Hot Works Permits

A hot works permit authorises work involving heat, sparks, or flame and confirms that fire prevention measures are in place.
Hot works include welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, soldering, bitumen heating, and any process producing sparks or open flame.
The permit must be issued by an authorised person who has visited the work area and confirmed all precautions are in place.
Before issue, the area must be checked above, below, behind, and around the work for combustible materials within 10 metres.
The permit specifies the exact location, duration, activity, fire prevention measures, and the fire watch requirements.
A fire extinguisher appropriate for the materials in the area must be positioned within reach of the hot works location.
The fire watch must continue for a minimum of 60 minutes after the hot works are completed — specified on the permit.
The permit is valid for a defined period only — typically a single shift — and must be reissued for each new period.
The permit must be displayed at the hot works location where all workers and the fire watch person can see it.
Completed permits must be signed off and filed as project records for audit and insurance compliance.

Prevent site fires	Hot works cause more construction site fires than any other activity — the permit confirms fire prevention is in place before starting.
Insurance requirement	Most construction insurance policies mandate hot works permits — carrying out hot works without one can void the fire insurance.
Post-work fire	Fires from hot works frequently start after the work has finished — the permit ensures a fire watch catches delayed ignition.

Do

Don't

Obtain a signed hot works permit before starting any hot works activity.
Clear combustible materials within 10 metres above, below, behind, and around the work.
Position a suitable fire extinguisher within reach of the hot works location.
Assign a dedicated fire watch person for the duration and post-work period.
Confirm the fire watch will continue for at least 60 minutes after hot works end.
Display the permit at the hot works location throughout the duration of the work.
Reissue the permit for each new shift or if the work location changes.
Sign off the permit after the fire watch period confirms no fire has started.
File completed permits as project records for audit and insurance purposes.
Brief the fire watch person on their duties and the location of fire equipment.

DON'T start any hot works without a signed permit from an authorised person.
DON'T carry out hot works with combustible materials within the clearance zone.
DON'T work without a suitable fire extinguisher immediately available at the location.
DON'T assign the fire watch to someone who has other duties during the watch period.
DON'T end the fire watch before the minimum 60-minute post-work period has elapsed.
DON'T hide the permit — it must be visible at the work location at all times.
DON'T use yesterday's permit — reissue it for each new shift or location change.
DON'T leave the permit unsigned — sign it off after the fire watch confirms safe.
DON'T discard completed permits — they are legal and insurance records.
DON'T start hot works without briefing the fire watch person on their specific duties.

See also: Hot Works Fire Watch | Fire Safety Awareness on Site

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