Welding, Cutting & Compressed Gas
Hot Work Procedures
& Fire Prevention
& Fire Prevention
OSHA 1926.352 · NFPA 51B · FDNY Hot Work Permit Required Before Any Ignition Source
Hot work — any operation producing sparks, open flame, or heat — is one of the most permit-controlled activities on NYC construction sites. The FDNY Hot Work Permit system exists because construction fires kill workers, close buildings, and destroy entire projects. No hot work of any kind begins on this site without a completed, site-specific permit in hand.
What Requires a Hot Work Permit on This Site
- All welding (arc, MIG, TIG, stick) and cutting (plasma, oxy-acetylene)
- Any open-flame torch work: soldering, brazing, roofing torch application
- Grinding operations within 35 feet of combustible materials
- Any operation producing molten metal, sparks, or sustained heat over 400°F
The Permit Requires You to Confirm
- All combustibles within 35 feet have been removed, covered with fire blankets, or wet down
- Floor openings and wall penetrations within 35 feet are sealed with fire-resistant material
- A charged fire extinguisher is at the immediate work location — not the floor extinguisher, a specific unit at the work spot
- A designated Fire Watch is in place with unobstructed sight lines to the work area and all adjacent spaces
- Fire Watch continues for 60 minutes after work stops
FDNY Hot Work Permit Protocol
- Permit must be completed by the CSFSM (Construction Site Fire Safety Manager) — not the welder
- Permit must be posted at the work location, visible to inspection
- If FDNY inspects and finds hot work in progress without a posted permit: immediate stop-work order + penalties up to $10,000
- Fire watches must be documented by name in the permit and in PL-002 (CSFSM daily log)
Discussion Questions
- Name four operations that require a hot work permit on this site.
- Where must the hot work permit be posted during the work?
- You finish welding at 3:00 PM. When can the Fire Watch stop their watch, and what are they looking for during that time?
- An FDNY inspector arrives and your permit is in the field office trailer. Is this acceptable?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
Worker Attendance
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