Hot work permit template (PDF) for welding and abrasive cutting
Our own permit (Erlaubnisschein) for welding, cutting, soldering, abrasive cutting and thawing outside the workshop – with fire and explosion hazards, measures before starting, extinguishing agents, fire watch, approval and follow-up checks.
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Welding, flame cutting, soldering, abrasive cutting and thawing with a flame pose a particularly high fire risk – often the fire only starts after work has finished, from an unnoticed ember. The Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.2 classifies such work as an increased fire hazard. Under DGUV Information 205-001, the employer decides in the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung) whether a written permit (Erlaubnisschein) is required and records the safety measures in it in writing.
This permit takes you through the approval in the right order: work location and type of work, fire and explosion hazards, measures before starting, extinguishing agents and fire watch, signatures – and, after completion, the follow-up checks with time and findings. The structure is AMS Go's own template that you can adapt to your company.
What the template contains
- Two-page PDF permit with order, work location, persons carrying out the work and validity
- Checkpoints on fire and explosion hazards at the work location and eleven safety measures before starting
- Section on extinguishing agents and fire watch with approval signatures from client, workers and fire watch
- Record of follow-up checks with time, findings and signature, plus acceptance by the client
How to use the template
- 1
Check hazards on site
Before starting, go to the work location together with the workers. First check whether there is a method without sparks or flames, then record combustible materials, openings to adjacent areas and explosion hazard areas – including adjoining rooms, above and below.
- 2
Implement measures and approve
Only sign the approval once combustible material has been removed or covered, openings sealed, fire extinguishers provided and the fire watch named. The permit only applies to the location and period entered.
- 3
Document the follow-up checks
Decide in advance how long and at what intervals follow-up checks take place, and enter this. Each check is recorded with time and findings; only accept the work location once further fire development can be ruled out.
Legal basis
- DGUV Information 205-001, section 7.4.7: hot work – permit, protective measures, fire watch and follow-up checks
- ASR A2.2 nos. 3.3 and 6.2: welding, flame cutting, abrasive cutting and soldering as an increased fire hazard, additional extinguishing agents
- Annex I no. 1.4 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV): permit-to-work system with written instructions where hazardous substances create fire or explosion hazards
- TRGS 800 no. 4.2: define measures for temporary activities with an increased fire hazard case by case, e.g. via a permit procedure
- Section 10 (3) of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV): systems for approving certain maintenance work
Frequently asked questions
Is a hot work permit mandatory?
According to DGUV Information 205-001, hot work may only be carried out without a written permit at workplaces designated for it, such as the metal workshop; whether a permit is required is decided by the employer in the risk assessment. In areas where hazardous substances create fire or explosion hazards, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires a permit-to-work system with written instructions (Annex I no. 1.4). Also check whether your property insurer specifies a particular procedure.
How long must the fire watch stay after the work?
There is no uniform statutory duration. DGUV Information 205-001 refers to regular checks of the work location within a window of two to four hours after completion – for embers, suspicious heating and smoke, until further fire development can be ruled out. Set the duration and intervals based on the risk assessment and enter them on the permit.
Who signs the hot work permit?
The permit is issued by company management or a person it has authorised; the person carrying out the work and the fire watch also sign. If a contractor is involved and the activities could endanger one another, a coordinator is also appointed (Section 6 DGUV Regulation 1) and entered on the permit. After the follow-up checks, the client confirms acceptance.
You may use and adapt the template freely in your own company and for your own clients. It reflects the regulations named as they stand.
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