Hot work is one of the most common causes of fire in buildings and on construction sites. That is why the Danish insurance industry sets requirements for those who carry it out – and for how the work is planned and completed.
What is hot work?
Hot work is any work that produces flames, sparks or heat that can start a fire. For example:
- welding and thermal cutting
- grinding with an angle grinder
- soldering and brazing
- roofing with a gas torch
- drying with hot air and weed burning
Who needs a course?
The Danish insurance industry requires anyone carrying out hot work to have completed a hot work course. The course must follow the content of DBI’s guideline (Fire Technical Guideline 10), and it must always include a practical fire-fighting exercise.
The course certificate is valid for up to 5 years. After that, the course must be taken again.
Before the work
- Agreement: An agreement form is usually completed between the building owner and the contractor, so everyone knows who does what. The insurance company should be informed before the work starts.
- Clear and cover: Combustible material is removed or covered – also in cavities, penetrations and on the other side of walls.
- Extinguishing equipment: The right equipment must be ready on site before the work starts.
- Escape routes: Make sure escape routes are clear.
During the work
- Watch for sparks, heat and smoke – also where you cannot see directly.
- If a fire watch is required, the fire watch continuously monitors the site and must not do anything else at the same time.
After the work
A fire can smoulder for hours before it breaks out. That is why the entire site must be inspected when the work is finished and monitored for at least one hour afterwards – longer for special risks. Only then is the work complete.
Can the course be taken online?
The theoretical part can be taken online. For the course to be valid, a practical fire-fighting exercise must also be carried out, as described in the course.
Sources: DBI Fire Technical Guideline 10 and the Danish insurance industry’s fact sheet on hot work.
Hot work course online
Based on DBI’s guideline, about 150 minutes. Certificate valid for up to 5 years – plastic card available.
