Hot Work Permit
A Hot Work Permit records the authorization and safety precautions required for activities such as welding, cutting, and grinding that may create fire hazards.
McAlpine & Co LTD (Johnstone)
10/13/2026
Hot Work Permit
It applies to activities such as welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, soldering and the use of heat-producing equipment. The permit confirms that the work area has been assessed, combustible materials have been removed or protected, suitable fire-fighting equipment is available, appropriate precautions are in place, and the work has been authorised before it begins.The permit must remain in place for the duration of the hot work and the area must be checked after completion to ensure there are no signs of fire, smouldering materials or other remaining hazards.
1. Work Details
Location of hot work:
Description of work being carried out:
Equipment being used:
Person(s) carrying out the work:
Does any person carrying out the work have a pacemaker, ICD, or other implanted/body-worn medical device that may be affected by electromagnetic fields (EMF)?
If Yes – STOP. An EMF risk assessment must be completed before work begins.
Date:
Permit start time:
Expected completion time:
Associated Risk Assessment / RAMS reference:
2. Pre-Work Safety Checks
Has the hot work been assessed and is there no reasonably practicable cold-work alternative?
Has a suitable risk assessment/RAMS been reviewed for the work?
Has the person carrying out the work been confirmed as competent and authorised?
Has the work area been inspected before starting?
Have combustible and flammable materials been removed from the immediate work area?
As a general guide, easily ignitable materials should be removed from the vicinity of the work rather than simply screened. HSE guidance gives a general minimum clear distance of around 5 metres, although considerably greater separation may be required depending on the task, particularly when working at height.
Where combustible materials cannot be removed, have they been adequately protected using suitable fire-resistant screens or covers?
Have floors, walls, partitions and other surfaces been checked for combustible materials?
Have openings, gaps, drains, ducts, conveyors or penetrations through which sparks could travel been checked and protected?
If working at height, has the area below and surrounding the work been checked and protected from falling sparks or molten material?
Have flammable liquids, gases, aerosols and chemicals been removed or adequately isolated?
Has any plant/equipment being worked on been safely isolated where required?
Have nearby gas cylinders and pressurised containers been removed or suitably protected?
Are suitable fire extinguishers immediately available?
Is the correct type of fire extinguisher available for the potential fire risk?
Are fire escape routes and emergency exits clear and accessible?
Is the fire alarm system operational?
If fire detection has to be temporarily isolated, has this been authorised and suitable alternative controls put in place?
Are suitable ventilation/fume controls in place?
Is all required PPE available and being worn?
Are you likely to come into contact with Asbestos:
PPE may include, depending on the task: Welding helmet/face protection Safety glasses Heat-resistant gloves Flame-resistant clothing Safety footwear Hearing protection Suitable RPE where required
Has a suitable fire watch been identified where required?
Name of Fire Watch:
3. Additional Hazards
Are any of the following present?
If any additional hazards are identified, detail the additional precautions required:
4. Pre-Work Photograph
Upload photograph of the hot work area before work starts.
Add or drag pictures
5. Authoriation To Start Hot Work
I confirm that I have inspected the work area, reviewed the above controls and consider the precautions adequate for the hot work described.
Permit Authoriser Name:
Position:
Authoriser Signature:
Click here to sign
Date & Time Authorised:
6. During The Hot Work
The person carrying out the work must ensure that: The work remains within the scope of this permit. Fire precautions remain in place. Sparks and hot material are contained. Combustible materials are not introduced into the area. Fire extinguishers remain immediately accessible. Suitable ventilation/fume extraction remains operational. The area is kept tidy. The work is stopped immediately if conditions become unsafe.
Have conditions remained safe throughout the work?
PERMIT STATUS
7. Hot Work Completion
Time hot work finished:
Have all hot work activities stopped?
Were any additional hazards identified during the work?
8. Fire Watch / Post-Work Monitoring
The area must continue to be monitored after the hot work has finished for any evidence of fire or smouldering. HSE guidance recommends checking the area immediately following completion and at intervals for up to one hour afterwards.
Fire watch start time:
Has hot work equipment been switched off, isolated and/or removed?
9. Final Area Photograph
Upload photograph of the area following completion and final inspection.
Add or drag pictures
Have gas cylinders been isolated and returned to the designated storage area where applicable?
10 Permit Close-Out
Has the work area been left clean, tidy and safe?
Has the immediate work area been inspected for signs of fire, heat, sparks or smoldering material?
Have surrounding areas, including the opposite side of walls/partitions and floors above/below where applicable, been inspected?
15-minute inspection:
30-minute inspection:
45-minute inspection:
60-minute final inspection:
Were any signs of excessive heat, smoke, burning smell, sparks or smoldering discovered?
If Yes: Details/actions taken:
Have all fire-resistant screens/covers and temporary controls been removed where appropriate?
Have any isolated fire detection systems been reinstated and confirmed operational?
Have all plant/equipment isolations been dealt with under the appropriate isolation procedure?
Is the area safe to return to normal operation?
Person Closing Permit
Name:
Signature:
Click here to sign
Date & Time:
Permit Authoriser Final Sign-Off
Name:
Signature:
Click here to sign
Date & Time:
Source: McAlpine & Co LTD (Johnstone) (Community Member)