Hot Work Program

The purpose of the Hot Work Program (PDF, 1708 KB) is to reduce the risk of accidental fire and false alarms in areas where work that could trigger such events is occurring.

What is considered “Hot Work”?

Any operation that involves open flames or sparks or produces sufficient heat to ignite flammable or combustible materials is considered “Hot Work”. Also, any work that generates enough dust to harm or negatively impact the fire protection system is also subject to Hot Work protocols.

Examples of Hot Work include cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, adhesive bonding, thermal spraying thawing pipes, and applying roof covering and sealing plastic shrink-wrap by torch. Some additional examples that are not considered “Hot Work” processes, but that require a Hot Work Permit application due to dust and/or debris include sanding, wood sawing, concrete cutting, drywall work, core drilling, and jackhammering. If you are unsure if the work you plan on performing requires a Hot Work Permit, please contact the Fire Protection Coordinator.

Hot Work Permits

A permit is required for each job in a given area during a specified period of time. The permit must be submitted two (2) full business days prior to the anticipated start of work for approval. If the work is planned for a weekend or holiday, the permit must be submitted five (5) full business days prior to the anticipated start of work for approval. You may submit a permit application through an online application or by printing a Hot Work Program paper application (PDF, 195 KB). To submit a paper application, you can either scan and submit the completed application through our online system or drop it off at the FMP Service Centre located at the Maintenance Building.

The person planning to perform the hot work (i.e. the Hot Worker), along with their supervisor, completes all of the identified information on the online application or the paper application. The Manager/Supervisor then coordinates with the FMP Service Centre to arrange for fire system isolation and finalizes the permit process.

Hot Worker Responsibilities

The Hot Worker is responsible for completing a Hot Work Inspection Checklist (PDF, 123 KB) before beginning work and every day subsequently. The completed Inspection Checklist must be displayed in the work area.

When all work is complete or at the end of the permit window, the Hot Worker is responsible for notifying the FMP Service Centre and handing in the inspection checklists and Hot Work permit.

This procedure aims to prevent disruptions to the fire protection systems triggered by accidental incidents as well as minimize risk to building occupants.

Please direct any questions or concerns regarding Hot Work to either Facilities Management & Planning or the Fire Protection Coordinator.