Shipbreaking
» Hot Work - Welding, Cutting and Heating
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Figure 1: Ship's hull being cut with torch from inside or vessel.
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Up to 25 percent of fatalities in
shipyards result from fires and explosions caused by hot work.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) |
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Hot work includes welding, cutting, burning, abrasive blasting, and other
heat-producing operations. Hot work presents an increased risk of fire and explosion because it is most often performed in confined and enclosed
spaces. [1915.51,
1915.53,
1915.54,
1915.55,
1915.56, and
1915 Subpart P]
Accidents may occur during hot work due to the structure of vessels, where hot
work in a space can cause fire or explosion in an adjacent
space that has not been evaluated safe for hot work. Special precautions
must be taken in adjacent spaces as well as confined and enclosed spaces.
Steps for safe hot work include:
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Shipbreaking: Confined/Enclosed
Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. |
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