Home / Insights / Blog / What are Hot Works and Hot Work permits? What are Hot Works and Hot Work permits? Hot works are a common but high-risk activity in construction and facilities management. With hundreds of fires occurring on UK construction sites each year, understanding and managing the associated dangers is not just good practice – it’s essential for site safety and compliance. This blog explains what hot works are, why hot work permits are crucial, and how to implement a robust safety framework. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your projects remain safe, compliant, and protected from the significant risks of fire – plus an easier way to find compliant hot works suppliers, if you’re a main contractor. What Are Hot Works in Construction? Hot work refers to any task that generates a source of ignition, such as flames, heat, or sparks. These activities have the potential to ignite flammable materials in the surrounding area. Common examples of hot works in construction include: Welding and cutting Soldering and brazing Grinding Using blowtorches or heat guns Hot riveting According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), hot works are a leading cause of fires on construction sites. Given the inherent dangers, managing these tasks requires stringent control measures to protect workers, the public, and property. The hierarchy of Fire Protection To manage the risks associated with hot work, it is vital to follow a clear hierarchy of controls. The primary goal is always to eliminate the hazard entirely. The accepted hierarchy for fire protection is as follows: Eliminate: The first and most effective step is to question if the hot work is necessary. Can the task be completed using an alternative, cold method? For example, using mechanical fixings instead of welding. Substitute: If elimination isn’t possible, consider substituting the process with a less hazardous one. Control: If hot work is unavoidable, implement robust control measures. This includes using a formal hot work permit system, preparing the work area, and ensuring competent personnel carry out the task. Mitigate: Have measures in place to lessen the impact if a fire does start. This includes providing appropriate fire-fighting equipment and ensuring workers are trained to use it. What is a Hot Work Permit? A hot work permit is a formal, documented risk management system used to authorise and control high-risk activities. It is more than just a piece of paper; it is a comprehensive safety checklist that ensures all necessary precautions have been taken before, during, and after the work is completed. The permit system formalises the risk assessment process and confirms that a competent supervisor has verified the safety of the work area. A typical hot work permit example would require details on: The specific location and nature of the work. The date and time the work is authorised to take place. Confirmation that the area has been inspected and is free from flammable materials. The fire safety equipment required (e.g., extinguishers, fire blankets). The name of the assigned ‘fire watch’—a person responsible for monitoring the area during and after the work. Sign-offs from the person authorising the work and the person carrying it out. How to get a Hot Work Permit in the UK Hot work permits are internal documents issued by the person responsible for site safety, such as the construction site manager or facilities manager. The process for obtaining one involves several key steps: Request the Work: The operative or subcontractor identifies the need for hot work and requests a permit. Conduct a Risk Assessment: The supervisor or manager assesses the specific risks associated with the task and location. Implement Controls: All required safety measures are put in place, such as clearing the area of combustibles and having a fire extinguisher ready. Issue the Permit: Once satisfied that all precautions are in place, the authorised person issues and signs the permit, which must be displayed in the work area. Complete and Sign Off: After the work is finished and a post-work fire watch period has been observed (typically 60 minutes), the permit is signed off and archived. Please note: Facilitiesline does not provide Hot Work permits Conducting Hot Works Risk Assessments A thorough risk assessment is the foundation of a safe hot work procedure. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommends several critical checks to include in your assessment: Avoidance: Can the job be done without hot work? Area Preparation: Has the area within a specified radius (often 10 metres) been cleared of all combustible and flammable materials? Containment: Are floors and openings covered with fire-resistant materials to prevent sparks from spreading? Personnel: Is the person performing the work suitably trained and competent? Is a fire watch assigned? Equipment: Is all equipment in good condition and regularly maintained? Fire Safety Systems: Are smoke detectors and sprinkler systems operational? Note that these may need to be temporarily isolated in the immediate area to prevent false alarms, but this must be done under strict controls. Maintain compliance across your Supply Chain As a facilities, construction or site manager, you are responsible for ensuring that any subcontractor performing hot work on your site is competent and compliant. Verifying their credentials and safety procedures is critical to mitigating risk. A robust compliance solution can help you manage your entire supply chain, ensuring everyone you work with meets the required safety standards. Key Takeaways Strict Controls: Hot work must be conducted under stringent safety controls to mitigate fire risks. Managerial Responsibility: Facilities, construction, and site managers are responsible for verifying the competence and compliance of all subcontractors performing hot work. Risk Mitigation: Verifying credentials and safety procedures is critical to mitigating the inherent risks associated with hot work. Compliance Solutions: A robust compliance solution is essential for managing your supply chain and ensuring all subcontractors meet the required safety standards. Why choose Constructionline? Subcontractors Demonstrate you’re reliable and have done your due diligence to control risk when dealing with hot works, by opting for one of our compliance memberships: pre-qualify for main contractors’ projects quicker. Explore our full memberships Main Contractors Find pre-qualified suppliers that meet your supply chain requirements and are ready to work safely on your projects without delay, including hot works. Find Suppliers for your projects Blog Facilities Management Related case studies See more
