The party responsible for issuing hot work authorization is the responsible person, often referred to as the permit-issuing authority. This individual is designated to ensure that all safety measures are followed before any hot work, such as welding or cutting, begins. The responsible person assesses the work area, verifies that safety protocols are in place, and confirms that all precautions are taken to prevent fire hazards. They are also familiar with local regulations and occupational safety guidelines, which enables them to effectively oversee the hot work process.
The other roles, such as the building inspector, property owner, and fire chief, play important parts in the overall safety and compliance within a facility, but they do not typically issue hot work authorizations. Building inspectors may be involved in broader safety inspections, property owners oversee general operations and maintenance, and fire chiefs manage fire safety protocols but do not issue specific permissions for hot work. The designated responsible person has direct accountability for managing and authorizing hot work activities, making them the focal point for this specific authorization process.