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Why Hot Works Kits Are Essential for Safe Welding and Cutting

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Hot Works Kits Explained

Hot works - such as welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, and drilling - are routine on construction sites and in industrial settings. But they also remain one of the leading causes of workplace fires.

The Real Risk of Hot Works

Across UK construction sites, fire services attend hundreds of incidents every year linked to hot works. Recent data shows that 1 in 6 construction fires are started by welding, cutting, or grinding. Insurers report similar figures, with hot works accounting for around 15% of all fires in commercial and industrial properties.

These aren’t small flare-ups. Even a single spark can ignite nearby combustible materials, leading to damage, downtime, and serious safety risks.

Hot Works Legal Responsibilities

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) places a duty on employers and contractors to protect people from risks created by their work. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a fire risk assessment and suitable precautions for every workplace activity.

Hot works fall squarely under this framework. Best practice guidance, including BS 9999:2017, and most insurer requirements make it clear: every hot works job should be controlled under a Hot Work Permit system - and fire protection equipment must be available on site.

Common Pitfalls That Lead to Fires

  • Work carried out without a permit or risk assessment
  • No fire watch or inadequate supervision during jobs
  • Lack of equipment to quickly deal with sparks or splashes
  • Poor preparation, leaving flammable materials too close to work areas

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Hot works fires cost UK businesses tens of millions of pounds each year in repairs, downtime, and claims. Beyond the financial impact, prosecutions and reputational damage can follow if legal duties are not met.

For contractors and site managers, having the right equipment is not optional — it’s a practical safeguard and a compliance essential.

How Firechief Hot Works Kits Help

A Firechief Hot Works Kit puts the essentials in one portable, ready-to-use package:

  • Approved fire extinguishers
  • Certified industrial fire blanket
  • Space to store permits and records

Available in multi-extinguisher, foam, and powder variations, each kit makes it simple to arrive on site with everything needed to work safely, stay compliant, and satisfy permit-to-work checks.

Firechief Hot Works Kits

FAQs About Hot Works Kits

Final Thoughts

Hot works are part of everyday construction and maintenance, but the risks they bring are well documented. Fires caused by welding, cutting, or grinding remain a leading cause of incidents on UK sites - and the law makes it clear that employers and contractors must act responsibly.

Firechief Hot Works Kits take the uncertainty out of compliance, combining extinguishers, certified blankets, and permit storage into portable, ready-to-go solutions. Whether you’re a contractor needing equipment for a single job or a site manager responsible for multiple teams, these kits make it simple to work safely, satisfy permit-to-work requirements, and protect people and property.

At SafetyBuyer, we combine trusted products with straightforward service, so you can order with confidence and know your teams are prepared.

Explore Firechief Hot Works Kits at SafetyBuyer

This article is for informational purposes only. We recommend consulting relevant regulatory guidance and a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking action based on this content