Hot Work Permit - Plant Inspection

Inspection template for plant hot work permits covering fire watch, combustible removal, extinguisher readiness, and post-work area checks.

Permit Authorization and Scope

• Hot work permit is issued, current, and posted at the work area
  Confirm the permit is authorized for the specific location, task, and shift; permit is visible to workers and fire watch personnel.
• Work scope matches permit conditions
  Verify the actual hot work activity, equipment, and location match the approved permit conditions and any listed restrictions.
• Area has been reviewed by a competent person or authorized supervisor
  Confirm the inspection was completed by the person designated by site procedure to authorize and monitor hot work controls.
• Adjacent operations and affected occupants notified
  Verify nearby personnel, operations, and contractors have been informed of the hot work activity and any access restrictions.

Combustible Removal and Area Preparation

• Combustible materials removed from the work zone
  Remove paper, cardboard, wood, packaging, rags, dust, flammables, and other combustibles from the immediate hot work area and below/around the work point.
• Fixed combustibles protected with fire-resistant covers or shields
  Verify immovable combustible surfaces, equipment, or structures are protected from sparks, slag, or radiant heat.
• Floor, pits, openings, and concealed spaces checked for fire spread risk
  Inspect cracks, floor openings, ducts, cable trays, wall penetrations, and hidden spaces for potential spark travel or ignition pathways.
• Combustible gas or vapor hazards controlled
  Verify flammable liquids, vapors, gases, or dust hazards are absent or controlled per site procedure before work begins.

Fire Watch and Extinguisher Readiness

• Fire watch assigned and present for the duration of hot work
  Verify a designated fire watch is stationed where sparks, slag, or heat could ignite combustibles and can continuously observe the work area.
• Fire watch has no conflicting duties
  Confirm the fire watch is not assigned other tasks that would prevent continuous monitoring and immediate response.
• Fire watch is trained and knows alarm/emergency response steps
  Verify the fire watch understands how to raise the alarm, stop work, and initiate site emergency procedures.
• Suitable fire extinguisher is immediately available and accessible
  Confirm the extinguisher is the correct type for the hazard, fully charged, in service, and unobstructed within immediate reach of the hot work area.
• Communication method for emergency escalation is functional
  Verify the fire watch and workers can contact supervision or emergency response without delay (radio, phone, alarm pull, or equivalent site method).

During-Work Controls and Monitoring

• Sparks, slag, and heat are contained to the controlled work area
  Verify welding screens, spark containment, or other controls are preventing ignition of nearby materials and traffic paths.
• Cylinders, hoses, leads, and equipment are positioned safely
  Check that gas cylinders are secured upright, hoses and leads are protected from damage, and equipment placement does not create a trip or ignition hazard.
• PPE appropriate for the hot work task is in use
  Verify required PPE is worn, including eye/face protection, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and any task-specific respiratory or hearing protection.

Post-Work Area Check and Closeout

• Work area inspected for smoldering, sparks, or hidden fire
  Check floors, walls, adjacent rooms, concealed spaces, and below the work area for heat, smoke, embers, or ignition signs after work stops.
• Fire watch maintained for required post-work period
  Verify the fire watch remains in place for the site-required duration after hot work ends; OSHA commonly requires at least 30 minutes where fire hazards remain, and site/NFPA procedures may require longer.
• Area left clean and all waste removed
  Confirm slag, scrap, used abrasives, rags, and other waste are removed and the area is restored to a safe condition.