Hot Work & Fire Prevention
Hot Work Permits
& FDNY Requirements
& FDNY Requirements
NYC FC §105.6 · FDNY Title 3 RCNY §15-03 · OSHA 1926.352 · Permit Required Before Any Ignition Source
In New York City, any welding, cutting, grinding, open-flame torch work, or operation that produces a source of ignition requires a written FDNY Hot Work Permit. No permit — no work. The Construction Site Fire Safety Manager (CSFSM) is the permit authority on your site, and starting hot work without authorization is grounds for immediate removal.
What Is Hot Work?
- Welding (MIG, TIG, stick, spot)
- Oxy-fuel cutting and torch work
- Grinding that produces sparks (angle grinders, cut-off wheels)
- Soldering and brazing
- Heat guns operating above 900°F
- Roofing kettles and open-flame membrane torching
Before Hot Work Begins — Your Checklist
- Obtain written FDNY Hot Work Permit from the CSFSM — permit must be at the work location
- Designated Fire Watch must be in position before the first arc or flame
- Minimum 10-lb ABC fire extinguisher at the hot work location (not borrowed from the gang box)
- Remove or protect all combustible materials within 35 feet of the hot work area
- Close or seal all floor, wall, and ceiling openings within 35 feet to prevent spark travel
- Wet down the work area if combustible surfaces cannot be removed
- Notify adjacent workers — establish exclusion zone
Fire Watch — 60 Minutes After Completion
- Fire Watch continues for a minimum of 60 minutes after all hot work is complete
- Fire Watch worker must have unobstructed view of the entire work area and all adjacent spaces
- Fire Watch must have a radio or phone to call 911 and contact CSFSM immediately
- Record Fire Watch start/end times in the Hot Work Permit and the CSFSM daily log (PL-002)
FDNY Enforcement on NYC Sites
- FDNY can issue violations of $5,000–$25,000 for hot work without a permit
- Stop-Work Order issued if FDNY inspector observes unpermitted hot work
- CSFSM bears personal liability — COF can be suspended for repeated violations
- Record all permits on the CSFSM Daily Report (PL-002) — retained for DOB audits
Discussion Questions
- Does grinding with an angle grinder require a hot work permit on this site?
- How long must Fire Watch continue after all hot work is complete?
- Who issues the FDNY Hot Work Permit on this site, and where should it be kept during the work?
- What do you do if you discover the fire extinguisher at your work location is expired?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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