HOT/General/TBT-HOT-008

Hot Works Near Flammable Materials

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Hot Works Near Flammable Materials

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-HOT-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Hot works include welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, and any task producing sparks, flames, or intense heat.
  • Sparks from grinding can travel up to 10 metres and remain hot enough to ignite flammable materials.
  • Flammable materials on construction sites include timber, insulation, solvents, paints, gas cylinders, and fuels.
  • A hot works permit is mandatory wherever hot works take place near combustible or flammable materials.
  • A fire watch must be maintained during hot works and for a minimum of 60 minutes after completion.
  • The fire watch person must have a suitable fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
  • All flammable materials within 10 metres of the hot works point must be removed or protected.
  • Fire blankets and non-combustible screens should be used to shield materials that cannot be moved.
  • Hot works in occupied buildings, roof spaces, and ceiling voids present the highest fire risk scenarios.
  • The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites applies to all UK projects.

Why?

Prevent site firesHot works are the leading cause of fire on construction sites, causing millions of pounds of damage every year in the UK.
Save livesConstruction site fires have killed workers and members of the public, particularly in occupied buildings during refurbishment.
Insurance requirementInsurers require compliance with the Joint Code of Practice; non-compliance can void your site insurance policy.
Do Don't
  • Obtain a signed hot works permit before starting any hot work activity.
  • Remove all flammable materials within 10 metres of the hot works point.
  • Use fire blankets or non-combustible screens to protect materials that cannot be moved.
  • Maintain a fire watch during the work and for 60 minutes after completion.
  • Ensure the fire watch person has a suitable, charged fire extinguisher available.
  • Check for hidden combustibles behind walls, above ceilings, and below floors.
  • Dampen combustible surfaces near the work area where removal is not possible.
  • Inspect the area thoroughly after the fire watch period before leaving the site.
  • Keep fire escape routes clear and accessible throughout the hot works period.
  • Brief all nearby workers about the hot works and fire watch arrangements.
  • DON'T start hot works without a valid, signed hot works permit in place.
  • DON'T grind, weld, or cut within 10 metres of unprotected flammable materials.
  • DON'T leave the fire watch position before the minimum 60-minute period expires.
  • DON'T rely on fire extinguishers alone; prevention by removal is always better.
  • DON'T carry out hot works in roof spaces without clearing all combustibles.
  • DON'T allow sparks to fall through gaps in floors, walls, or ceiling voids.
  • DON'T use compressed air to blow away debris near hot works; it spreads sparks.
  • DON'T carry out hot works near paint stores, fuel tanks, or solvent containers.
  • DON'T assume the area is safe because no visible flames or smoke are present.
  • DON'T leave hot works equipment unattended while gas valves are still open.

See also: Hot Works Fire Prevention | Hot Works Permit Requirements
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