Building Code Glossary
Hot Work: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define hot work, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Hot work is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Welding and Other Hot Work. The code's own words are: “Operations including cutting, welding, Thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other similar activity.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 11 chapters of this corpus, most often in Welding and Other Hot Work (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Hot Work — IFC 2009, Welding and Other Hot Work:
Operations including cutting, welding, Thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other similar activity.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Hot Work is defined once in this corpus, in the Welding and Other Hot Work chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
Operations including cutting, welding, Thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other similar activity.
Where hot work is used in the code
The term appears in 11 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Welding and Other Hot Work | IFC 2009 | 86 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 20 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Manufacture of Organic Coatings | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Safeguards During Construction | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Aviation Facilities | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Combustible Dust-producing Operations | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about hot work, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Welding, cutting, open torches and other hot work operations and equipment shall comply with this chapter.
Additional permits required by other sections of this code include, but are not limited to, hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.
The fire prevention program superintendent shall be responsible for supervising the permit system for hot work operations in accordance with Chapter 26.
The terms hot work is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what hot work covers:
- Brazing — IRC 2009: A metal joining process wherein coalescence is produced by the use ofa nonferrous filler metal having a melting point above 1,000°F (538°C), but lower than that of the base metal beingjoined.
Hot Work: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Welding and Other Hot Work | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Welding and Other Hot Work (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Brazing | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Brazing: Building Code Definition
- Responsible Person: Building Code Definition
- Hot Work Program: Building Code Definition
- Hot Work Permits: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of hot work?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Welding and Other Hot Work as: “Operations including cutting, welding, Thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other similar activity.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on hot work?
In this corpus the term is used across 11 chapters, led by Welding and Other Hot Work in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the OSHA definition of hot work?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Welding and Other Hot Work: “Operations including cutting, welding, Thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, installation of torch-applied roof systems or any other similar activity.” It is defined in IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
Related pages
- Hot Work Equipment: Building Code Definition
Hot Work Equipment — IFC 2009 definition: Electric or gas welding or cutting equipment use for hot work.
- Hot Work Permits: Building Code Definition
Hot Work Permits — IFC 2009 definition: Permits issued by the responsible person at the facility under the hot work permit program permitting …
- Hot Work Program: Building Code Definition
Hot Work Program — IFC 2009 definition: A permitted program, carried out by approved facilities-designated personnel, allowing them to oversee and issue permits …
- HPM Flammable Liquid: Building Code Definition
HPM Flammable Liquid — IBC 2009 definition: An HPM liquid that is defined as either a Class I flammable liquid or a Class …
- HPM Room: Building Code Definition
HPM Room — IBC 2009 definition: A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored …
- Hurricane-prone Regions: Building Code Definition
Hurricane-prone Regions — IRC 2009 definition: Areas vulnerable to hurricanes, defined as the U.S.