When are hot work permits required?

Hot work permits are required when performing operations that can produce sparks because these activities pose a significant fire risk. Hot work encompasses tasks like welding, cutting, grinding, and soldering, which generate heat and sparks that could ignite flammable materials present on a construction site. The purpose of requiring a hot work permit is to ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken before and during such activities, including fire watch, removal of flammable materials, and ensuring that proper firefighting equipment is on site. This practice is a critical part of maintaining safety standards and preventing fire hazards in construction environments.