In addition to the requirements and
recommendations for working in enclosed spaces and due to the unique
hazards associated with hot work in confined spaces. The following
controls are required:
Note:
During shipbuilding operations, the need for testing by a SCP
and CMC will depend on the progress of the vessel construction.
Until there is a potential for a hazard, such as after the introduction
of flammable liquids, testing may not be required.
Also, the module outlining the
requirements for
Hot Work in Enclosed
Spaces should be reviewed before reviewing this module.
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Click
on the area for more specific information.
Figure 1: Hot Work in Confined Space.
See also: Fire
Watch,
Rescue Teams,
Ventilation,
Warning Signs and Labels, and
Welder. |
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Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Ship Repair: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. |
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Hot Work Operations
in Confined Spaces
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Potential Hazards:
Due to the isolation and difficulty of egress, hot work
operations in confined spaces present additional hazards. Such
as:
- Impeded egress from the space under emergency conditions.
- Delayed treatment of injured workers.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Provide, if possible, more than one means of access to
the space. [1915.76(b)]
- Keep access to the space clear. [1915.51(c)]
- Make frequent checks to ensure the safety of employees
working alone in a confined space. [1915.94]
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Fall Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Fall hazards are a leading cause of shipyard fatalities.
Shipyard employees are often required to work in dangerous
environments that may include fall hazards. Accidents involving
elevation equipment such as ladders and scaffolds are often serious,
even fatal. Workers also risk falls from opening in decks and
unguarded edges.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
- Openings and deck edges must be guarded. [1915.73]
- Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after
opening. [1915.73(b)]
- During the installation of guards on large openings and deck
edges, fall protection (harness with lanyard) must be used. [1915.73(d)]
- When floor plates or gratings (e.g. bilges, engine rooms,
pump rooms, machinery spaces) are removed, the openings must
be guarded or planked. [1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be
used when working on scaffolds 5 feet above surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
- During the installation of guards on scaffolds, fall
protection must be used. [1915.73(d)]
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
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- Maritime Labor/Industry recommends that personal fall protection including
lanyards and harnesses be used and secured during installation
of guardrails.
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Ventilation Requirements
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Potential Hazards:
Confined spaces usually do not have adequate natural ventilation, which may
expose workers to hazardous fumes and gases.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
-
Use adequate mechanical ventilation or airline respirators for hot work in
confined spaces. [1915.51(b)]
-
Keep access clear of blockage from ventilation equipment. [1915.51(c)]
-
If the ventilation equipment blocks access to the space, airline
respirators as well as a stand-by employee must be available. [1915.51(c)(3)]
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Figure 2: Local exhaust ventilation
works. |
See the Confined/Enclosed Space Entry section for additional information
regarding
ventilation.
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Fire Prevention Requirements
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Potential Hazard:
Because confined spaces have little natural ventilation,
flammable gases may accumulate to hazardous levels, even when
unoccupied, exposing workers to risk of fire or explosion upon
re-entry.
Requirements and Example Solution:
Work in confined spaces requires certain restrictions
regarding what equipment can be taken inside and what
equipment can be left inside when unoccupied.
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Figure 3: Removal of torches and hoses. |
- Torches and hoses must be removed from confined spaces
when not in use (lunch breaks, shift changes, etc.). [1915
Subpart P]
- Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders must not be taken into
confined spaces. [1915.55(b)(4)]
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PPE Requirements
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Potential Hazard:
Due to the difficulty of providing
adequate ventilation to protect workers, personal protective equipment
requirements, especially
respiratory protection, are extremely restrictive when performing
hot work in confined spaces.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
The
following are specific requirements for PPE during hot work
operations in confined spaces.
- Use airline respirators when access to the space is
blocked. [1915.51(c)(3)]
- Use airline respirators when welding on beryllium-containing base or filler metals. [1915.51(d)(2)(iv)]
- Use PPE in accordance with requirement for hot work in
enclosed spaces if not superseded by the above
requirements. [1915.51(d)]
For more specific information, see
PPE
Selection: Hot Work.
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