Hot Work
Hot Work is any activity or process that involves open flames or that generates sparks or heat and includes: Welding and allied processes, heat treating, grinding, thawing pipes, powder-driven fasteners, hot riveting, torch-applied roofing, and any similar applications producing or using sparks, flame, or heat. This also includes brazing, metal cutting, grinding, soldering, and welding.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates hot work procedures in the workplace. Below are the OSHA regulations governing hot work:
Welding, Cutting and Brazing, OSHA General Industry, 29 CFR 1910.252, Subpart Q
Welding and Cutting, OSHA Construction Industry, 1926.352
In addition, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard 51B addresses hot work. OSHA has adopted, by reference NFPA standards 51B, in its regulations governing hot work. NFPA publishes more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.
A Hot Work Permit is required for any operation involving open flame or that produces heat/sparks outside of designated hot work areas. “Hot Work” includes but is not limited to: welding, brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing pipe, torch-applied roofing or chemical welding.