Hot Work Permit - Welding Inspection

Inspection template for verifying hot work permit controls for welding, including fire watch, combustible removal, fire-resistant blankets, extinguishers, and post-work monitoring.

Inspection Details

• Hot work permit is issued and valid for this welding task
  Verify the permit is approved, current, and specific to the location, scope, and time window of the welding activity.
• Work area, date, time, and inspector are documented
  Confirm the inspection record identifies the exact work location, inspection date/time, and responsible inspector.
• Welding process and hot work scope match the permit
  Verify the planned welding method and scope match what is authorized on the permit.
• Permit conditions and site-specific controls are understood by the crew
  Confirm the welder and supervisor can describe the required controls, restrictions, and stop-work conditions.

Area Preparation and Combustible Control

• Combustible materials removed from the hot work area
  Check that combustible solids, liquids, packaging, rags, wood, paper, and other ignition sources have been removed from the work zone or isolated.
• Combustibles that cannot be removed are protected or shielded
  Verify fixed combustibles, adjacent equipment, and nearby surfaces are protected with fire-resistant covers, blankets, or shields.
• Floor and surrounding surfaces are free of slag, dust, oil, and debris
  Inspect the immediate area for accumulations that could ignite from sparks, spatter, or heat transfer.
• Openings, cracks, and penetrations are covered or sealed against spark travel
  Check for floor openings, wall penetrations, cable trays, ducts, or gaps that could allow sparks or molten metal to travel to concealed spaces.
• Adjacent operations have been isolated from welding hazards
  Confirm nearby work, traffic, or processes that could be exposed to sparks, fumes, or heat are controlled or paused as needed.

Fire Protection and Equipment Readiness

• Fire-resistant blankets or welding curtains are installed correctly
  Verify blankets, curtains, or other spark barriers fully cover exposed combustibles and are positioned to contain spatter.
• Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and appropriate for the hazard
  Confirm extinguishers are immediately accessible, unobstructed, and suitable for the expected fire class and site conditions.
• Fire extinguisher inspection status is current
  Check that the extinguisher has a current inspection tag or equivalent verification and is fully charged.
• Fire hoses, standpipes, or additional suppression equipment are available when required
  Verify any additional suppression equipment required by the permit, site procedure, or AHJ is in place and ready for use.
• Welding equipment is in safe operating condition
  Inspect leads, torch, regulator, cylinders, grounding, and connections for visible damage, leaks, or unsafe conditions.

Fire Watch and Active Work Controls

• A trained fire watch is assigned for the duration of hot work
  Confirm a designated fire watch is present whenever required by the permit or site procedure and is not assigned conflicting duties.
• Fire watch has immediate access to extinguishing equipment and communication means
  Verify the fire watch can quickly reach an extinguisher and contact supervision or emergency response if needed.
• Fire watch has been instructed on stop-work and emergency response actions
  Confirm the fire watch understands when to stop work, how to report smoke or ignition, and how long to remain after work ends.
• Welding sparks and spatter are controlled within the protected area
  Observe the work to ensure sparks, slag, and spatter are being contained by the shielding and work setup.
• Ventilation and fume control are adequate for the task
  Verify ventilation is sufficient to control welding fumes without creating unsafe airflow that spreads sparks or contaminants.

Post-Work Monitoring and Closeout

• Post-work fire watch duration is defined and being followed
  Confirm the required monitoring period after welding is complete is specified and the area remains under observation.
• Area has been checked for smoldering, heat buildup, and hidden ignition sources
  Inspect surrounding surfaces, concealed spaces, and nearby combustibles for smoke, heat, or delayed ignition after work completion.
• Permit is closed out and any deficiencies are documented
  Verify the permit is signed off, findings are recorded, and any non-conformances or corrective actions are documented and assigned.