Hot Work
» Preparing Space for Hot Work
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Before performing hot work, shipyard personnel must prepare spaces
for entry and work. Consideration must be given to such items as
illumination, ventilation, means of access (such as ladders), and
staging. When the space has been adequately prepared, a marine
chemist or shipyard competent person must conduct a visual
inspection. [See
Testing and Certification for Hot Work and
Confined/Enclosed Spaces.]
The tasks and
inspections below can be conducted by shipyard personnel (such
as tank cleaners, ship superintendent, port engineer, Shipyard
Competent Person (SCP), Certified Marine Chemist (CMC), and so forth). Either a
Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) or a Certified Marine Chemist
(CMC) must test for hot work, depending on the hot work location. [1915.14]
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. |
Figure1: Ventilation and temporary lighting provided for hot work.
Figure 2: Ventilation provided for enclosed spaces. |
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Tasks to Prepare for Hot Work
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In preparation of a space for hot work,
the requirement in 29 CFR 1915 Subpart D must be followed. If a
Marine Chemist Certificate is required, the following must be
provided [NFPA 306, Chapter 2]:
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Determine the nature and the extent of the hot work. [NFPA 306,
2-2.2(b)]
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Determine the nature of other operations in or adjacent to the space that
may affect hot work such as cleaning. [NFPA 306, 2-2.2(b)]
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Determine the cargo history; the last three cargos held in work space and adjacent
spaces. [NFPA 306, 2-2.2(a)]
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Secure pipelines and other equipment (for example, heating coils and pumps) in the work space to prevent flammable or toxic materials
from being discharged into the space. [NFPA 306, 2-2.2(e)]
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Make space "Safe
for Workers," including installing appropriate
illumination, access, staging, and so forth. [1915.71,
1915.72,
1915.74,
1915.77,
1915.91,
1915.92]
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Post warning signs as appropriate. [1915.14(b)(2),
1915.16(b)]
[NFPA 306, 2-3]
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Install appropriate hot work ventilation.
[1915.51]
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Before use, ensure that welding and burning equipment is
properly grounded, inspected, and installed. [1915.55, 1915.56
and 1915
Subpart P]
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Ensure that adequate
fire protection is available. [1915
Subpart P]
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Figure 3: Preparing for hot work.
Figure 4: Blank in line to isolate system.
Figure 5: Safe for hot work.
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Figure 6: Continuous exhaust
ventilation in a confined space. |
Figure 7: Grounded/bonded welding
machine. |
Figure 8: Fire watch. |
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Inspections for Hot Work
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Preparation for hot work also includes:
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Ensuring that flammable, combustible, or toxic
coatings (preservative coatings or insulation) have been removed from hot work
surfaces.
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A shipyard competent
person must perform testing on any surface of which the
flammability is not known. [1915.53(b)]
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Toxic preservative coatings must be stripped back at least
4 inches, otherwise airline respirators must be used. [1915.53(d)(1)]
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Ensuring that flammable and combustible materials (such as trash, rags, and open containers of
solvents) have been removed from the area.
[1915.91
and 1915
Subpart P]
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Ensuring that flammable, combustible, or toxic cargo
residues have been removed or are adequately covered. [1915
Subpart P]
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Ensuring that all moveable fire hazards including residues of
combustible bulk cargoes in the vicinity have been removed
from the hot work area. [1915
Subpart P]
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Ensuring ventilation is adequate to
maintain a safe atmosphere during hot work. [1915.51(b)]
- Ensuring that adjacent spaces have been inspected and
meet requirements for hot work.
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In lieu of cleaning, adjacent spaces can be
inerted.
Additional Resources:
- See also, NFPA Fire Protection Handbook for "Hot Work Oxygen
Chart" (Inerting).
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Figure 9: Paint removed 4 inches all around
both sides.
Figure 10: Removal of flammable or
combustible material.
Figure 11: Adequate ventilation.
Figure 12: Adjacent space has been inerted. |
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