Safety & Loss Prevention
Hot work programs
General description
“Hot Work” can be defined as any operations involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. This includes, but is not limited to, grinding; cutting, brazing, soldering; thawing frozen pipes by torch; torch applied roofing and welding.
General regulatory citations and referenced standardards
- NFPA 51B — Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q — Welding, Cutting, and Brazing (especially 1910.252 (a) )
- 29 CFR 1926.352 — Welding and Cutting Fire Prevention
- ANSI Z49.1:2005 — Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
Training requirements
- Employees need to know when work falls within the scope of this program, and employees involved in hot work need to be trained in the hot work requirements.
- Employees with fire watch responsibility must be trained to understand the inherent hazards of the work site and of the hot work project, and in the use of their fire extinguishing equipment and alarm notification. 29 CFR 1910.252 (a)(2)(iii)
- Cutters or welders and their supervisors must be suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process. 29 CFR 1910.252 (a)(2)(xiii)
Related areas:
- Employees exposed to welding hazards understand the need for and be trained in the use of their personal protective equipment. ANSI Z49.1:2005
- Other training may be required for hot work conducted in areas with other hazards (confined space, electrical)
Link to campus training and information resources
UW-Stevens Point—Hot Work Permit Program [pdf slides]
UW-Milwaukee — Welding, torching and brazing safety
UW-Parkside — Safe Work Practices: Hot Work Practices from the UW-Parkside Health and Safety Manual [pdf]
Bowling Green State University — Hot Work Training
Link to other resources
Hot work sample permit (AIG) [Excel]
General fire safety requirements for hot work operations (US Fire Administration)
Other campus hot work programs
Last updated 01/19/2011
This publication was prepared for environmental, health and safety staff at University of Wisconsin System campuses, to assist in finding resources and information for regulatory compliance. It is not intended to render legal advice. (Click here to read full legal disclaimer.)