🔥 Hot Work Permits: Why They're Essential for Workplace Safety and Legal Compliance
- Steven Harrison CMgr MCMI
- May 17
- 4 min read
At SJH Safety Solutions, we're often called in to support businesses across a range of industries with managing hot work operations safely. Whether it's welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, or grinding – these tasks carry a significant fire and explosion risk, especially in areas where flammable materials or hazardous atmospheres are present.
To control these risks, many workplaces implement a Hot Work Permit system – a vital tool that not only enhances safety but also helps organisations stay legally compliant and insurance-covered.
In this blog, we'll explore:
What hot work is
Why hot work permits are necessary
The legal responsibilities around hot work
Key components of a hot work permit
Typical control measures
How SJH Safety Solutions can help your organisation stay safe
🔍 What Is Hot Work?
Hot work refers to any activity that generates heat, sparks, or an open flame, which could ignite nearby materials. Common examples include:
Welding or flame cutting
Soldering or brazing
Grinding and the use of abrasive wheels
Use of blowtorches and hot air guns
While hot work is often necessary for construction, maintenance, and fabrication tasks, it can quickly become dangerous if proper precautions aren't taken.
❗ Why Are Hot Work Permits So Important?
A Hot Work Permit is a formal written authorisation that sets out the safety precautions needed before any hot work begins. It ensures the following:
Hazards are identified and controlled
Responsibilities are clearly assigned
All personnel involved are aware of the risks and controls
Legal and insurance requirements are met
In short, a permit is more than paperwork – it's a proactive control measure that prevents injuries, property damage, and downtime.
According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), hot work is a leading cause of industrial fires in the UK, and many of these could have been avoided with proper permit-to-work systems.
⚖️ Legal Responsibilities and Compliance
In the UK, employers have a legal duty to manage health and safety risks under:
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
These laws require that all foreseeable risks are assessed, and appropriate control measures are implemented – especially when there is a risk of fire.
Additionally, many insurance policies stipulate that a hot work permit must be in place. Failure to do so may invalidate your cover in the event of a fire – with serious financial and legal consequences.
📝 What Should a Hot Work Permit Contain?
A well-designed hot work permit acts as a checklist and control document. It should include:
🔹 Work Details:
Exact location of the hot work
Description of the task
Names of the workers involved
🔹 Timing:
Start and finish times
Permit duration and expiry time
Extension or renewal procedures (if applicable)
🔹 Risk Controls:
Confirmation that fire extinguishers are in place
Fire detection systems isolated (where needed)
Area cleared of combustible materials
Barriers or fire-resistant blankets deployed
🔹 Monitoring:
Fire watch assignments – during and after the work
Ventilation and gas monitoring (for confined spaces)
Inspection of the area before reoccupation
🔹 Authorisation:
Name and signature of the issuing authority
Sign-off section post-job to confirm site safety
This structured approach ensures nothing is overlooked and that those responsible for safety can verify that all precautions have been taken.
🔐 Control Measures That Should Accompany Hot Work Permits
Even with a permit in place, control measures must be actively maintained. Here are some standard ones to consider:
1. Assign a Fire Watcher
Someone trained and positioned to watch for signs of fire – both during the work and for at least 60 minutes afterwards, as smouldering materials can ignite long after hot work ends.
2. Clear Combustibles
All flammable materials, liquids, and dusts should be removed from the work area. If they can’t be moved, they must be shielded with non-combustible covers or fire blankets.
3. Ventilation in Confined Spaces
Hot work in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces increases the risk of toxic fume exposure and oxygen displacement. Use forced ventilation and continuous gas monitoring.
4. Use of Spark Arrestors and Shields
Install welding curtains, screens, or spark arrestors to prevent hot particles from spreading to nearby materials or workers.
5. Equipment Check
Ensure all hot work tools are in good condition, approved for use, and used only by trained, competent persons.
6. Fire-Fighting Equipment at the Ready
Ensure appropriate extinguishers (e.g. CO₂, foam) or hose reels are accessible and workers are trained in their use.
👷 How SJH Safety Solutions Can Help
Whether you're a small engineering firm or a large construction site, SJH Safety Solutions can help you:
Design and implement a Hot Work Permit system
Conduct fire risk assessments before hot work begins
Train staff in hot work procedures and emergency actions
Audit your workplace for compliance gaps and improvements
We tailor our solutions to your business’s size, risk profile, and operational context – and we do it with clarity, consistency, and compliance in mind.
📣 Final Thoughts
Hot work is necessary – but it doesn't need to be dangerous. By using a structured Hot Work Permit system supported by robust risk controls and competent supervision, you protect your team, your assets, and your reputation.
If you need help getting started or reviewing your current permit-to-work procedures, get in touch with us at SJH Safety Solutions – where your safety is our priority.
📞 01638 778086
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