This page will provide you with guidance on how you can prepare, prevent, and respond
to fires on the UNT campus.
To reduce injury to people and damage to property, the University of North Texas requires
all individuals performing temporary hot work to obtain a Hot Work Permit prior to
performing work that could result in the production of fire or sparks. This includes,
but is not limited to brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing, welding, open
burning, and fireworks.
***Seek an alternative/safer method if possible!***
The Hot Work permit form must be submitted at least 24 hours before the work is to begin. If you cannot
complete this work in one day, please submit another request one business day in advance.
You must also contact UNT Fire Systems at 940-565-2700, at least 24 hours in advance,
for fire detection/suppression considerations. Approved permit and Hot Work Log must be posted at the work site when the work begins.
Mandatory Precautions for Hot Work
- Fire Watch: A designated fire watch is required who is not involved in the hot work. They must
continuously monitor the area during and for at least one hour after hot work completion.
- Fire Extinguisher: A minimum 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher must be readily accessible within 30 feet
of the hot work area. Additional extinguishers may be required based on the specific
job.
- Equipment Inspection: All hot work equipment, including hoses, cables, and accessories, must be inspected
and in good working condition prior to use.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to remove fumes, gases, and smoke. Mechanical ventilation
may be necessary in confined spaces or areas with poor natural ventilation.
- Cleanliness: Remove flammable materials, debris, and obstructions from the work area and a 35-foot
radius.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, including fire-resistant clothing, gloves, eye protection, and respiratory
protection, must be worn by hot work personnel.
- Emergency Procedures: Emergency escape routes and procedures must be established and communicated to all
personnel.
- Pressurized Equipment: Pressurized vessels, piping, and equipment must be isolated, drained, purged, and
rendered safe before hot work. Refer to the UNT Lockout/Tagout program for procedures.
- Combustible Materials: Remove or protect combustible materials within a 35-foot radius. Use fire-resistant
blankets or shields to cover combustibles that cannot be removed.
- Wall, Ceiling, and Roof Work: Assess the structural integrity of the area. Ensure there are no concealed spaces
or voids where sparks or hot materials can accumulate.
- Confined Space, Fall Protection, or other special conditions: Obtain a separate permit for hazardous conditions beyond the hot work. Considerations
such as atmospheric testing, additional PPE shall be taken into consideration.
- Hot Work on Live Electrical Equipment: De-energize electrical circuits and lock and tag out equipment before hot work. Grounding
may be required.
The UNT employee authorizing the hot work may impose additional safety measures, such
as:
- Fire watch duration extensions
- Increased ventilation requirements
- Specific PPE requirements
- Hot work location restrictions
- Emergency response plan development
The University of North Texas regularly conducts fire/life safety inspections to promote
a safe work and residential environment. To accomplish this objective, Emergency Management
& Safety Services often performs regularly scheduled fire/life safety inspections
of university-owned and leased facilities. The inspections are used to prevent and
identify fire hazards, ADA compliance issues, and OSHA violations.
If you have identified a safety concern in a building on campus, please let us know
by reporting a safety concern here. If you notice an item that needs to be fixed in a building (Ex: light is out, window
broken, etc.), please contact Facilities Work Control at 940-565-2700 or go to the
Facilities website to fill out a work order request.
University of North Texas 
