Hot Work Permit (UK & Ireland)

A Hot Work Permit is a formal safety document used to authorise high-risk work that may generate heat, sparks, or open flames on a construction site or industrial facility.

This includes tasks like:

• Welding

• Cutting or grinding metal

• Soldering or brazing

• Use of open flames or heat-producing equipment

The permit outlines required precautions to prevent fires, protect people, and reduce property damage. It's a standard part of many Permit to Work systems across the UK and Ireland, especially under CDM 2015 and the Fire Safety Order 2005.

A hot work permit allows trained and authorised workers to carry out specific high-risk tasks that could ignite flammable materials or create fire hazards.

It ensures that:

• A fire risk assessment has been reviewed

• Control measures (like fire blankets, barriers, or ventilation) are in place

• A fire watch is assigned

• The job has been authorised by a competent person

Without the permit, hot work should not proceed.

There is no single law that states a “Hot Work Permit” is required by name—but employers are legally required to manage fire risks under:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (UK)

• The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Ireland)

• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
  

Using a Hot Work Permit is a best-practice method to meet those legal obligations and demonstrate due diligence.

The purpose of a Hot Work Permit is to protect workers and property by creating a structured, safety-first approach to high-risk work.

It helps teams:

• Identify and control fire hazards before work starts

• Maintain site safety and awareness during the task

• Ensure a fire watch is assigned during and after hot work

• Provide a documented trail for site managers, principal contractors, and regulators

It’s a vital part of safe job planning—especially on live construction sites or in confined or flammable environments.

A Hot Work Permit should be used any time work creates a risk of ignition, especially when:

• Welding, grinding, or cutting is done near flammable materials

• Open flames are used indoors or near structures

• Work takes place in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas

• Hot work occurs near flammable gases, liquids, dust, or residues

If you’re unsure, check with the principal contractor or HSE guidelines—but when in doubt, use a permit.

A standard Hot Work Permit should include:

• Description of the work being done

• Date, time, and location of the activity

• Hazards identified and control measures in place

• Confirmation of fire-fighting equipment availability

• Fire watch assignment and duration (typically 30 minutes post-work)

• Authorised sign-offs from supervisor or site manager

Many UK contractors also include a record of review under CDM regulations and confirmation that a fire risk assessment was completed.

Hot Work Permits are typically valid only for the date and time specified—often for one working shift or a specific task duration.

They should be cancelled or re-issued if:

• The scope of work changes

• Weather conditions or fire risks change

• Work is paused and resumed on a different day

Permits must not remain open indefinitely—this defeats their safety purpose.

To properly complete a Hot Work Permit:

1. Describe the hot work task and location

2. Identify any nearby flammable materials or ignition risks

3. List control measures (fire blankets, shields, ventilation, etc.)

4. Assign a trained fire watch and specify post-work monitoring time

5. Confirm the area has been inspected and hazards mitigated

6. Sign and date the permit with all relevant personnel

For construction sites, the site manager or principal contractor typically provides final authorisation.

Watch this video to see how this is done. 

Yes. You can download a free Hot Work Permit template created for UK and Irish construction professionals. It includes:

• Tick-box safety checks

• Space for fire watch details and signatures

• Fields for start/end time, task type, and fire risk assessment review

• UK-compliant language and reference to Fire Safety Order 2005

👉 Download the template