Hot work—welding, cutting, grinding—remains one of the most dangerous operations on ships and offshore facilities. The problem is often not the work itself, but preparation and supervision.
Incidents occur when hot operations become routine. Permits are formally issued, the area is cleared “by eye,” and risk assessments are conducted only once—before work begins. However, conditions can change during the process.
It is critical to remember that dangers persist not only during welding but also after it is completed. Many fires occur tens of minutes later, when control has been relaxed and the crew’s attention has shifted to other tasks.
🔍 The correct approach requires constant observation, an up-to-date assessment of the atmosphere, and a clear understanding of the surrounding areas and structures. Hot work is not a one-time action, but a process that ends only after the area is confirmed to be completely safe.
❗️This is a reminder for seafarers and offshore personnel: attempting to speed up or simplify hot work almost always increases the risk of a serious incident.
Seamen’s Club 🇺🇦 | #news