Flammable and combustible liquids, including paint,
solvents, and preservative removers, are used in all aspects of vessel
repair. The use, storage, and containment of these materials pose hazards to
employees.
This section primarily focuses on the storage and containment
of flammable and combustible liquids. For more detailed information
regarding these materials, see the following:
Review the
Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres and
Hot Work Operations before proceeding with this section.
The storage and containment of flammable and
combustible liquids can expose workers to the following hazards:
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Fire
and Explosion Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Fire and explosions may be caused by:
- Spills of flammable and combustible liquids.
- Uncontrolled ignition sources in storage, mixing and
transfer areas.
- Inadequate ventilation in storage, mixing and transfer
areas.
- Painting. See
Painting [1915.35].
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Hot work
is only authorized in non-designated areas after visually inspecting of
the area to ensure the area is free of fire hazards. [1915.503(a)(2)]
- Rags soaked with solvents must be placed in covered metal
containers. [1915.36(a)(3)
and
1915.91(e)]
- Paints, thinners, and solvents must be kept in
fire-resistant covered containers when not in use. [1915.91(e)]
- Smoking and open flames must be prohibited in the area. [1915.36(a)(1)]
- Arcing and sparking equipment and tools must not be used.
[1915.36(a)(1)]
- Equipment that may generate static electricity (e.g.
ventilation systems) shall be grounded/bonded. [1915.13(b)(11)]
- Explosion-proof lights must be used. [1915.36(a)(4)
and
1915.13(b)(9)]
- Adequate ventilation must be maintained in storage, mixing
and transfer areas. [1915.13(b)(3)
and
1915.36(a)(2)]
- Frequent tests must be required during mixing and spill
clean-up to determine if air concentrations are below 10% of
the LEL. [1915.15(f)
and
1915.36(a)(2)]
- The
Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) must test the exhaust
location to ensure that exhausted vapors do not accumulate to
hazardous levels. [1915.13(b)(7),
(b)(8),
(b)(11), and
(b)(12)]
- Suitable fire fighting equipment must be immediately
available. [1915.36(a)(6)]
- Spills of solvents must be cleaned up immediately. [1915.13(b)(5)]
- 30 gallon drums and containers of flammable or toxic
liquids must be placed in an area where they will not be
subject to physical damage. [1915.173(d)]
- 55 gallon drums containing flammable or toxic liquids
shall be surrounded by dikes or pans. [1915.173(e)]
- Power and lighting cables must be inspected by a person
competent to evaluate electrical hazards (not the Shipyard
Competent Person) and ensure there are no connections within
50 feet of the storage, mixing, and transfer of flammable and
combustible liquids. [1915.36(a)(5)
- For additional requirements, see the
Fire Protection
chapter.
Note:
When hot work is being performed, it is the employers'
responsibility to ensure that precautions are taken in
adjacent spaces. [1915.503(a)(2)]
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Figure 1: Drums and containers of
flammable cleaning solvents.
Figure 2: Worker spray painting in
enclosed space increases fire hazard.
Figure 3: Warning sign clearly informs
workers of fire and explosion hazards of smoking and hotwork
in a spray area.
Figure 4: Shipyard Competent Person
testing flammability and other hazards in spray area. |
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- Signs should be displayed around flammable liquid
storage and mixing areas indicating the presence of
flammable and combustible liquids, as well as signs for
no smoking or open flames.
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Respiratory Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Toxic vapors and mists produced
by flammable and combustible liquids may present
significant health hazards when transferred, mixed, or
stored. These materials produce vapors that are often
heavier than air, and can become highly-concentrate in
confined and enclosed spaces, causing displacement of
oxygen and increasing health risks.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- A hazard assessment must be made to determine the proper
selection of respirators. [1915.152(b)]
- Many epoxy, anti-fouling, and coal tar pitch paints
may cause respiratory damage, skin sensitization and
possible life-threatening allergic reactions. Use of
these materials required special precautions:
- Air-line respirators
- Gloves
- Respirators must be used in accordance with
1915.154. [1910.134]
Additional Resources:
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Figure 5: Workers protected from toxic cleaning solvents.
Figure 6: Ventilation provided for painting in confined space.
Figure 7: Airline respirator for use
when ventilation does not provide adequate safety. |
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Contact with Flammable and Combustible Liquids |
Potential Hazards:
Employees working with flammable
and combustible liquids are at risk of harm if skin or eye
contact occurs.
- Organ damage through skin or eye absorption.
- Skin or eye burns and irritation.
- Ingestion of contaminated food.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- A hazard assessment must be made to determine the proper
selection of PPE. [1915.152(b)]
- The face, eyes, head, hands and all other exposed body
parts of employees handling highly volatile paints shall be
protected. [1915.35(b)(9)]
Also see PPE: Painting module.
- Spills or other releases of flammable, combustible, toxic,
corrosive and irritant materials must be cleaned up as work
progresses. [1915.13(b)(5)]
- When clothing becomes saturated with flammable and
combustible liquids, clothing should be changed
immediately.
- Washing facilities must be available in case employees are
exposed to these materials. [1915.97(b)]
- Workers must be trained in the hazards and precautions of
the materials they work with in accordance with the Hazard
Communication Standard. [1915.1200]
Additional Resources:
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Figure 8: Worker exposed to health hazards from skin
absorption and eye contact.
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Figure 9: Worker protected from toxic paint fumes with
proper PPE.
Figure 10: Worker protected by PPE from
toxic paint fumes and spills while mixing paint.
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- Fixed or portable eye wash stations/safety showers should meet ANSI
Z358.1-1998: Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment.
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Figure 11: Eye wash station. |
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Electrical Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Employees mixing or transferring flammable
and combustible liquids with electrical equipment are exposed to
increased risk of getting shocked or electrocuted due to:
- Faulty electrical connection in power tools
- Open lighting parts
- Broken insulation on power cords
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double
insulated. [1915.132(a)]
- Temporary lighting must be grounded. [1915.92(c)]
- Power and lighting cables must be inspected by a person
competent to evaluate electrical hazards. (Note: This is not
the Shipyard Competent Person). [1915.36(a)(5)]
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Figure 12: Worker inspecting broken
insulation on
power cable.
Figure 13: Portable electrical
tools must be double insulated or properly grounded. |
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- All electrical tools or equipment should undergo a visual
inspection prior to use.
- All portable electric hand tools and temporary lighting
systems should utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
- Electrical tools and equipment should correspond with the
requirements of the job.
- Electrical equipment and tools should be used with proper
circuit protection for the voltage and amperage used.
- Only qualified electricians should attempt repair of
electrical tools and equipment in use.
- A Ground Assurance Program should be in place for all
electrical tools and equipment used including:
- Records of tools inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical boxes inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical extension cords inspected and
repaired.
- Recall of records of the above.
- The requirements of the Ground Assurance Program should be
performed on a regular basis.
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Figure 14: Visual inspection takes defective welding
tong out of service. |
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