Hot Permit Work

The Role of the Hot Work Permit

The permit-to-work system fulfils several key purposes:

• Hazard identification such as flammable materials, confined spaces, or explosive atmospheres
• Control measures including fire blankets, fire watches, and gas monitoring
• Authorisation and accountability so that only competent personnel carry out the task
• Documentation to provide a clear compliance record for regulators and insurers

While the system is effective, it is also labour-intensive. Generating permits, monitoring conditions, and recording actions all take time. This is why many organisations are now investing in technology that reduces the administrative burden without compromising safety.

Why It Is Preferable to Have the Right Hot Work Tools

Using hazardous area certified equipment is always preferable because it removes the ignition source. If there is no ignition risk, a hot work permit may not even be required, saving time and administrative effort.

In potentially explosive environments such as oil and gas plants or chemical facilities, electronic devices themselves can pose a hazard. Any non-compliant device has the potential to ignite gases, vapours, or combustible dust. That is why equipment must comply with ATEX regulations or equivalent certifications such as UKEX or IECEx before being used in hot work environments.

Thermal cameras are a good example. They are vital tools for inspecting machinery, identifying hot spots, gauging operating temperatures, and confirming that valves and other components are functioning correctly. Yet these cameras are still electronic devices, and unless specifically engineered for hazardous locations they can present an indirect risk. This is why hot work permits are often required before their use.

Hazardous Location-Rated Thermal Cameras

This risk is addressed by hazardous location-rated thermal cameras, which are designed to operate safely in explosive environments. One standout example is the FLIR Cx5 Hazardous Location-Rated Thermal Camera. Unlike standard thermal cameras, the FLIR Cx5 has a rugged enclosure that prevents any ignition source from reaching the atmosphere. This enables personnel to work confidently and safely without having to request a hot work permit.

The FLIR Cx5 is certified for use in many explosive environments, eliminating the need for permits in areas where gas, vapour, or dust is present. It also makes T-Class surveys quick and straightforward, giving teams the assurance they need while reducing administrative load.

Application Examples

Thermal cameras such as the FLIR Cx5 are especially useful for:

• Identifying hot spots in equipment before failure occurs
• Measuring machinery temperatures to check safe operating ranges
• Inspecting valves, seals, and moving parts to ensure they remain within parameters
• Conducting surveys in dusty or volatile environments without the need for additional authorisations

Certifications and Build Quality

The FLIR Cx5 has been rigorously tested to ensure safe operation in hazardous areas. It holds certifications including:

• EN IEC 60079-0:2018
• IEC 60079-15:2017
• EN IEC 60079-31:2014
• IEC 60079-0:2017
• EN IEC 60079-15:2019
• IEC 60079-31:2013

In addition, it has been drop tested to 2 metres, carries an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, and has a robust housing and lens design. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 50°C and withstand storage down to -40°C and up to 70°C. A built-in tripod mount further supports survey flexibility.

These features make the FLIR Cx5 more than just a compliance tool. It is built for real-world conditions where durability, safety, and usability are equally important.

Best Practice Integration

To gain the full benefit of hazardous location-rated thermal cameras, businesses should integrate them directly into hot work management procedures:

• Include thermal scans in pre-work risk assessments
• Record scan results as part of permit documentation when relevant
• Train staff not just in equipment operation but also in interpreting thermal data
• Conduct post-work scans to confirm no residual heat or smouldering embers remain

This combination of procedural discipline and advanced technology reduces risk while also boosting efficiency.

Working Smarter and Safer

The advantage of tools like the FLIR Cx5 is clear. By removing the need for a hot work permit in many situations, companies save significant administrative time and reduce project delays. Just as importantly, they demonstrate compliance with UK safety standards while protecting workers and assets.

In environments where fast decisions are needed, a hazardous location-rated thermal camera supports confident action. Whether monitoring machinery, performing preventative maintenance, or carrying out T-Class surveys, the right tool ensures safe working conditions without the bottleneck of constant permit approvals.

Final Thoughts

Hot work permits remain a cornerstone of fire and explosion risk management in the UK. Yet as worksites evolve and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, companies must adopt tools that balance compliance with efficiency. Hazardous location-rated thermal cameras such as the FLIR Cx5 achieve precisely that.

By combining a robust permit-to-work system with intrinsically safe technology, businesses can reduce paperwork, speed up maintenance, and most importantly, protect lives.

For organisations seeking to work safely, comply with standards, and make smarter decisions in hazardous environments, the message is clear: invest in the right hot work tools and make them a staple of your on-site toolbox.

What to read more about this useful Hot Work Tool?

CLICK HERE to read more about:

• Working safely
• Making fast decisions in hot work environments
• The features which make the FLIR Cx5 hot work ready!
• How to comply with standards easily
• Why quality is important

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