Hot work permit for welding, cutting and grinding
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A hot work permit for welding, cutting, brazing and grinding: where the work is, what it is, how long the permit is good for, the fire precautions checked before work starts, the fire watch, and the sign-offs. OSHA's welding standard calls for the area to be inspected and the precautions authorized before work, preferably with a written permit.
Under 29 CFR 1910.252, combustibles are moved at least 35 feet from the work where practicable, or shielded if they can't be moved. A fire watch is required where a more than minor fire could start, for example with combustibles within 35 feet, and it's kept for at least half an hour after the welding or cutting ends to catch smoldering fires.
The person who authorizes hot work inspects the area first and sets the precautions. A permit makes that inspection visible: it names the work, the time it's good for and who checked what. This page summarizes the federal rule; your insurer, fire code or site rules may ask for more, and it isn't legal advice.
Hot work permit
Fields: Permit no. · Date · Location / building / area · Work to be done · Equipment used · Performed by · Valid from · Valid until
Before work starts
- Combustibles moved 35 ft away or covered with fire-resistant shields
- Floors swept and wet down or covered where needed
- Openings, cracks and ducts within 35 ft covered
- Flammable liquids, gases and dust removed or protected
- Walls, ceilings and roofs checked for combustibles on the other side
- Fire extinguisher or hose ready at the work
- Sprinklers and detectors in service (or impairment approved)
- Equipment, hoses and cylinders in good condition
Fire watch
- Fire watch assigned and trained on extinguishers
- Watch kept during the work
- Watch kept at least 30 minutes after the work ends
- Final check of the area done
Fill it in the right way
- Fill in where, what, who and the time window before any hot work starts.
- The person authorizing the work inspects the area and ticks each precaution.
- Assign the fire watch and make sure an extinguisher is at hand.
- Post the permit at the work for its whole duration.
- Keep the fire watch for at least 30 minutes after work ends, then do a final check and sign off.
Tips
- Issue a new permit for each job and each shift; don't stretch one over days.
- Look on the far side of walls, floors and roofs: heat goes through metal.
- Keep completed permits with the job's work order for your records and your insurer.
- If precautions can't be met, move the work to a shop or welding bay instead.
Do it in FleetZap
- In FleetZap, a procedure can be attached to work orders, with pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps; required steps block closing the job.
- A signature step on the job lets the fire watch sign off on the phone.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hot work permit?
A written authorization for welding, cutting, brazing, grinding or other work that makes sparks or heat, issued after the area is inspected and the fire precautions are in place.
Does OSHA require a hot work permit?
29 CFR 1910.252 requires the area to be inspected and the precautions authorized before cutting or welding, preferably in the form of a written permit. Many insurers and fire codes require a written permit.
How long does the fire watch stay after hot work?
OSHA's welding standard requires a fire watch for at least half an hour after welding or cutting is finished.
What is the 35 foot rule?
Where practicable, combustibles are moved at least 35 feet from the work. If they can't be moved, they are shielded, and a fire watch is usually needed.