Digital Permits for Construction: Hot Work, Confined Space, Excavation & Scaffold

# Digital Permits for Construction: Why Paper Is a Citation Waiting to Happen

Every year, thousands of construction companies get cited for permit-related violations—not because they don't do the work, but because they can't prove it. Paper permits get lost, damaged, or filed incorrectly. When OSHA shows up, the burden of proof is on you.

HazComFast's Digital Permits Hub replaces paper with mobile-first, offline-capable permits that create an instant audit trail.

The 4 Permits Every GC Needs

1. Hot Work Permits (29 CFR 1926.150)

Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) causes $4.1 billion in property damage annually (NFPA). OSHA requires a written permit system wherever hot work occurs near combustible materials.

What HazComFast tracks:

Permit issuance with location, date, and duration

Fire watch assignments with start/stop timestamps

Fire extinguisher proximity verification

Atmospheric monitoring in adjacent confined spaces

Supervisor signature and post-work verification

2. Confined Space Entry (29 CFR 1910.146 / 1926.1200)

Confined space fatalities are 60% rescuers who enter without proper procedures. Digital permits prevent this by enforcing the workflow.

What HazComFast tracks:

Atmosphere readings: O₂ (19.5–23.5%), LEL (below 10%), CO (below 25 ppm), H₂S (below 10 ppm)

Continuous monitoring with timestamped readings

Authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisor

Communication methods and rescue equipment verification

Automatic permit expiration and re-entry requirements

3. Excavation Permits (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)

Trenching/excavation is consistently in OSHA's Top 10 most-cited standards. A cave-in can kill in seconds.

What HazComFast tracks:

Soil classification (Type A, B, or C)

Protective systems (sloping, shoring, shields)

Utility location verification (811 call documentation)

Water accumulation controls

Competent person daily inspection sign-off

PPE requirements