SECTION 5.11  HOT SURFACE APPLICATIONS

Subsection 5.11.1.  Application

Application

5.11.1.1.  This Section applies to hot surface applications, in or on buildings, that use open flame torches, bitumen kettles or other heat-producing devices.

Subsection 5.11.2.  General

Exposed combustible materials

5.11.2.1.  (1)  If there is a possibility of sparks, flames or heat igniting combustible materials as a result of hot surface applications

(a)   combustibles within 5 m of the hot surface application shall be protected against ignition, and
(b)   openings in roofs, parapets or other building structures within 5 m of hot surface applications shall be covered or closed to prevent the passage of sparks or flames to adjacent areas.

(2)  If it is not possible to cover or close openings described in Clause (1)(b), combustibles in the area exposed by the opening shall be protected against ignition.

Open flame torches

5.11.2.2.  (1)  An open flame torch shall only be applied to materials intended for hot surface applications and shall not directly expose

(a)   combustible materials, such as wood roof decks, cant strips, insulation and flashing,
(b)   voids, holes and skylights in the roof or roof deck, or
(c)   gas lines and electrical cables.

Bitumen kettles

5.11.2.3.  (1)  Bitumen kettles shall

(a)   not be located in a building or on a roof of a building,
(b)   not be located in a fire access route,
(c)   not be located within 3 m of a building exit or means of egress,
(d)   be provided with metal lids that are close-fitting and constructed of steel having a thickness of not less than No. 14 sheet metal gauge (2 mm),
(e)   be maintained free of excessive residue, and
(f)   when in operation

(i)   be level, with most of the weight off the tires and legs,
(ii)   not be heated above 260ºC,
(iii)   be kept clear of combustible debris or materials, and
(iv)   be under constant supervision by a person who is knowledgeable of operations and hazards and trained in the use of portable extinguishers.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), bitumen kettles may be located on concrete roofs if roof openings within 15 m are diked to prevent spilled asphalt run-off.

5.11.2.4.  (1)  After each daily use, mops that have been used for spreading bitumen shall be kept in a safe location

(a)   at least 3 m away from buildings, and
(b)   isolated from other combustibles.

Firewatch

5.11.2.5.  (1)  A firewatch shall be provided whenever an open flame torch or other ignition source is used for hot surface applications in or on a building and shall include

(a)   any area where combustible materials used in building construction or contents are located within 5 m of persons using an open flame torch or other ignition source,
(b)   any area of the building exposed as a result of unprotected roof or wall openings located within 5 m of persons using an open flame torch or other ignition source, and
(c)   any area where combustibles on the underside of roofs or the opposite side of walls might be ignited as a result of persons using an open flame torch or other ignition source.

(2)  If a firewatch is required, the areas shall be toured by firewatch personnel at least once each hour.

(3)  Facilities shall be provided to enable the firewatch personnel to

(a)   ensure that a fire warning is sounded to notify occupants, and
(b)   communicate with the fire department.

(4)  The firewatch personnel shall be equipped with portable illumination and protective equipment.

(5)  A firewatch shall be conducted from the beginning of a hot surface application until

(a)   at least 3 hours after the application ceases, or
(b)   at least 2 hours after the application ceases if a hand-held thermal scanner is used to assist in detecting hidden hot spots.

Portable extinguishers

5.11.2.6.  (1)  Portable extinguishers with a minimum rating of 4A:40B:C shall be

(a)   located within 6 m of persons using an open flame torch or other ignition source, and
(b)   readily available to all other persons in the area of hot surface applications and firewatch personnel.

(2)  Portable extinguishers with a minimum rating of 4A:40B:C shall be located no further than 7.6 m and no closer than 1.5 m from a bitumen kettle.