News

After the turn of the year, hot work certificates issued by Nordic fire protection associations will no longer correspond to Finnish hot work qualification requirements. The hot work committee (tulityötoimikunta) appointed by the Board of the Finnish National Rescue Association also recommends that these certificates should not be accepted at work sites.

The hot work committee found that the training systems in Sweden, Norway and Denmark currently differ significantly from Finnish hot work safety training. Sweden employs two separate training concepts approved by a third party. In Norway starting next year, it will be possible to complete the entire training online, while Denmark uses a system of three different certificates.

The hot work committee justified its decision by improving hot work safety, meeting the training goals of the Finnish system and clarifying the hot work certificate system. After the turn of the year, there will be a transition period where hot work certificates issued by other Nordic fire protection associations (Heta Arbeten, Varme Arbeider, Varmt Arbejde – gnistproducerende værktøj) before 31 December 2025 will still be recognised in Finland for the period of validity stated on the certificate.

Insurance companies have an important role in the recognition of hot work certificates. Each insurance company decides independently which hot work qualifications it recognises as valid.  

Nordic cooperation between fire protection associations will be continued in areas such as general matters related to hot work, development of training materials and the handling of accidents and incidents.

The hot work committee includes representatives from insurance companies, the Finnish Roofing Association, the Finnish Construction Trade Union Association, the Finnish Association of Fire Officers and the Finnish National Rescue Association SPEK.