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Last updated: 29.10.24

What is Hot Work? The Health and Safety Precautions to Take

 

Getting clear actionable answers to the question what is hot work? is crucial If you operate in an industry that involves any form of heat-generating work.

In order to safely manage heat-generation activities you need to understand hot work hazards and the control measures. These are the risks and corresponding actions you must take in order to responsibly guard your safety and the safety of any staff you manage.

Looking for a trusted provider of online training in Health & Safety? Get engaging, accredited training right here online at Virtual College to ensure you’re on the ball when it comes to safely managing workplace risks and hazards.

Find out more about our health and safety courses today or keep reading to get clarity on this important workplace safety topic.

Definition of Hot Work - What Is Hot Work?

Hot work refers to any task that involves open flames, produces heat or sparks, or could be a potential source of ignition. This type of work is common in industries like construction and heavy industry and carries significant risks if it isn’t managed properly.

Common Types of Hot Work 

Hot work encompasses a range of activities that generate heat or sparks. Many of these activities are common in the construction industry, making fire safety in construction a critical concern for all involved. 


Here are some of the most common forms of hot work you're likely to encounter:

  • Welding
  • Cutting
  • Grinding
  • Soldering and brazing
  • Use of open flames or heat-producing equipment
  • Torch-applied roofing
  • Thawing pipes

Why is Hot Work Dangerous?

Hot work poses a set of workplace fire safety hazards to workers and the workplace:

  • Fire and explosion risks - Sparks and heat can ignite flammable materials.
  • Health hazards - Workers may face burns, exposure to harmful fumes, or radiation.
  • Potential for property damage - Uncontrolled hot work can lead to significant damage to buildings and equipment.

Understanding the Hot Work Permit System

Now that you’ve got a grounding in exactly what is hot work and how severe the risks are, you can probably understand why it needs to be properly controlled.

The hot work permit system acts as a formal process to control and manage the risks associated with these activities. 

By understanding and instilling a hot work permit system, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken before, during, and after hot work is performed.

What Is a Hot Work Permit?

A hot work permit is a formal document that authorises specific individuals to carry out hot work in a particular area and within a certain time frame. It's a crucial part of managing the risks associated with hot work.

When Do You Need a Hot Work Permit?

You typically need a hot work permit when:

  • The work is not in a designated hot work area
  • The task is non-routine
  • The work involves shared spaces or multiple parties

Key Components of an Effective Permit

An effective hot work permit should include all of the below:

  • Details of the work to be done
  • Location and duration of the work
  • Specific potential hazards identified
  • Required precautions
  • Emergency procedures
  • Authorisation signatures

Essential Safety Measures


Proper safety measures are crucial when undertaking hot work. Here are the key steps to follow:

Preparation: Before Hot Work Begins

  1. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify all potential hazards in the work area, including hidden dangers.
  2. Clear and secure the work area by removing or protecting flammable materials within at least 10 metres of the hot work site.
  3. Control fire hazards by addressing potential risks and ensuring appropriate firefighting equipment is available.
  4. Check all hot work equipment to ensure it's in good working order.

During Hot Work

  1. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, which may include fire protection equipment such as flame-resistant clothing, eye protection, and respiratory equipment.
  2. Implement a fire watch by assigning a trained person to watch for fires and raise the alarm if necessary.
  3. Ensure proper ventilation to control fumes and gases, especially in confined spaces.
  4. Monitor the surrounding area by regularly checking for signs of fire or smouldering in adjacent spaces.

After Hot Work is Completed

  1. Continue fire watch for at least 60 minutes after work completion.
  2. Shut down and store equipment safely, ensuring the work area is left in a safe condition.
  3. Conduct a final inspection by thoroughly checking the area for any fire risks before signing off the permit.
  4. Communicate completion to relevant parties, informing them that the hot work and fire watch have ended.

By taking stock of these health and safety considerations, you can significantly reduce hot work risks and ensure a safer working environment. 

Enhance Your Fire Safety Knowledge

Understanding what hot work is and how to manage its risks is a must before undertaking any work of this nature. 

At Virtual College, we believe that it shouldn’t be difficult for you to access top-notch online health and safety training that keeps you and your team up-to-date with essential practices. 


Browse our full health and safety course listings below, including fire safety courses.