Hot Work vs. Cold Work
- Hot work: any activity that produces sparks, flames or heat, such as welding, grinding, or open-air blasting. It carries fire and explosion risks in hazardous environments.
- Cold work: activities that do not produce ignition sources, such as vacuum blasting with Pinovo, bolting, or inspection. Cold work is safer and often preferred in ATEX zones.
Where is this distinction critical?
Hot work vs. cold work classification is vital in:
- Oil & Gas – offshore risers, flare booms, topside piping.
- Petrochemical & Chemical plants – process vessels, reactors, insulated pipelines.
- Marine & Offshore wind – deck areas, turbine towers, hull details.
- Infrastructure & Power – bridges, cranes, boilers, turbines.
For you as an operator, choosing cold work reduces the need for costly hot work permits, fire watches, and extended shutdowns.
Extra explanation
- Hot work permits are mandatory for welding, cutting and open blasting in ATEX zones. They require:
- Gas-free certification.
- Fire guards and extinguishing equipment.
- Temporary shutdowns in surrounding areas.
- Cold work permits are easier to obtain and involve fewer HSE barriers.
By reducing hot work, projects:
- Save time – no lengthy permit processes.
- Reduce costs – fewer standby personnel needed.
- Increase safety – lower explosion and fire risks.
Pinovo and cold work blasting
Pinovo’s vacuum blasting is classified as cold work because:
- No sparks, flames, or heat are produced.
- Dust and grit are contained, removing ignition hazards.
- ATEX-certified tools ensure compliance in explosive atmospheres.
This means blasting can continue in live plants and offshore platforms without full shutdowns.