NFPA 51B covers a wide range of hot work operations—any activity involving open flames, sparks, or heat that could ignite flammable materials. Specifically, the standard includes:
Welding (arc and gas)
Cutting (oxy-fuel, plasma, etc.)
Brazing
Soldering
Grinding
Thermal spraying
Heat treating
Torch-applied roofing
Drilling, chipping, or other spark-producing operations
These activities are especially hazardous in areas with combustible materials, flammable vapors, or dust.
NFPA 51B applies whether the hot work is done on a construction site, in a facility, or during maintenance and repair operations.
The standard helps ensure that all hot work is properly evaluated and controlled through permits, safety procedures, and fire watch requirements.
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