Hot Work Permit System: Preventing Welding and Cutting Fires

Hot work—welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, and grinding—produces sparks, slag, and open flames that are among the most common causes of industrial fires. A hot work permit system ensures that appropriate fire prevention measures are in place before any hot work begins.

The permit designates a fire watch—a person whose sole responsibility is to monitor the work area for signs of fire during the work and for at least 30 to 60 minutes afterward. The fire watch must have a fire extinguisher and a means of communication to report fires.

Before issuing a permit, the hot work area must be cleared of all combustible materials within a 35-foot radius, or these materials must be covered with fire-resistant blankets or shields. Combustible floors must be wet down or covered with sand or fire-resistant covers.

Hot work permits typically require sign-off from multiple responsible parties: the worker performing the hot work, a supervisor, and the fire watch. The permit specifies the location, time, nature of the work, required fire prevention measures, and the duration of the fire watch.

Alternative methods—cold cutting, remote welding systems, and pre-fabrication—are always preferable to hot work when feasible. When hot work is necessary, the permit system provides the framework for minimizing fire risk.