Set up a compliant hot-work (welding/cutting/brazing) permit process referencing OSHA's 1910.252 general requirements, and understand where NFPA 51B fits in (and that it's a paid standard).

Steps

1. Pull 29 CFR 1910.252(a) (fire prevention and protection) from eCFR/osha.gov — cutting/welding is only permitted in areas made fire-safe, or protected in place with heat/spark/slag confinement per (a)(2).
2. Follow the used-container rule literally — no hot work on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers until they're cleaned to eliminate flammable/toxic residues and vented, per 1910.252(a)(3).
3. Confirm eye/face protection and fire-watch requirements under 1910.252 for the specific process (gas welding vs. arc vs. cutting).
4. For a more detailed permit-program template, note NFPA 51B (Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work) is the industry-standard companion document — it is a paid NFPA publication, though NFPA offers free-to-read (view-only, not downloadable) access to the current edition via its free-access portal at nfpa.org.
5. Build your shop's hot-work permit form around both: OSHA 1910.252 for the binding legal minimum, NFPA 51B for the more detailed program structure (permit issuance, fire-watch duration, area surveys).