Hot work permit program

No matter how expert the operator, there’s always the chance that a blowtorch or grinder will produce the single spark needed to ignite a major fire that can shut down your business overnight. However, you can take steps to help avoid such catastrophes when you:

• Make sure your workers use equipment that meets federal safety standards and receive proper training before work begins.
• Use a hot work permit form every time a job is required to take place outside of a designated welding area. This includes welding, use of a cutting torch, brazing, grinding or operations that produce heat, sparks or involve open flames.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments respond to more than 4,400 structure fires involving hot work each year. Whether you’re an auto repair shop owner, a building trades contractor, or a manufacturer, hot work could be an important part of your business. To help prevent devastating property losses, it’s critical to carefully monitor the area any time hot work is performed.

What is hot work?

Hot work is a metalworking process that can include brazing, cutting, soldering and welding. During this type of work, the sparks and heat produced can cause injuries or ignite a fire if not performed safely. While workers can use personal protective equipment to protect themselves, having a hot work permit program in place can help protect surrounding property.

3 steps to creating an effective hot work program

Step 1: Choose a work program coordinator

Designate a permit-authorizing individual to manage and monitor hot work conditions. Arrange for the employee to be trained through NFPA programs or other sources.

Step 2: Develop procedures for your program

Establish procedures for all hot work performed by your workers, including a step for completing a permit form to help ensure proper safety precautions are taken each time.

Step 3: Record all hot work projects in a logbook

Use our Hot Work Program kit to create your own logbook for filing completed forms. Download the kit components to your desktop for printing.

Additional resources

• Welding safety (Spanish version)
• American Welding Society
• National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention during Welding, Cutting & Other Hot Work
• OSHA’s Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing eTool

Safety Source videos

• Creating Safety in Welding Operations
• Preventing Fires During Hot Work Operations

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