Hot Work Permits & Procedures

Purpose

Establish fire prevention procedures for any hot work performed by Spartan Plumbing technicians, including soldering, brazing, torch cutting, and any work involving open flame.

When to Use

• Soldering copper pipe or fittings
• Brazing refrigerant lines or large-diameter copper
• Using a torch for any cutting, heating, or thawing
• Any task that produces sparks, flame, or extreme heat near combustible materials

Procedure

Before Starting Hot Work

Inspect the work area for combustible materials within 3 feet: insulation, wood framing, paper, stored chemicals, dust

Remove or protect combustible materials — use a heat shield, fire blanket, or wet rag behind the pipe

Ensure your fire extinguisher is within arm's reach and charged

Verify the area has adequate ventilation, especially in confined spaces

If working near gas lines, verify there are no gas leaks before using a flame

During Hot Work

Never leave a lit torch unattended — not even for 30 seconds

Keep the flame directed only at your work piece — avoid sweeping the flame across walls or framing

Monitor for smoke, discoloration, or smoldering behind walls or in hidden areas

If insulation or wood begins to smolder, stop immediately and extinguish

Use flux sparingly — excess flux can splatter and ignite nearby materials

After Hot Work

Inspect the work area for any signs of heat damage, smoldering, or char marks

Feel (carefully) behind walls and around the work area for hot spots

Monitor the area for at least 30 minutes after hot work is complete

If the customer will be leaving the home, inform them you performed hot work and to check the area periodically

Soldering Best Practices

Use a heat shield on every joint near wood, insulation, or drywall

Keep a spray bottle of water handy for quick cooling of overheated areas

When soldering in tight spaces, use a smaller tip and lower heat setting

Flux and solder drips can burn customers' floors — use a drop cloth under your work area

Important Notes

• Hot work fires are preventable — the cause is almost always skipping the heat shield or leaving the torch unattended
• Even small char marks on framing must be reported — hidden fires can start hours after the work is done
• If a fire starts during hot work, see Fire Response at Job Site SOP for response procedures
• Document any hot work performed in ServiceTitan job notes

Related SOPs

• Fire Response at Job Site — what to do if a fire starts
• PPE Requirements — heat-resistant gloves, safety glasses for hot work
• Soldering & Flux Safety — chemical safety for flux and solder