Part H — High-Risk Works

Hot work permit checklist

Workbook section 81

Owner

HSE Manager / Document Controller

Review / trigger

Annual review; update immediately if legal, authority, project, client, or scope requirements change.

Primary references

Plan H81 Hot Work Fire Watch

Checkpoints

Writing or reviewing the risk assessment behind this checklist? Read the MSRA meaning in safety — Method Statement Risk Assessment guide for the full definition, UAE regulations, roles and scoring method.

Open live checklist

#	Area	Checkpoint / Requirement	Evidence / Acceptance Criteria	Responsible	Frequency
1	Pre-Job Site Survey	Hot work location surveyed jointly with fire watch to identify hidden fire spread paths through ducts, cavities and false ceilings	Survey checklist with sketch of concealed spaces near work area	HSE Officer	Before work
2	Pre-Job Site Survey	Sprinkler and fire detection systems in the work zone confirmed operational and not isolated unless formally impaired-permitted	Fire system status log confirming zone active or documented impairment permit	HSE Manager	Before work
3	Pre-Job Site Survey	Adjacent trades and occupants notified of hot work schedule to avoid conflicting activities in same fire zone	Notification record/email log to affected parties	Site Supervisor	Before work
4	Pre-Job Site Survey	Wind direction and outdoor hot work location assessed to prevent sparks drifting toward stored materials or public areas	Site observation log noting wind assessment outcome	HSE Officer	Per outdoor job
5	Weld Fume & Health Exposure	Local exhaust ventilation or fume extraction arms used for welding in enclosed areas to control fume exposure	Fume extraction equipment inspection and positioning record	HSE Officer	Per job
6	Weld Fume & Health Exposure	Respiratory protective equipment provided and fit-tested for welders exposed to fumes from galvanized or coated metals	Fit-test certificate matching worker and respirator model	HSE Officer	Per assignment
7	Weld Fume & Health Exposure	Occupational exposure monitoring for welding fume conducted periodically in enclosed work areas	Exposure monitoring report with results below OEL	HSE Manager	Quarterly
8	Barricading & Signage	Hot work zone cordoned with warning signage indicating active welding/cutting operations to nearby personnel	Signage photo showing 'Hot Work in Progress' warning at perimeter	Site Supervisor	Per job
9	Barricading & Signage	Screens erected to shield adjacent workers and public from arc flash and UV radiation exposure	Screen installation photo confirming full coverage of arc line of sight	HSE Officer	Per job
10	Electrical Safety for Welding Sets	Welding machine earthing and insulation resistance tested before deployment to site	Insulation resistance test certificate for welding set	HSE Officer	Per deployment
11	Electrical Safety for Welding Sets	Welding cables routed clear of walkways and water to prevent trip hazards and insulation damage	Site inspection photo showing cable routing and protection	Site Supervisor	Daily
12	Cylinder Storage & Handling	Oxygen and acetylene cylinders stored in separate, ventilated, fire-rated cages with segregation distance maintained	Cylinder storage inspection checklist confirming segregation	Store Keeper	Weekly
13	Cylinder Storage & Handling	Cylinder valves closed and regulators removed at end of each shift or when hot work is not in progress	End-of-shift equipment shutdown checklist signed by operator	Operator	Daily
14	Cylinder Storage & Handling	Cylinder colour coding and labelling verified legible to prevent gas misidentification	Visual inspection record confirming label and colour condition	HSE Officer	Weekly
15	Hot Work in Marine/Offshore Zones	Additional gas-free certificate obtained for hot work on tanks, pipelines or vessels previously containing flammable substances	Gas-free certificate issued by certified marine chemist	HSE Manager	Per job
16	Hot Work in Marine/Offshore Zones	Hot work near water bodies or drainage assessed for fuel/oil sheen risk before commencing	Pre-work water surface inspection log	HSE Officer	Before work
17	Subcontractor Hot Work Control	Subcontractor hot work crews inducted into main contractor permit system before independent permit issuance	Subcontractor induction record referencing permit procedure	HSE Officer	Per subcontractor mobilization
18	Subcontractor Hot Work Control	Subcontractor fire watch and equipment competency verified equivalent to main contractor standard before approval	Competency verification checklist for subcontractor crew	HSE Manager	Per subcontractor
19	Night Shift Hot Work	Adequate task lighting provided at night hot work locations to maintain fire watch visibility	Lux level measurement record at work location	Site Supervisor	Per night job
20	Night Shift Hot Work	Night shift permit issuer and fire watch contact details confirmed reachable by site security control room	Security control room log listing active night permits	HSE Officer	Per night shift
21	Waste & Slag Disposal	Hot slag and weld spatter collected in metal containers away from combustible waste bins	Photo evidence of dedicated non-combustible slag container in use	Site Supervisor	Per job
22	Waste & Slag Disposal	Cooling period enforced before disposal of hot work debris into general waste skips	Waste disposal log noting cooling time observed	HSE Officer	Per job
23	Interface with Other Permits	Hot work permit cross-checked against confined space, excavation and electrical permits active in same area to avoid conflict	Permit interface register showing cross-referenced active permits	HSE Manager	Per job
24	Interface with Other Permits	Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) review conducted where hot work coincides with lifting or scaffolding activity nearby	SIMOPS review form signed by relevant supervisors	HSE Manager	Per occurrence
25	Weather & Environmental Controls	Outdoor hot work suspended during high wind conditions exceeding site-defined threshold near flammable stockpiles	Weather log with wind speed and suspension decision	Site Supervisor	Daily
26	Weather & Environmental Controls	Rain/moisture protection provided for electrical welding equipment during outdoor operations	Equipment weather protection inspection record	HSE Officer	Per outdoor job
27	Post-Work Verification	Area re-inspected by fire watch and supervisor jointly before permit closure to confirm no residual heat source	Joint post-work inspection sign-off on permit closure section	Site Supervisor	Per job
28	Post-Work Verification	Photographic record of work area taken at closure to document safe condition	Closure photo attached to permit file	HSE Officer	Per job
29	Management of Change	Change in hot work method, location or equipment triggers reassessment and re-issuance of permit rather than amendment	Change log referencing superseded and new permit numbers	HSE Manager	Per change
30	Contractor Equipment Certification	Third-party welding machines and gas equipment brought on site verified for valid inspection certification before use	Equipment certification check log at site gate	HSE Officer	Per equipment entry
31	Incident Learning & Sharing	Lessons learned from hot work near-misses shared across project sites via HSE bulletin	HSE bulletin distribution record referencing lesson learned	HSE Manager	Per occurrence
32	Incident Learning & Sharing	Hot work permit system periodically reviewed and updated based on audit findings and incident trends	Permit procedure revision log with review date and approver	HSE Manager	Annually
33	Permit Issuance	Hot work permit raised and approved by authorized issuer before any welding, cutting, grinding or brazing commences	Signed hot work permit displayed at work location prior to start	HSE Officer	Per job
34	Permit Issuance	Permit specifies exact task, location, equipment and validity period not exceeding single shift	Permit form with start/end time fields completed and matching shift roster	Permit Issuer	Per permit
35	Permit Issuance	Permit cross-referenced to approved method statement and risk assessment for the specific hot work task	RAMS reference number recorded on permit face	HSE Officer	Per permit
36	Permit Issuance	Civil Defence NOC/approval obtained where hot work is within notifiable proximity of fire alarm zones or occupied buildings	Dubai Civil Defence NOC letter attached to permit file	HSE Manager	Per project phase
37	Permit Issuance	Permit renewal required if work extends beyond original validity, with re-inspection of area before renewal	Renewed permit bearing new time-stamp and re-inspection signature	Permit Issuer	Per renewal
38	Permit Issuance	Permit immediately suspended and physically retrieved if conditions change (e.g., gas leak alarm, wind change for outdoor works)	Suspended permit marked 'VOID' with reason and time noted	HSE Officer	As required
39	Permit Issuance	Copy of active permit retained at site HSE office and duplicate posted at work location	Two permit copies verified during site walk	HSE Officer	Per permit
40	Permit Issuance	Permit issuer holds valid competency/authorization record for issuing hot work permits	Training/authorization certificate on file for named issuer	HSE Manager	Annually
41	Permit Issuance	Closed permit signed off by issuer confirming area left in safe condition after work completion	Permit closure section signed and dated	Permit Issuer	Per job
42	Permit Issuance	Permit register maintained logging all issued, active, suspended and closed permits with unique numbering	Sequential permit register with no gaps in numbering	HSE Officer	Daily
43	Permit Issuance	Multiple simultaneous hot work permits within same fire zone reviewed jointly to prevent compounded fire risk	Joint risk review note attached when more than one permit active in a zone	HSE Manager	Per occurrence
44	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Combustible gas/atmosphere test conducted before hot work in confined or enclosed spaces	Gas test log showing LEL reading below 10 percent before entry	HSE Officer	Before entry
45	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Gas testing equipment calibrated per manufacturer schedule and calibration certificate available on site	Current calibration certificate matching instrument serial number	HSE Officer	Per calibration cycle
46	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Continuous atmospheric monitoring maintained throughout hot work in confined spaces with alarm set points defined	Monitoring log/data sheet showing readings at set intervals	Standby Person	Continuous during work
47	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Ventilation provided and verified adequate before and during hot work in enclosed areas	Ventilation equipment operating log and airflow verification record	Site Supervisor	Per job
48	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Gas test results recorded on permit with tester name, time and reading value	Permit gas-test section fully completed and signed	HSE Officer	Per test
49	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Re-testing performed if work is interrupted for more than 30 minutes or personnel exit and re-enter	Repeat gas test entry logged with new timestamp	HSE Officer	Per interruption
50	Gas Testing & Atmosphere	Oxygen level verified within 19.5 to 23.5 percent range before confined space hot work entry	Gas test log showing oxygen percentage within acceptable range	HSE Officer	Before entry
51	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Dedicated fire watch personnel assigned and present throughout hot work and for minimum 30 minutes after completion	Fire watch log signed with start and post-work end time	Fire Watch Officer	Per job
52	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Fire watch personnel trained in use of appropriate extinguisher type for materials present at location	Fire watch training certificate on file	HSE Manager	Annually
53	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Minimum two serviceable fire extinguishers of correct class positioned within immediate reach of hot work location	Extinguisher inspection tag current and physical count verified	Fire Watch Officer	Per job
54	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Fire watch has no other concurrent duties that could distract from continuous fire monitoring	Site roster confirming fire watch as sole assigned task	Site Supervisor	Per job
55	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Fire hose reel or standpipe connection accessible and tested where hot work occurs near high fire-load areas	Hose reel inspection tag current, pressure test record available	HSE Officer	Per project phase
56	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Emergency contact numbers for Civil Defence and site fire response team posted at hot work location	Posted emergency contact card visible at site	HSE Officer	Per job
57	Fire Watch & Extinguishing	Fire watch log includes periodic area checks for smouldering material up to one hour post-completion for high-risk tasks	Post-work inspection log with timed entries up to 60 minutes	Fire Watch Officer	Per job
58	Combustible Material Control	Combustible and flammable materials removed or relocated minimum 11 meters from hot work location where practicable	Pre-work area clearance checklist confirming distance measured	HSE Officer	Before work
59	Combustible Material Control	Materials that cannot be removed are covered with fire-resistant blankets or shields	Photo evidence of fire blanket placement over fixed combustibles	Site Supervisor	Before work
60	Combustible Material Control	Floor openings, wall penetrations and gaps sealed to prevent sparks falling to lower or adjacent areas	Inspection record confirming openings sealed prior to work start	HSE Officer	Before work
61	Combustible Material Control	Housekeeping of hot work area maintained free of oil, grease, sawdust and packaging debris	Area inspection checklist marked clear of debris	Site Supervisor	Daily
62	Combustible Material Control	Fire-resistant screens or curtains erected to contain sparks when working at height or near open edges	Screen installation verified during pre-work inspection	HSE Officer	Per job
63	Combustible Material Control	Gas cylinders and flammable liquid containers stored minimum required distance from hot work in ventilated area	Storage inspection log confirming segregation distance	Store Keeper	Weekly
64	Equipment & PPE	Welding/cutting equipment inspected for damaged cables, hoses, regulators and connections before use	Pre-use equipment inspection checklist signed by operator	Operator	Before each use
65	Equipment & PPE	Gas cylinders secured upright, valves protected and flashback arrestors fitted on both oxygen and fuel gas lines	Visual inspection confirming flashback arrestors installed at cylinder and torch ends	HSE Officer	Per job
66	Equipment & PPE	Operator wears appropriate PPE including welding shield/goggles, fire-resistant gloves and flame-retardant clothing	PPE inspection checklist and toolbox talk attendance record	Site Supervisor	Per job
67	Equipment & PPE	Earthing/grounding of welding return cable verified to prevent stray arcing	Continuity test record for earth return connection	HSE Officer	Per setup
68	Equipment & PPE	Electrical hot work equipment tested and tagged per PAT/inspection schedule before deployment	Current PAT tag visible on equipment	HSE Officer	Per test cycle
69	Equipment & PPE	Gas cylinder trolleys used for transport and cylinders never dragged, rolled or dropped	Site observation record noting compliant handling practice	Site Supervisor	Ongoing
70	Confined Space Hot Work	Confined space entry permit issued jointly with hot work permit where hot work occurs inside confined space	Cross-referenced permit numbers on both documents	HSE Officer	Per entry
71	Confined Space Hot Work	Rescue plan and standby rescue team in place before confined space hot work commences	Rescue plan document with named standby team on permit	HSE Manager	Per entry
72	Confined Space Hot Work	Communication method between entrant and standby person established and tested before entry	Communication check log signed before entry	Standby Person	Per entry
73	Confined Space Hot Work	Forced ventilation maintained throughout confined space hot work with fume extraction at source	Ventilation equipment running log throughout job duration	Site Supervisor	Continuous during work
74	Confined Space Hot Work	Number of personnel and entry/exit times logged on confined space entry board	Entry board with names, in-time and out-time recorded	Standby Person	Per entry
75	Training & Competency	All hot work operators hold valid trade competency certification for welding/cutting equipment used	Competency certificate matching operator name and equipment type	HSE Manager	Annually
76	Training & Competency	Toolbox talk on hot work hazards conducted before task and attendance recorded	Toolbox talk attendance sheet dated and signed	Site Supervisor	Per job
77	Training & Competency	Fire watch personnel receive refresher training annually covering extinguisher use and escalation procedure	Refresher training record dated within past 12 months	HSE Manager	Annually
78	Training & Competency	New workers undergo hot work induction covering permit system before assignment to hot work tasks	Induction record signed by new worker and inductor	HSE Officer	Per new worker
79	Emergency Preparedness	Emergency evacuation route from hot work location identified and kept clear at all times	Route marked on site emergency plan and physically verified clear	HSE Officer	Per job
80	Emergency Preparedness	Nearest fire alarm call point and assembly point location communicated to hot work team	Toolbox talk record referencing alarm point and assembly area	Site Supervisor	Per job
81	Emergency Preparedness	Fire incident response drill conducted periodically covering hot work fire scenario	Drill report with date, scenario and attendance list	HSE Manager	Semi-annually
82	Emergency Preparedness	Civil Defence liaison contact maintained and site emergency plan updated with current approvals	Updated emergency plan referencing valid Civil Defence approval number	HSE Manager	Annually
83	Emergency Preparedness	Post-incident review conducted for any fire event arising from hot work with corrective actions logged	Incident report with root cause and corrective action tracker	HSE Manager	Per incident
84	Audit & Documentation	Hot work permits archived for minimum 3 years for audit and insurance purposes	Document retention log confirming 3-year archive period	HSE Manager	Ongoing
85	Audit & Documentation	Monthly audit of closed hot work permits conducted to verify compliance with fire watch and gas test requirements	Audit checklist with sampled permit references and findings	HSE Manager	Monthly
86	Audit & Documentation	Non-compliant hot work practices identified during audit escalated via corrective action register	CAPA reference number linked to audit finding	HSE Manager	Per audit
87	Audit & Documentation	Statistics on hot work permits issued, suspended and fire incidents reported in monthly HSE report	Monthly HSE report section with hot work statistics	HSE Manager	Monthly
88	Audit & Documentation	Subcontractor hot work permit compliance reviewed as part of subcontractor HSE performance evaluation	Subcontractor evaluation form with hot work compliance score	HSE Manager	Monthly

Each checkpoint records Status (Yes / No / N/A), Comments, Corrective Action and Sign-off. Switch to Complete in-app to fill it here, or download the blank version to complete on site.

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