Hot Work

Duration 2 hours

Last audited 12th April 2023

CPD Approved RoSPA Approved
Hot Work
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

£25 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

Hot work is any work or operation that uses or creates a flame, heat or sparks which can cause the ignition of flammable or explosive substances. There are significant health hazards and risks from hot work and it causes many workplace accidents, often resulting in fatalities or serious injuries, as well as many cases of ill-health. It also causes major fires, resulting in loss of buildings, plant and equipment.

This Hot Work course examines the different types of hot work and the risks associated with them. It also explains the legal duties on employers and duty holders, and the responsibilities employees have to ensure their safety and the safety of others. The course also discusses the steps involved in a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and the common control measures that may be used to control the risks associated with work activities.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Unlimited assessment attempts

Written in compliance with UK legislation and guidance

Developed by qualified health and safety professionals

Accredited by CPD and assured by RoSPA Qualifications

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to explain:

  • The dangers of hot work.
  • The legal duties of employers and others in relation to hot work.
  • The importance of risk assessment for hot work and how this is done.
  • The importance of the hierarchy of control, and the need to ensure that the hierarchy of control is followed in all risk assessments for hot work.
  • The main types of work activity that cause risk and the main control measures that should be taken for those activities.
  • The importance of monitoring to ensure that the risk assessments remain effective.
  • The importance of providing information, instructions and training to those managing, supervising and carrying out work.

Training you can trust

Why take this course?

Hot work activities pose many serious risks to those carrying the work, as well as anyone in the vicinity. Hot work activities that are not properly planned and controlled can result in serious injuries and ill health, as well as fatalities. There are many instances where hot work accidents have resulted in the permanent closure of businesses, fatalities, explosions and other serious consequences.

Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees whilst at work - this includes the prevention and control of risks that may result from hot work. Inadequate planning and controls of hot work can have significant impacts on organisations and individuals, including injuries, ill health, fatalities, legal proceedings and loss of earnings and reputation. Part of your responsibilities as an employer involve ensuring that your employees are suitably competent to carry out their duties - this includes ensuring have any necessary information, instruction and training. This course provides comprehensive theoretical training on the risks involved with hot works and the key controls used by organisations to manage their risks.

Employees involved in hot work are at risk of causing themselves and others serious injuries and ill health if they improperly carry out hot work activities. Employers must provide their employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training on their duties to ensure they can carried out their work activities safely. This course will support employers to ensure their employees have a strong understanding of the risks associated with hot work, and an awareness of the controls employers may use to manage hot work activities. When used in conjunction with suitable training on their specific work environment and activities it can support employers to ensure their employees are adequately competent in their duties.

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: Hot Work Dangers and Legal Requirements

What is hot work and where is it carried out? Types of hot work, health and safety risks from hot work, examples of flammable and explosive substances, The Health and Safety at Work (HSW), etc. Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, when does DSEAR apply? Key control measures under DSEAR, employee responsibilities.

Module 2: Risk Assessments for Hot Work

The five steps to risk assessment, key terminology, who should carry out the risk assessment? Step 1: Identify the hazards, step 2: decide who might be harmed and how, step 3: evaluate the risks and implement controls, step 4: record your findings, step 5: Review and update, the hierarchy of control and hot work permits, safe systems of work, what is a hot work permit-to-work?

Module 3: Control Measures for Hot Work Part 1

General fire safety, the fire triangle, hot work in confined spaces, hot work on tanks and drums, hot work on roads, hot work on roofs, hot work involving welding and cutting, welding and cutting gas cylinders, flammable gases, safe storage, handling and use of flammable gases, handling and use of flammable liquids, petrol for powered tools and equipment, standards for petrol containers.

Module 4: Control Measures for Hot Work Part 2

Health hazards and risks from hot work, safe substances for use at work, dangerous and hazardous substances, isolation of plant and machinery, safe places of work, ventilation for hot work, safe work equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), hot work permits-to-work, training, information and instruction, supervision and monitoring of work, emergency arrangements.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass, don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.

This course is suitable for workers at all levels, who are involved in hot work procedures. This includes those carrying out intentional hot work, such as by using welding or flame-cutting equipment, or those who carry out activities that may generate heat or sparks by the use of machinery or power tools or from friction between surfaces, such as abrasive wheel machines or disc-cutters.

Written by experts

Profile photo of Neil Murray

In partnership with

Neil Murray

Health and Safety Consultant

Neil Murray is a vastly experienced and highly qualified health and safety professional who has held roles such as Senior Health and Safety Executive inspector,  and Principal Inspector for Channel Tunnel construction. He has also held senior roles in an international infrastructure business, a major UK water utility company and a major construction group and provided management consultancy to numerous companies across a wide range of industries. 

Neil has a wide expertise in many sectors, including construction, civil engineering, manufacturing engineering, water and waste utilities, education, heritage sites, public safety, rail construction and operation, transport, marine, waste management, engineering design and industrial and facilities management services. 

Neil is a QSA auditor for RoSPA and also an author of published guidance on health and safety in the construction of the Channel Tunnel, work at height, major project management, and online training courses.

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