Hot Work Permits

Hot Work Permits and Safety Requirements

Hot work includes operations that produce heat, sparks, or flames and may create a fire hazard if not properly controlled. Examples include welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, thawing pipe, torch-applied roofing, and similar activities.

The Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal regulates hot work activities to help protect people, property, businesses, and emergency responders from fire hazards.

When a Hot Work Permit Is Required

A hot work permit may be required before conducting hot work operations in Arlington County. The permit helps ensure that the work area has been reviewed, fire hazards have been controlled, and proper safety precautions are in place before work begins.

A hot work permit is not intended to replace other permits that may be required by the Building Official, contractor, property owner, or other regulatory authority.

Before Hot Work Begins

Before hot work is allowed, the work area should be inspected by the person responsible for authorizing the work. This inspection should confirm that the area is safe for hot work and that fire hazards have been removed or properly protected.

Common safety checks include:

• Removing combustible materials from the hot work area
• Keeping combustible materials at least 35 feet from the operation or protecting them with approved shielding
• Covering or separating openings to adjacent areas with noncombustible materials
• Ensuring floors are noncombustible and swept clean
• Confirming fire protection systems are in service
• Ensuring fire-extinguishing equipment is available
• Keeping the hot work permit and safety checklist at the work location

Areas Where Hot Work Is Not Allowed

Unless specifically approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal, hot work should not be conducted in areas where:

• The sprinkler system or fire alarm system is impaired or out of service
• Flammable gases, liquids, vapors, or explosive atmospheres may be present
• Readily ignitable materials are present, including dust, lint, loose combustibles, baled paper, cotton, or similar materials
• Other conditions exist that create an unsafe fire hazard

Fire Watch Requirements

A fire watch is required during hot work activities and must continue for at least 30 minutes after the hot work is completed.

The person assigned to fire watch must have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available, be trained in the use of that equipment, and be prepared to extinguish small spot fires or activate the alarm if needed.

Contractor and Property Owner Responsibilities

Contractors, property owners, and responsible parties are expected to ensure that hot work is properly authorized and safely managed before work begins. This includes maintaining required permits, completing required safety checks, providing fire watch when required, and ensuring all hot work equipment is in safe operating condition.