1910.252(a)(2)(iv): Hot Work Authorization
Before cutting or welding is permitted, the individual responsible for authorizing it must inspect the area and designate the precautions to follow, preferably in a written permit.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(a)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $93,467 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), OH (3), GA (1).
- Related part: 1910.252(a) Fire prevention and protection (192 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iv) ("Authorization") is one requirement inside 1910.252 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(iv) Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.252(a)(2)(iv).
At 10:00 a.m. on November 13, 2024, Employee #1 was inside a large section of HVAC duct applying Design Polymerics DP 2590 Duct Liner Spray Adhesive to repairsagging insulation. After completing the adhesive application, Employee #1 used a Talon pin welder to secure the insulation.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TX (4), OH (3), GA (1), OK (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KIRK WILLIAMS COMPANY INC. | GROVE CITY, OH | $16,550 |
| FOSS ENERGY SERVICES, INC. | BIG SPRING, TX | $14,895 |
| BOYCE EXCAVATING CO., INC. | SLATE HILL, NY | $11,585 |
| RESOURCE RECYCLING, INC. | LIMA, OH | $9,799 |
| FIRST FLEET SERVICES | PECOS, TX | $9,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(a)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.252(a)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.252(a) Fire prevention and protection 192 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2) Special precautions 138 citations
- 1910.252(a)(3) Welding or cutting containers 40 citations
- 1910.252(a)(3)(i) Used containers 33 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vii) Relocation of combustibles 28 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii) Management 28 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vi) Prohibited areas 20 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(C) 19 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C) 16 citations
- 1910.252(a)(1) Basic precautions 14 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(iii) Fire watch 13 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(ii) Fire extinquishers 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who inspects before hot work?
The individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations.
What must they do?
Inspect the area and designate precautions to be followed.
Is a written permit required?
The rule says preferably in the form of a written permit.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.252 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.