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Hot Work Permit Procedure

Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Foremen, Superintendents, Safety Director

Purpose​

Establish a permit system for hot work operations to prevent fires and protect workers from welding, cutting, and other heat-producing activities.

What is Hot Work?​

Hot work includes any operation that produces flames, sparks, or heat sufficient to ignite combustible materials:

  • Welding (arc, MIG, TIG, stick)
  • Cutting (torch, plasma, arc)
  • Brazing and soldering
  • Grinding
  • Thawing pipes
  • Heat guns
  • Tar kettles

When Hot Work Permit is Required​

Permit Required:​

  • Any hot work within 35 feet of combustibles
  • Hot work in areas not designated for such work
  • Hot work where fire suppression impaired
  • Hot work in confined spaces

Permit NOT Required:​

  • Designated welding shop areas
  • Areas designed for hot work
  • Outdoor areas clear of combustibles

Hot Work Permit Process​

Step 1: Request Permit​

Who: Person performing hot work
When: Before starting work

Provide:

  • Location of hot work
  • Type of hot work
  • Duration of work
  • Name of operator

Step 2: Area Inspection (Pre-Work)​

Permit Authorizer Verifies:

Within 35 Feet of Work Area:

  • Combustibles removed or protected
  • Floors swept clean of debris
  • Flammable liquids/gases removed
  • Combustible walls/partitions protected
  • Floor openings covered

Fire Protection:

  • Fire extinguisher present (minimum 20 lb ABC)
  • Fire watch assigned
  • Sprinklers operational (or fire watch extended)
  • Fire alarm functional

Other Requirements:

  • Ventilation adequate
  • Gas cylinders secured upright
  • Hoses/leads in good condition
  • Proper PPE available

Step 3: Issue Permit​

Permit Authorizer:

  • Signs permit
  • Posts permit at work location
  • Notifies affected personnel
  • Briefs fire watch

Step 4: Perform Hot Work​

During Hot Work:

  • Fire watch continuously monitors
  • Welding screens in place
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Follow safe work practices

Step 5: Fire Watch​

Fire Watch Duties:

  • Monitor for fires during work
  • Monitor for 30 minutes after work
  • Have extinguisher immediately available
  • Know how to sound alarm
  • Know emergency procedures

Fire Watch Requirements:

  • Dedicated person (no other duties)
  • Trained in fire extinguisher use
  • Trained in emergency response
  • Cannot leave area

Step 6: Post-Work Inspection​

After Hot Work Complete:

  • Area inspected for fires/smoldering
  • Fire watch maintained 30 minutes minimum
  • Longer if potential for hidden fires
  • Permit closed out

Hot Work Permit Form​

================================================================
              HOT WORK PERMIT
================================================================

PERMIT #: ____________  DATE: ____________

VALID: From ____________ To ____________ (max 8 hours)

Location: ________________________________________________

Type of Hot Work: ☐ Welding  ☐ Cutting  ☐ Brazing  
                  ☐ Grinding  ☐ Other: ____________

Work Description: _________________________________________

Operator Name: ___________________________________________

Fire Watch Name: _________________________________________

================================================================

PRE-WORK CHECKLIST (Permit Authorizer Completes):

Within 35 feet of work area:
☐ Combustibles removed or covered
☐ Flammable liquids/gases removed
☐ Floors swept clean
☐ Wall/ceiling openings covered
☐ Combustible walls protected

Fire Protection:
☐ Fire extinguisher at work site (Type: _____)
☐ Fire watch briefed and assigned
☐ Sprinklers operational OR extended fire watch
☐ Fire detection operational

Equipment:
☐ Equipment inspected and safe
☐ Cylinders secured upright
☐ Proper PPE available

Ventilation:
☐ Natural ventilation adequate OR
☐ Mechanical ventilation provided OR
☐ Respiratory protection used

================================================================

PERMIT AUTHORIZATION

I have inspected the above work area and verify that 
precautions have been taken to prevent fire.

Permit Authorizer: ________________________ Date: _________
Title: ____________________________________________________

Operator Acknowledges: _____________________ Date: _________

================================================================

FIRE WATCH REQUIREMENTS

Fire Watch Duration: ☐ 30 min  ☐ 60 min  ☐ Other: _______

Fire Watch Maintained By: _________________________________

Fire Watch Completed: _____________ (Time)

Post-Work Area Check: ☐ Complete  By: __________

================================================================

PERMIT CLOSEOUT

Work Completed: _____________ (Time)

Final Area Inspection: ☐ Safe  ☐ Issues Found (see notes)

Closed By: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

================================================================

Fire Watch Requirements​

Qualifications:​

  • Trained in fire extinguisher use
  • Knows location of alarms
  • Knows emergency procedures
  • Understands hot work hazards

Equipment:​

  • Fire extinguisher (20 lb ABC minimum)
  • Communication device
  • Means to sound alarm

Duration:​

SituationMinimum Watch Time
Standard30 minutes after
Concealed combustibles possible60 minutes after
Combustibles within partition60 minutes after
Per fire marshal/ownerAs specified

Special Situations​

Sprinklers Impaired:​

  • Notify fire department
  • Increase fire watch
  • Consider postponing work
  • Have backup extinguishers

Confined Space:​

  • Follow confined space procedures
  • Additional ventilation required
  • Continuous air monitoring
  • Rescue equipment available

Hazardous Atmospheres:​

  • Test atmosphere before work
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Adequate ventilation
  • May require additional permits

Hot Work Safety Requirements​

Operator Requirements:​

  • Trained in hot work safety
  • Proper PPE worn
  • Inspect equipment before use
  • Follow safe work practices

PPE for Hot Work:​

ItemRequired
Welding hood/shieldYes
Safety glasses (under hood)Yes
Welding glovesYes
Leather/flame-resistant clothingYes
Steel-toed bootsYes
Hearing protectionWhen needed
Respiratory protectionWhen needed

Equipment Safety:​

  • Inspect hoses, leads, connections
  • Check for gas leaks
  • Secure cylinders
  • Proper grounding
  • Working flashback arrestors

Common Hot Work Hazards​

HazardPrevention
FireRemove combustibles, fire watch
BurnsPPE, barriers, cool-down time
Eye damageProper shade, screens
Fume inhalationVentilation, respiratory protection
Electric shockGrounding, dry conditions
ExplosionClear of flammables, test atmosphere
UV radiationWelding screens, PPE

Hot Work Violations​

Zero Tolerance:​

  • Hot work without permit
  • No fire watch
  • Fire watch leaving area
  • Combustibles not removed
  • Defective equipment used

Consequences:​

  • Work stopped immediately
  • Investigation
  • Disciplinary action
  • Retraining required
  • Fire Prevention Plan
  • Confined Space Procedure
  • PPE Requirements
  • Emergency Action Plan

Software Integration​

BLDR Pro:

  • Digital hot work permits
  • Photo documentation
  • Permit tracking
  • Expiration alerts

OSHA References​

  • 29 CFR 1926.352 (Fire Prevention)
  • 29 CFR 1926.350-354 (Welding and Cutting)

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