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Shipyard Employment eTool: Shipbuilding
General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning

Hot Work Operations » Hot Work in Other Locations
 
In addition to the requirements and recommendations for working in enclosed spaces, hot work is performed in other locations, such as the exterior of the ship's hull and deck, hollow structures, as well as locations in the shipyard such as shops, dry docks, and tank farms. The following controls are required: Note: During shipbuilding operations, the need for testing by a shipyard competent person (SCP) and a certified marine chemist (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.
 
Welder Fire Watch Warning Signs and Labels Warning Signs and Labels Rescue Teams Click on the area for more specific information.
Hot Work in Other Locations
Figure 1: Hot work in other locations. See also: Fire Watch, Rescue Team, Warning Signs and Labels, and Welder.
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Shipbuilding: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.

Also, the module outlining the requirements for Hot Work in Enclosed Spaces should be reviewed before reviewing the module regarding Confined Spaces, or these requirements for Other Locations.


Hot Work Operations in Other Locations
Potential Hazards:

Hot work performed outside confined/enclosed spaces also presents potential fire and explosion hazards if adjacent spaces are not properly prepared.
  • Welding on hollow structures, such as hand rails or containers, also presents a hazard.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Ensure that precautions are taken in adjacent spaces when performing hot work. [1915 Subpart P]
  • The shipyard competent person must inspect and test hollow structures and containers such as drums, skegs, rudders, and voids before any hot work is performed. [1915.54]
  • Warning: Do not use oxygen for ventilation or cleaning. [1915.51(b)(1)(vi)]
  • Ventilate and clean hollow structures as necessary before hot work is performed. [1915.54]

 
Hot work on rudder.
Figure 2: Hot work on rudder.

Shipyard Competent Person, with PFD, testing tanks on a barge prior to authorizing entry. Note: Fall protection to be installed after testing for initial entry.
Figure 3: Shipyard Competent Person, with PFD, tests tanks on a barge before authorizing entry. Note: Hatch must be guarded after testing for initial entry.

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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 open deck edges.

Example Solutions:

Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
  • Deck openings and 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 solid surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
  • During the installation of guards on scaffolds, fall protection must be used. [1915.73(d)]
Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
  • Maritime Labor/Industry recommends that personal fall protection including lanyards and harnesses be used and secured during installation of guardrails.

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PPE Requirements
Potential Hazards:

In most cases, respiratory protection requirements are less restrictive in locations other than confined/enclosed spaces, due to the natural ventilation available. However, numerous workers may be performing other work nearby and may be at risk of exposure to:
  • Toxic metal fumes, vapors, and gases from welding.
  • Ultraviolet radiation from arc welding.
  • "Spatter" from hot metal.
  • Fire and explosion from nearby operations using flammable or combustible materials.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Provide shielding for welding when practical. If not practical, UV filter lenses must be worn by employee at risk. [1915.56(e) and 1915.51(e)(1)(ii)]
  • Do not allow use of chlorinated solvents within 200 feet of the exposed arc of welder. [1915.51(e)(1)(i)]
  • Use appropriate PPE for welders and helpers. [1915.51(e)(1)(ii)]
  • Use airline respirators when welding on beryllium containing base or filler metals. [1915.51(d)(3)]

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