Fire & hot work · Printable resource
Hot work pre-start checklist
Pre-start prompts for welding, cutting and grinding: combustibles, openings, gas testing, fire watch and after-work monitoring.
- Format
- PDF (A4) · printable web page
- For
- Permit issuers, hot work operatives and fire watch
- Version
- v1.0 · reviewed 30 October 2026
SAFETY SUTRAS · FIELD RESOURCEv1.0Hot work pre-start checklist
Use with your hot work permit. The checks reflect general principles, including those in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252(a).
Task / location
Date / time
Permit number
Fire watch
Before starting
- Could the work be done another way, or moved to a designated hot work area?
- Movable combustibles are removed to a safe place
- Fixed combustibles that cannot be moved are protected with guards or covers
- Openings in walls and floors and the far side of partitions have been checked
- Gas testing has been done where flammable atmospheres may be present
- Suitable extinguishing equipment is at the work location
During and after
- A fire watch is in place and knows how to raise the alarm
- Fire watch continues after work ends (OSHA 1910.252 requires at least 30 minutes where a fire watch applies)
- The area is checked, including hidden spaces, before the permit is closed
Additional precautions
Confirmation
Permit issued by
Area checked and signed off by
General discussion aid, not a risk assessment, permit or procedure. Adapt to your site’s hazards, legal requirements and competent advice.
SAFETYSUTRAS.COM · FREE RESOURCE · ADAPT BEFORE USEv1.0 · reviewed 30 October 2026