3501 General — 2025 California Fire Code

Welding, cutting, open torches and other hot work operations and equipment shall comply with this chapter.

Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.

Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designed or authorized for that purpose by the personnel responsible for a hot work program. Hot work shall not be conducted in the following areas unless approval has been obtained from the fire code official:

1. Areas where the automatic sprinkler system is impaired.

2. Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids or vapors are present.

3. Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust or loose combustible materials.

4. On board ships at dock or ships under construction or repair.

5. At other locations as specified by the fire code official.

Compressed gas cylinders and fuel containers shall comply with this chapter and Chapter 53.

An oxygen-fuel gas system with two or more manifolded cylinders of oxygen shall be in accordance with NFPA 51.