Hot Work PermitsNFPA 1:41 and NFPA 51B

When is a permit required?

➔ welding➔ heat treating➔ grinding➔ thawing pipe➔ powder-driven

fasteners

➔ hot riveting➔ torch applied

roofing (NFPA 1:16.6)

➔ similar applications causing spark, flame, heat

Non-permissible Areas

➔ unauthorized areas➔ sprinklered

buildings with impaired system

➔ explosive atmospheres

➔ in the presence of damaged or improperly stored equipment, tanks, containers

➔ combustible dusts

Program Manager Responsibility

➔ examine equipment for any defects➔ determine the presence of flammable

materials➔ ensure fire protection and fire extinguishers

are available➔ maintain proper fire watch➔ inspect area at least once per day and ½

hour after work is completed

Operators Responsibility

➔ get approval prior to starting hot work➔ maintain all equipment in proper working

condition➔ shall cease work if unsafe condition

develops➔ shall notify proper authority (fire department)➔ hot work area to be reassessed

Fire Watch Personnel Responsibility

➔ be aware of potential hazards and personnel➔ maintain safe condition➔ stop work if situation becomes unsafe➔ have fire extinguishing equipment ready➔ watch for fires in all exposed areas

Is a fire watch required?

➔ combustible material within 35’ of operation➔ combustible materials easily ignited by

sparks➔ wall/floor openings expose combustibles➔ combustibles adjacent to opposite side of

wall/ceiling/floor and likely to be ignited

Writing the Permit

Writing the Permit

➔ general precautions➔ within 35’ of hot work➔ on walls, ceilings, or roofs➔ on enclosed equipment➔ fire watch requirements

Permit Process

➔ visit the site➔ inspect equipment➔ fill out permit➔ leave permit card on-site➔ retain top portion for permanent record➔ retain middle portion as reminder, until work

is complete and final site visit made

Why Hot Work Permits Matter