This document discusses hot work permits, including: 1) A hot work permit is required for welding, cutting, grinding, or other activities that produce heat, flames, or sparks to prevent fires. 2) The permit process involves preparing the work area, inspecting it, conducting the hot work, and providing a fire watch after. 3) A permit must be completed before hot work, posted, and the work area made safe by removing combustibles, covering openings, and ensuring fire extinguishers are available. 4) Alternatives to hot work like cold work should be considered, and hot work should be done in designated areas if possible to avoid needing a permit.

1. HOT WORK PERMIT
M O D U L E 5 : T O U N D E R S TA N D T H E
PURPOSE, PROCESS, REQUIREMENTS, & HOW TO FILL OUT A
HOT WORK PERMIT

2. HOT WORK PERMIT BASICS
 The Hot Work Permit includes a checklist of precautions, each
of which must be considered and then implemented if the
supervisor determines that it is applicable to the specific
situation.

3. HOT WORK PERMIT BASICS
A Hot Work permit is needed when:
• Brazing • Soldering
• Cutting • Thawing pipe
• Welding • Torch applied roofing
• Grinding • Any other activities that
produces
flames, sparks, or
excessive heat

4. HOT WORK PERMIT PROCESS &
REQUIREMENTS

5. HOT WORK PERMIT PROCESS
• Preparation of the Hot Work
Area
• Inspection of Hot Work Area
– Permit Issued
• Hot Work Conducted
• Post Completion of Hot Work
– Fire Watch Duties
• Retention of Permit

6. HOT WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
• Permit completed prior to Hot Work
• Permit posted
• Hot Work only in areas that are or have been made safe
• Combustibles moved or adequately shielded
• Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 feet tightly
covered
• Fully charged and operable fire extinguishers available
• No Hot Work in areas with flammable materials!
• Hot Work equipment in good working condition
• Permit valid for only one week unless otherwise approved by
EHS

7. HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION
Analyze the Hazards- Prior to initiation of Hot Work, perform a
hazard assessment that identifies:
1) Scope of the work
2) Potential hazards
3) Methods of hazard control

8. HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION
After analyzing the hazards, see if there is any possibility of
Hot Work Alternatives. An alternative Hot Work method
is termed “Cold Work”.
1) Can the job be completed with cold work?
An example of cold work is performing repairs with another method
instead of using a heat producing tool. If yes, a Hot Work permit is
not required.
2) Can Hot Work be performed in a designated area (e.g. maintenance or
welding shop). If yes, then a Hot Work permit is not required.
3) Is the proposed work to be performed in a non- permissible area?
Hot Work AND PERMIT ARE NOT AUTHORIZED in a non-permissible
location.

9. HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION FLOW
The following is an example of a decision flow that can
be utilized to help determine if a Hot Work permit is
needed or not.

10. HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION FLOW
1. Is there an
acceptable alternative Yes, Complete job with Cold
to Hot Work?? YES Work. No Hot Work permit is
NO needed.?
2. Can Hot Work be Yes, Examine designated
performed in a designated area area, then complete Hot Work
(e.g. Maintenance Shop)? YES YES
there. No Hot Work permit is
NO needed.?
Yes, Obtain a written Hot
3. Is the proposed work to be Work permit.?
NO
performed in a non-designated area YES
YES
(e.g. NOT in a Maintenance Shop)??
YES, Hot Work and Permit are Not
NO Authorized in a non-permissible area
YES
4. Is the proposed work to be NO No, Obtain a written Hot
performed in a non-permissible area? Work permit to work in a
Controlled Area.

11. HOT WORK PERMIT DECISION
 If it is decided that a Hot Work permit is required for a job
task, the Hot Work Permit must be obtained by the Hot Work
operator from the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI).
 The PAI is designated by management before the Hot Work
can proceed in a controlled area.

12. HOT WORK PERMIT PROCESS
1. Consider alternatives to Hot
Work
› mechanical pipe cutter vs.
torch or radial saw
› reciprocating saw vs.
radial saw
› bolting vs. welding
2. If Hot Work is unavoidable
worker requests a Hot Work
permit from Authorized
Person.
3. Hot Worker fills out
name, date, location, etc. and
signs

13. HOT WORK PERMIT PROCESS
4. The worker verifies that all
applicable precautions listed
on the permit
5. A copy of the permit should
be displayed at the work site
7. The worker will provide fire
watch for 30-60 minutes
minimum following
conclusion of Hot Work.
8. Once the fire watch is
complete the permit is taken
down, the last page is signed
(by Hot Worker
operator), and kept in
supervisor’s office.

14. SITUATIONS FOR DENYING A
PERMIT
Supervisor:
1. A sprinkler system for the work area is out of operation or
impaired.
2. A flammable or explosive atmosphere exists. Testing must
be conducted prior to work using a meter and any reading
other than Zero would be reason for denial.
3. Processes involving flammable liquids, gases, or dust cannot
be shut down or made safe.
4. Lint conditions cannot be reduced to a safe level.

15. SITUATIONS FOR DENYING A
PERMIT
5. Pipes or other metals to be worked on can conduct enough
heat to ignite near by combustibles.
6. Partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs to be worked on have
combustible coverings.
7. Combustibles are present that are impractical to
move, shield or cover.
8. Any other requirements of the permit that is not met

16. Is a Hot Work permit required under related
OSHA standards?
NO!
Is a Hot Work permit a “best practice?”
YES!

17. EXAMPLES OF HOT WORK PERMITS

18. Hot Work
Permit
- Shaw Industries

19. Hot Work
Permit
- State University – Environmental
& Health Department

20. Hot Work
Permit
- AIG Corporate Insurance

21. IMPORTANT
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