For you and your contractor team to efficiently mitigate the risks posed by hot work, it’s crucial that you implement a hot work permit program. A hot work permit program is meant to control and reduce the fire hazards that occur as a result of hot work.

Compliance with fire prevention standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is what is often referred to as a hot work permit program. These programs typically include:

• A management policy that states clearly when, where and under what conditions hot work may be performed.
• A detailed team overview explaining who is responsible for management of the program, as well as personnel necessary to implement the program.
• An established permits system.
• A list of all necessary equipment to carry out hot work safely.

An established hot work permit usually comes in the form of a checklist of safety precautions to follow in order to secure the area for work. These checklists should be given to your contractor, or team of contractors, that inhabit the space while work is being done.

Related Article: Hot Work: The Basics and Need to Know Safety Hazards

The hot work permit is only issued after all items on the checklist have been fulfilled or completed. To do this, your team of contractors must conduct a thorough evaluation of the space to determine if it is a safe environment for hot work. Once work has completed, the permit is then returned to the supervisor who authorized it for review.

Whether you’re an independent contractor or oversee a small business of contractors, hot work operations can quickly become a dangerous risk. It’s essential to educate your team on the risks, safety precautions and processes to complete hot work safely and effectively in the workplace.