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Hot Works Fire Prevention

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Hot Works Fire Prevention

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-HOT-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Hot works — welding, cutting, grinding, brazing — are a leading cause of construction site fires.
  • Sparks from hot works can travel up to 10 metres and ignite combustible materials out of sight.
  • A hot works permit must be in place before any hot works activity begins on site.
  • The fire watch must continue for a minimum of 60 minutes after hot works are completed.
  • Combustible materials within 10 metres must be removed or protected with fire blankets.
  • Fire extinguishers suitable for the materials present must be available at the work location.
  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to construction sites in England and Wales.
  • Fires started by hot works often smoulder undetected and break out hours after work has finished.
  • Temporary fire protection such as sheeting and compartmentation may be compromised by hot works.
  • Operatives carrying out hot works must be trained in fire prevention and extinguisher use.

Why?

Prevent site firesHot works are the single biggest cause of fires on UK construction sites.
Protect lifeUncontrolled fires in buildings under construction can trap and kill workers.
Avoid project lossesConstruction fires cause millions in damage, delays, and insurance claims.
Legal dutyThe fire safety order requires a responsible person to manage fire risk on site.
Do Don't
  • Obtain a hot works permit before starting any cutting, welding, or grinding.
  • Clear all combustible materials within 10 metres of the work area.
  • Have a suitable fire extinguisher immediately available at the work location.
  • Maintain a fire watch for at least 60 minutes after completing hot works.
  • Use fire blankets or screens to protect items that cannot be moved.
  • Check above, below, and behind the work area for hidden combustibles.
  • Ensure the fire watch person is trained and knows the alarm procedure.
  • Inspect the work area again before leaving site at the end of the day.
  • Keep escape routes clear and know the nearest fire assembly point.
  • Report any signs of smouldering, smoke, or unusual heat immediately.
  • DON'T start hot works without a valid hot works permit in place.
  • DON'T leave the work area unattended during the fire watch period.
  • DON'T carry out hot works near timber, insulation, or flammable liquids.
  • DON'T assume sparks have not reached hidden voids or cavities.
  • DON'T reduce the fire watch period below the required 60 minutes.
  • DON'T rely on water as your only fire extinguishing method.
  • DON'T carry out hot works on fire-rated partitions without reinstatement plans.
  • DON'T block fire escape routes with equipment or materials.
  • DON'T ignore small amounts of smoke — investigate every occurrence.
  • DON'T allow untrained personnel to carry out any hot works on site.

See also: Hot Works Permit Requirements | Fire Safety Awareness on Site
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