Hot work risk management guidance
Hot work includes any activity which generates or requires the use of flame, heat or sparks for example gas and electric welding. Working with any source of ignition – particularly if there are other flammable materials in proximity – increases the risks of significant damage to property and serious or even fatal injuries. Hot work should be a last resort option when other methods of completing the task have been ruled out. At Aviva, our proactive approach to risk management allows us to help our customers mitigate the risks of hot work more effectively. Detailed on this page includes guidance and advice on how to reduce the risk of a fire when undertaking hot work, we advise you to adopt an appropriate hot work permit, you can find our template below along with a checklist to ensure all appropriate precautions are considered.
"Over the course of my career, I have been involved with many fire losses caused by hot work. There still exists a failure to learn from the numerous incidents that occur and, in my view, it's a completely avoidable cause of fire.”
Chris Andrews, Director of Risk Management Solutions
Hot works guidance
Hot work operations
Hot work is one of the few occasions where a naked flame is intentionally introduced into the workplace. Failure to manage this risk could cause a fire, leading to both property damage and fatal injuries. In order to make sure your business is adequately protected – and that you don't put employees, contractors or visitors at risk – it's essential that you follow appropriate hot work procedures.
Health and safety
It’s important to remember that undertaking hot work may introduce additional hazards into the workplace such as fire, disease exposures, compressed gases, electrical risks and ‘arc eye’ / ‘welder’s flash’. How can you minimise these risks?
Hot work passport
The Fire Protection Association provides courses and training for contractors and employees to demonstrate that they have the appropriate knowledge to conduct hot work - known as a Hot Work Passport. You should also consider only letting contractors or staff who have this passport undertake or supervise this activity.
Interactive hot work permit template and checklist
We advise all of our clients to adopt an appropriate hot work permit and procedure to ensure all appropriate precautions are considered, and the works are formally documented and signed off. Please press ‘find out more’ to open a copy of our permit. This permit incorporates Aviva’s standards including areas such as: inspecting the work area, fire-watch periods, and precautions to be undertaken in the area.
Joint code of practice
The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation provides highly regarded best practice guidelines for the construction industry. Section 16 of JCOP considers the control required around hot work. We believe complying with the code could reduce the risk of a fire breaking out and causing damage to the construction site, helping avoid the associated costs and reducing the risk of injury.
Managing contractors
Lots of companies use external contractors to undertake specialist activities and relieve the burden on their employees. If this includes hot work, contractors need to be selected and managed effectively, to minimise the risk of injury or property damage.
Managing hot work operations EdApp course
We can provide you with access to EdApp, a learning management system and mobile learning app through our Specialist Partner SafetyCulture. You can access a library of free learning materials covering a range of topics including Hot Works. This short course will provide you with an overview on what hot works is and how to manage it effectively.
Thermographic cameras
Using thermographic cameras as part of your hot work controls can be an effective way to prevent fire. Using thermographic imaging before, during and after any hot work takes place may help locate hot spots. Our Specialist Partner, PASS, can provide thermographic technology and training, available at preferential rates to Aviva policyholders.
Help minimise risks with our specialist partners
We have a wealth of experience in helping customers protect their businesses. As well as insurance, we provide a vast offering of other products and services to help prevent accidents and losses. As an Aviva policyholder, these products and services are available to you at preferential rates, helping you reduce risk to your business. From fire to escape of water, security to motor, health and safety to business resilience – all our partners have an established pedigree in the risk management sector.
Need further help or assistance?
Call our Risk Help Line to speak to our Risk Management Solutions team for help and advice on
0345 366 6666
Opening times: Monday - Friday* 9:00am - 5:00pm
Email us at: riskadvice@aviva.com
* Excludes Bank Holidays. The cost of calls to 03 prefixed numbers are charged at national call rates (charges may vary dependent on your network provider) and are usually included in inclusive minute plans from landlines and mobiles. For our joint protection telephone calls may be recorded and/or monitored.