1910.252(a)(2)(xv): Hot Work Only in Fire-Safe Areas
Cutting or welding is allowed only in areas that are or have been made fire safe. When the work cannot practically be moved, as in most construction work, the area must be made safe by removing combustibles or protecting them from ignition sources.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $33,220 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(xv) ("Fire prevention precautions") 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
(xv) Fire prevention precautions. Cutting or welding shall be permitted only in areas that are or have been made fire safe. When work cannot be moved practically, as in most construction work, the area shall be made safe by removing combustibles or protecting combustibles from ignition sources. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.252(a)(2)(xv).
At 4:00 p.m. on October 22, 2024, an employee working as a machine maintenance technician was on an inclined conveyor preparing to maintain its gearbox. The employee was on top of the "naturals" conveyor (#C8) associated with the Colorbiotics mulch dye machine while a coworker…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(a)(2)(xv), 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)(xv).
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)(iv) Authorization 13 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
Where can cutting or welding be done?
Only in areas that are or have been made fire safe.
What if the work cannot be moved?
Make the area safe by removing combustibles or protecting them from ignition sources.
Does this apply to construction work?
The rule notes most construction work cannot be moved, so the area must be made safe.
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 2026-10-21
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.