Hot Work

A Hot Work Permit is required for any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat, spark, or smoke. Hot Work includes but is not limited to cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, thawing pipes, torch-applied roofing – any open flame or spark producing task.

Hot Work Permit

A hot work permit must be obtained before any hot work can be conducted. Prior to beginning hot work, all signatures are to be obtained for the appropriate form.

  • A Hot Work Permit is required for indoor AND outdoor areas (50’ or less from building).
  • No work may begin until the permit has been reviewed and by UCB Fire Systems Shop.
  • Application must be submitted for review and authorization at least 48 hours prior to planned hot work.
  • Dedicated fire watch is required during any hot work activity and specifically, whenever:
    • A known combustible material is within 35-foot radius of hot work activity.
    • A spark or smoke will be generated.
    • An odor will be generated (indoors or outdoors)
    • Potential combustible materials exist adjacent to the hot work area within concealed spaces, behind metal partitions or walls, above ceilings or roofs.
    • It is necessary to disable a fire detection or alarm system, including concealed duct detectors.
    • It is necessary to disable any fire suppression.
    • A smoke eater is required for indoor work.
    • A Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) welding zone is necessary. 

Step 1 – Permit Application

  1. Contractor – Fills out appropriate application including identifying all applicable conditions (via DocuSign)
    • Facilities Project? Fill out the
    • Housing Project? Fill out the
  2. UCB PM/PC – Reviews application for accuracy (via DocuSign)
  3. UCB Fire Systems Shop – Reviews permit and returns it to the UCB PM/PC and the Contractor (via DocuSign)
  4. Contractor posts the application and signatures onsite.

Step 2 – Post Permit and Complete Work

  1. Contractor - Posts the permit onsite.
  2. Hot Work Performer – Records start time, signs permit and completes the work.
  3. Fire Watch – Observes the work, then the area for 60 minutes following completion.
  4. Post Watch Fire Monitor – Inspects the area, signs permit. (Can be same person as Fire Watch.)

Final Step - Email confirmation of completion

Contractor should e-mail images of final signatures, fire extinguisher and tag, and clean work area to fmhwp@colorado.edu and copy their UCB PM/PC at completion of work.

When Hot Work is Prohibited

Hot work on campus is to be prohibited in areas where it cannot be conducted safely under any conditions or where extensive preparation and planning are required to make the area/equipment fire-safe. Hot Work is not to be conducted in the following areas:

  • Areas that contain flammable liquids, flammable gases, combustible dusts, or combustible metals.
  • Areas with an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
  • Areas used for the storage and handling of oxidizer materials.
  • Areas used for the storage and handling of explosives.
  • On partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs with combustible plastic coverings or cores (e.g., expanded plastic insulation).

Hot Work Roles and Responsibilities

Person Performing Hot Work: Records time started on posted permit. Records time finished after hot work is complete.

Dedicated Fire Watch: A person(s) dedicated to watching the area during hot work activity plus 60 minutes after completion. Prior to leaving area, performs final inspection of the work, signs permit, and leaves permit displayed and notify fire monitor. (A second Fire Watch may be required when work impacts adjoining areas, above or below.)

Post Watch Fire Monitor: Monitors area ensuring it is clear of all debris caused from hot work, signs permit and emails a final photo of the space to fmhwp@colorado.edu and the UCB PM when applicable.  (Fire Watch and Fire Monitor can be the same person.)

Additional information and online training

If applicable, email NFPA certificate to fmhwp@colorado.edu