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Hot works are any activities that generate heat, sparks or open flames and have the potential to start a fire.
Common examples include:
While many care providers do not carry out hot works themselves, they may still be exposed to the risks when contractors undertake maintenance, repair or refurbishment projects on their premises.
Hot works are one of the leading causes of commercial property fires.
Even a small spark can ignite combustible materials, resulting in significant damage to buildings, business interruption and potential risks to residents, staff and visitors.
For care providers, the consequences can be particularly severe due to the vulnerability of those being supported and the operational challenges of evacuation.
According to claims data from Zurich, approximately 15% of commercial and industrial fires are linked to hot works activities.
Yes.
Even if your organisation does not directly undertake hot works, you may still be responsible for managing the risks when contractors are working on site.
Examples include:
If you are unsure whether planned works involve hot works, always ask the contractor before work begins.
This is particularly important for emergency repairs, where there may be less time to review safety arrangements.
A hot work permit is a formal document that confirms appropriate safety measures have been put in place before work starts.
The permit helps ensure:
Potential fire hazards have been identified
Safety precautions are in place
The work area has been assessed
Responsibilities are clearly defined
Appropriate monitoring arrangements have been agreed
Many insurers expect businesses to operate a documented hot work permit system.
Hot works are regularly highlighted during insurance risk surveys because they are a well-established source of major fire losses.
Insurers want reassurance that organisations have robust procedures in place to manage the risks.
Failure to follow appropriate controls could:
Increase insurance premiums
Lead to adverse survey recommendations
Create challenges during a claim investigation
Increase the likelihood of a serious incident occurring
A documented permit system is often viewed as a minimum requirement.
Before any hot works are undertaken, organisations should consider:
Hot Work Permit
A completed permit should be issued and retained before work starts.
Contractor Insurance Checks
Obtain evidence of the contractor's liability insurance and confirm it remains valid.
Fire Prevention Controls
Remove combustible materials where possible.
Fire Extinguishers
Ensure suitable extinguishers are immediately available.
Fire Watch Procedures
Monitor the work area during the activity and for an appropriate period after work has finished.
Contractor Risk Assessments
Review risk assessments and method statements before work begins.
Before any hot works take place, consider asking:
Does this work involve heat, sparks or open flames?
Do you have a hot work risk assessment?
Can you provide evidence of liability insurance?
What fire prevention measures will be used?
Who will monitor the area after work is completed?
These questions can help identify risks before work starts.
What are examples of hot works?
Examples include welding, grinding, soldering, roofing with blow torches and cutting using abrasive discs.
Do contractors need a hot work permit?
In most cases, yes. A permit helps ensure appropriate controls are in place before work begins.
Why are hot works dangerous?
They can create sparks, heat and ignition sources that may start fires, particularly in areas containing combustible materials.
Does insurance cover fires caused by hot works?
Insurance may respond depending on the circumstances, policy terms and whether appropriate risk controls were in place. This is one reason insurers place significant emphasis on hot works management.
How Quality Care Group Supports Care Providers
Managing hot works safely is an important part of protecting your people, property and organisation.
At Quality Care Group, we help care providers identify and manage fire risks through practical risk management support.
We can assist with:
If you would like support implementing a hot work permit system or reviewing contractor insurance arrangements, start the conversation with our team today.
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