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Hot work permit checklist: sources and guidance

A pre-work inspection and permit for welding, cutting and other hot work in US workplaces. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the person responsible for authorizing it inspects the area [15] and designates the precautions, preferably in a written permit [16].

How often: Before each hot work job outside an area designed for welding and cutting. How long a permit stays valid is set by your organization.[15][32]

Purpose

Use this hot work permit checklist before welding, cutting, brazing, grinding or torch work anywhere that is not a designated hot work area. OSHA's general industry rule says the person responsible for authorizing cutting and welding inspects the area first and designates the precautions to follow, preferably in a written permit [15] [16]. The checklist walks through those precautions in order and ends with a fire watch and close-out record.

Who should use it

The supervisor or manager your site designates to authorize hot work [32], together with the welder or cutter and the fire watch. Contractors doing hot work use the same permit; management advises them about flammable materials or hazardous conditions they may not know about [34].

How often

Before each hot work job in an area not specifically designed for welding and cutting [32]. How long one permit stays valid, and when it must be reissued (for example at a shift change), is set by your organization.

How to use this checklist

  1. Fill in the permit details, then answer the stop conditions. If any stop condition fails, the work does not go ahead: cutting or welding is not permitted in the situations listed in 29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(vi) [21], and if fire hazards can be neither moved nor guarded, welding and cutting are not performed [4].
  2. Prepare the area, then decide whether a fire watch is needed from the listed conditions.
  3. The authorizing person inspects the area, writes the precautions and signs.
  4. After the work, keep the fire watch in place, check the area and sign the close-out.

The critical checks are the stop conditions, suitable fire extinguishing equipment ready for instant use [6], and a fire watch wherever one is needed [7]. If any critical check fails, the work does not start, or stops, until it is put right.

Choose "Construction" in the work setting when the job falls under 29 CFR Part 1926; the help text notes where the construction rule differs.

What the rules say

  • Cutting or welding is permitted only in areas that are or have been made fire safe [38].
  • Where practicable, combustibles are relocated at least 35 feet (10.7 m) from the work; otherwise they are protected with flameproofed covers or shielded [27] [26].
  • Suitable fire extinguishing equipment is kept ready for instant use [6]. In construction it must be immediately available in the work area [48].
  • Used drums, barrels, tanks and other containers are not worked on until they have been thoroughly cleaned [39].
  • Supervisors make sure the welder or cutter has their approval that conditions are safe before going ahead [36], and that fire protection equipment is properly located at the site [37].
  • OSHA's rule refers to NFPA Standard 51B for more detail on fire prevention in cutting and welding [1]. This page names that standard but does not reproduce it.

What this checklist does not cover

  • Welding and cutting done in a permanent area designed and approved for that work.
  • Gas cylinder storage and handling, arc welding equipment and ventilation requirements elsewhere in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q.
  • Eye, face and other personal protective equipment for welders and helpers.
  • Hot work inside confined spaces beyond the torch shut-off check, including the construction rule to remove torch and hose from confined spaces overnight and at shift changes (29 CFR 1926.352(g)); follow your confined space entry procedure as well as this permit.
  • Construction welding, cutting or heating on steel pipelines containing natural gas, which 29 CFR 1926.352 sends to 49 CFR Part 192.
  • Local fire code permits and the details of NFPA 51B, which this page names but does not reproduce.
  • Rules of State Plan states that differ from federal OSHA.

Questions

Does OSHA require a written hot work permit?

In general industry, the authorizing person must inspect the area and designate the precautions; the rule says this is preferably done in the form of a written permit [16]. A written permit such as this one also leaves a record of what was checked.

When is a fire watch required for hot work?

In general industry: whenever more than a minor fire might develop [7], or when appreciable combustibles are within 35 feet (10.7 m) [8], combustibles farther away are easily ignited by sparks [9], wall or floor openings within 35 feet expose combustibles [10], or combustibles on the other side of a metal wall, ceiling or roof could be ignited by conduction or radiation [11]. In construction, additional personnel are assigned to guard against fire whenever normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient [51].

How long does the fire watch stay after hot work ends?

At least half an hour after welding or cutting is completed in general industry [14]. In construction, the fire guard stays for a sufficient period after completion to ensure no possibility of fire exists [49].

How far away must combustibles be from hot work?

In general industry, at least 35 feet (10.7 m) where relocation is practicable [27]. Floors are swept clean of combustible material for the same radius [20]. In construction, movable fire hazards in the vicinity are taken to a safe place or otherwise protected [45], and where fire hazards cannot be removed, positive means confine the heat, sparks and slag [46].

Where is hot work not allowed at all?

In areas not authorized by management [22], in sprinklered buildings while the sprinklers are impaired [23], in explosive atmospheres [24], and near large quantities of exposed, readily ignitible materials such as bulk sulfur, baled paper or cotton [25].

What should the fire watch have and know?

Fire extinguishing equipment readily available and training in its use [13], and familiarity with how to sound the alarm in case of fire [12].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  2. [2]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(1)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  4. [4]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(1)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. [5]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  6. [6]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  7. [7]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(A)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  9. [9]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(A)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  10. [10]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(A)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  11. [11]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(A)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  12. [12]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. [16]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(ix) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  18. [18]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  20. [20]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  22. [22]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vi)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vi)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vi)(C) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  25. [25]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vi)(D) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  26. [26]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  27. [27]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(vii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  28. [28]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(viii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(x) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  31. [31]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  32. [32]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiii)(C) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  34. [34]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiii)(D) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  35. [35]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiv)(C)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  36. [36]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiv)(E) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  37. [37]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xiv)(F) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  38. [38]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(2)(xv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  39. [39]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  40. [40]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  41. [41]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(3)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  42. [42]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (a)(4)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  43. [43]29 CFR 1910.252 Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (b)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  44. [44]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  45. [45]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  46. [46]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  47. [47]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (d) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (e) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (e) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  51. [51]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (e) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  52. [52]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (f) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  53. [53]29 CFR 1926.352 Fire prevention (welding and cutting in construction) (g) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.