Hot work includes welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, soldering, and other tasks that produce heat, sparks, or flame. If not done safely, it can lead to serious injuries or catastrophic fires – especially in buildings under construction.
Before you start hot work
Ask yourself: Can you avoid hot work by using alternatives like press fittings, hydraulic shears, or mechanical connections?
Pre-Work Reminders:
Inspect and confirm hot work equipment is in good condition.
Ensure proper PPE is worn (glasses, face shields, gloves, aprons, boots, etc.)
Clean and sweep the area within 35 feet.
Remove flammable liquids and materials.
Protect combustible floors with damp sand or fire-resistant shields.
Cover wall and floor openings with non-combustible materials.
Shield hydraulic lines or thermal elements of fire sprinklers.
Purge containers of flammable vapors.
Ensure adequate size and type of portable fire extinguishers are available.
Complete pre-work sections for the hot work permit and have a permit authorizing individual review and sign it.
During and after hot work
Assign a trained fire watch and equip them with a portable fire extinguisher and communication equipment.
The fire watch must stay for a minimum of 1 hour after work ends.
For torch-applied roofing, fire watch must stay for a minimum of 2 hours.
Check adjacent areas (above, below, and adjacent areas) for fire risks.
Look for signs of smoldering materials, heat damage, or lingering smoke
Do a final inspection before leaving the site.
Complete hot work permit
Why it matters
Hot work is one of the top causes of fires on construction sites. From 2017-2021, there were 3,396 structures attributed to hot work1. A majority of these incidents were preventable.
By recognizing fire risks early, planning ahead, and strictly following a hot work permit process – Including hazard controls and a thorough fire watch – these losses can be avoided.
The information included is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided.