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