Hot work permit template: base template and example

When to use a hot work permit

• SafeWork NSW's welding code of practice says welding outside a confined space should follow documented procedures that include a hot work permit.
• The fire precautions standard was updated in 2025. AS 1674.1:2025 replaced the 1997 edition, which some codes of practice still refer to.
• Rules vary by state and territory, outdoor hot work can be restricted on total fire ban days, and your insurer may have its own requirements. See what applies in each state below.

Welding inside a tank or pit? You also need a confined space entry permit.

Hot work rules in your state

Hot work is covered by your WHS regulator, and outdoors it can also be restricted by your state's fire service on total fire ban days. We're not a regulator, so check both:

• New South Wales: welding, grinding and gas cutting are not to be done in the open on a total fire ban day unless an exemption applies. See NSW RFS total fire ban rules

• New South Wales: for workplace rules, see SafeWork NSW's welding code of practice

• Victoria: welding, cutting and grinding in the open on a total fire ban day need a permit from CFA, FRV or DEECA, depending on where you are. See CFA total fire ban permits

• Queensland: check your fire service's total fire ban rules as well as WorkSafe Queensland

• South Australia: SafeWork SA

• Western Australia: WorkSafe WA

• Tasmania: WorkSafe Tasmania

• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe

• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT

The fire precautions standard for hot work is AS 1674.1:2025

Controls to think about

• SafeWork NSW's welding code says to keep combustibles away from the work, use fire-resistant barriers to stop sparks, and keep firefighting equipment nearby.
• Look after gas cylinders. The code says to secure cylinders at all times, fit flashback arrestors, and never cut containers that may have held flammable contents.
• Keep a fire watch during the work and for a set time afterwards, and do a final check of the area before signing off. Your site procedure, the standard or your insurer can tell you how long.

Hot work hazards and the controls to match

Every job is different, but these are hazards that often get missed on hot work, with the kind of control the permit should show for each:

• Sparks reaching combustibles out of sight, behind walls, through gaps or on the floor below: check all sides and levels, and cover or remove combustibles.

• Fire starting after the job is finished: a fire watch during the work and for the set time afterwards, with a final area check.

• Flammable vapours from tanks, drums or pipes that held fuel or solvents: clean, purge and gas test before any heat is applied.

• Sprinklers or detectors turned off and forgotten: record any isolation on the permit and restore it before closing.

• Gas cylinders leaking or getting hot: secure cylinders upright, check hoses and flashback arrestors, and keep cylinders away from the work.

• Fumes from welding, especially galvanised or painted metal: extraction or ventilation, and respiratory protection where needed.

• Burns and eye injuries to people nearby: welding screens, and an exclusion zone around the work.

• Outdoor work on high fire danger days: check total fire ban rules and any permit conditions before starting.

What to include in a hot work permit

• The site, date, location and the times the permit is valid
• The type of hot work, such as welding, cutting or grinding
• Fire prevention checks, such as clearing combustibles and covering openings
• Fire extinguisher, sprinkler and gas cylinder checks
• Who is on fire watch, and for how long after the work
• Sign-off by the issuer and the person doing the work, plus the final area check

Common gaps in a hot work permit

Before work starts, check the permit doesn't have these gaps. Your site or insurer may look for more:

• It doesn't say exactly where the hot work is, or what's on the other side of walls and floors.

• No one is named as the fire watch, or the fire watch time after work isn't set.

• There's no gas test recorded where flammable atmospheres are possible.

• Fire protection that was isolated isn't recorded, or not restored at closure.

• The final area check is ticked without a time or a name.

Filled-in hot work permit example

Example only, not for use as your own permit. This is the base template filled in for fictional welding and grinding on a food plant's production line, with a 60 minute fire watch. Click the page to enlarge it.

The 10 m clearance and 60 minute fire watch in this example aren't legal requirements. Set them from your site procedure, AS 1674.1 or your insurer.

How to fill one in

1. Fill in the site, date, location and the times the permit is valid.
2. Tick the type of hot work.
3. Walk the area and complete each fire prevention check before work starts.
4. Name the fire watch, and how long they'll stay after the work finishes.
5. Sign it off, then have the fire watch do the final area check and record the time.

Get your hot work permit into the app

This form is in the Shadow Forms app. Your team can fill it in on site, add photos and sign it, then send it straight to the office.

The PDF and Word versions are copies only. If you have your own branded version, or want this one adjusted to your business, we can add it to the app. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Running a bigger job? Get the free permit to work template.

Isolating plant? Get the free lockout tagout permit template.