Glossary - OSHA Hot Work Safety for Construction Training

A sudden release of heat and light energy from an electrical arc, capable of causing burns and eye injury; a hazard specific to arc welding.

A designated, pre-identified location where workers gather during an evacuation so a headcount can confirm everyone is accounted for.

Any material capable of igniting and burning, including wood, paper, plastic sheeting, insulation, and accumulated dust.

A pressurized vessel containing gas (such as oxygen or acetylene) used in gas welding and cutting requires secure, upright storage and careful handling.

A space large enough for a worker to enter and perform work, with limited means of entry or exit, that is not designed for continuous occupancy.

A location built and maintained specifically to contain hot work hazards, constructed of noncombustible materials and equipped with fire extinguishers and ventilation.

A person assigned solely to monitor for fire hazards during hot work and for a period afterward, with no competing duties.

The unintended burning of gas inside the torch, hose, or regulator of gas welding equipment, moving backward from the tip toward the supply.

A safety device installed on gas welding equipment that prevents flame or flashback from traveling back into the hose or cylinder.

Connecting electrical equipment to the earth or a conductive body prevents the buildup of voltage that could cause shock or equipment ignition.

A toxic compound that can be released as a fume when welding stainless steel; associated with respiratory irritation and cancer risk.

Any operation involving burning, welding, riveting, heating, grinding, cutting, soldering, brazing, or similar flame- or spark-producing activity performed where flammable or combustible materials may be present.

A formal, time-limited authorization confirming that a location has been evaluated and made safe for hot work, issued by a Permit Authorizing Individual.

Any spark, flame, heat, or energy source capable of igniting a flammable or combustible material.

A flu-like illness caused by inhaling metal oxide fumes, most commonly zinc oxide from welding galvanized steel.

An unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential to do so; reportable in the same way as an actual incident.

The National Fire Protection Association's Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work provides detailed practices supporting OSHA's fire prevention requirements.

The section of OSHA's construction standards titled “Welding and Cutting,” consisting of §1926.350 through §1926.354.

An unsafe increase in the oxygen concentration of an atmosphere or material, which dramatically increases fire and explosion risk, can result from misuse of oxygen for ventilation or dust removal.

The person responsible for inspecting a hot work location, confirming required precautions are in place, and issuing the hot work permit.

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, such as welding helmets, flame-resistant clothing, and gloves, is selected based on the specific hot work task.

Molten or solidified byproduct material produced during welding or cutting that remains hot and can ignite combustibles well after the work itself has stopped.

The practice of directing, containing, or covering sparks and slag during hot work to prevent them from reaching combustible materials.

The mechanical or natural movement of air used to remove or dilute hazardous fumes, gases, or vapors generated during hot work.

A fire-resistant fabric barrier used to catch sparks and slag or to shield nearby workers and materials from arc flash and heat.