hot work, if this takes place at a random workplace.
Competence requirements
Basic fire and safety expertise and awareness related to this is a prerequisite for being able to carry out hot work safely. The purpose of the certification scheme in hot work is precisely to ensure this competence requirement. Therefore, clients should require that all practitioners are certified, regardless of the type of hot work involved.