When should a trade contractor use a hot work permit?

What the code says

Section 3.4 of the code deals with fire and explosion. It says welding generates heat, flames and sparks, which are sources of ignition, and that you must manage the risks of ignition sources in a hazardous atmosphere. That includes identifying all sources of ignition, including related processes such as grinding.

It says you may need specific procedures for welding in a hazardous atmosphere or area. It notes that the WHS Regulation requires a confined space entry permit for confined space work, and that for welding in an area that is not a confined space you should still document specific procedures, which should include a hot work permit.

Sources[1][3]

Which permit applies

These examples use Queensland requirements. Check the applicable jurisdiction, site procedures and risk assessment before arranging hot work.

Sources[1][2][3]

Who authorises it

Our recommendation is to identify the person authorised under your site's hot work procedure and record who approved the work. Base that process on the risk assessment and applicable code and standards; a name on a generic form is not a substitute for deciding the controls.

Sources[1]

Permit planning sheet you can adapt

This sheet is our suggested layout. It is not a statutory form, an authorisation or a substitute for your risk assessment and competent site process. Replace every square bracket.

HOT WORK PERMIT PLANNING SHEET

Site: [address]   Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Work: [welding / cutting / grinding / other, description]
Is this a confined space? [no. If yes, use a confined space entry permit]
Risk assessment: [reference, date]

Ignition sources: [list]
Flammable or combustible materials nearby, including neighbouring property: [list]
Containers or vessels involved and what they held: [list, checked by name]
Controls decided from the risk assessment: [list each one]
Fire-fighting equipment: [type and location]
People doing the work: [names]

Authorised by: [name, and the basis of their authority under the site procedure]   Time: [time]
Valid from [time and date] to [time and date], as set by the site procedure

CLOSE-OUT
Work finished at: [time]
Area checked by: [name]   What was checked: [list]
Signed: [name, date, time]

Sources[1][2]

What this guide leaves out

It sets no fixed validity period or fire-watch duration, and gives no technical gas, isolation or removal procedure. Take those from your risk assessment, AS 1674.1 and a qualified person.

Sources[1][2]

Common questions

What is a hot work permit in Australia?

In Queensland, the welding code calls for a hot work permit as part of documented procedures for welding outside a confined space and points to AS 1674.1 for guidance. The permit records the site process; it does not replace the risk assessment or the separate confined space entry requirements.[1]

Who can authorise a hot works permit?

Identify the person authorised under the site's hot work procedure and confirm their competence for that decision. Queensland's welding code calls for documented procedures that include issuing a hot work permit; agree the approval process before work starts.[1]