Any process that involves the application of heat whether it’s an open flame or the local application of heat and friction dramatically increases the risk of fire. Furthermore, fires which result from hot works often spread rapidly and can cause significant property damage or injury.

Whenever you are carrying out hot works or permitting contractors to carry out hot works on your site or your property, there are a number of specific risks that need to be considered such as property damage, explosion, inhalation of fumes, disruption to the business and in the worst case scenario injury and death. You can insure against some of these risks however the reputational damage caused by a high profile fire can take many years to repair.

The risk of fire from hot works can be exacerbated by poor practices such as poor selection of contractor, failing to understand the risks, failing to remove combustibles from the vicinity of the hot works, and not implementing emergency procedures.

The strict vetting of contractors or subcontractors is particularly important in managing the risk from hot works. For example, do they have the relevant experience and expertise, have references been requested and are they members of any relevant trade bodies? You can find yourself vicariously liable for your subcontractors actions if you have not made sufficient enquiries to ensure that they are competent to carry out the works.

In line with the “Principles of Prevention” it is worth considering whether hot works are actually essential. Have other methods been considered? For example, for roofing work, cold adhesive- applied roofing systems are now available for whole roof replacement and patch repairs. It is good practice to ensure that internal policies and procedures make it clear to employees and contractors to consider alternative methods to hot works.

When hot works are unavoidable, establishing a hot work permit is best practice and is in fact a requirement of most insurance policies.

A hot work permit will help your organisation to meet its legal and regulatory requirements and ensures that you and your contractors understand exactly what works will involve and when and where hot works can take place.

As specialist insurance brokers to the construction sector, Construction Risks UK have been arranging insurance for companies involved in hot works many years. Call us today to discuss your project.