|
 |
General Requirements
Shipbuilding
Ship Repair
Shipbreaking
Barge Cleaning |
Hot Work (including Welding, Cutting and Heating) » Hot Work in Other Locations
|

Figure 1: Worker cutting weather deck with torch.
Hot work is occasionally conducted in locations other than enclosed and confined spaces. Such locations may
include 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 Confined or Enclosed
Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres module should be reviewed
before continuing with this section. Also, this module, outlining the requirements for
Hot Work in Enclosed Spaces, should be reviewed before reviewing the
modules regarding hot work requirements for Confined
Spaces, or these requirements for Other Locations.
Hot Work in Other Locations |
 Figure 2: Shipyard Competent Person, with
PFD, tests tanks on a barge before authorizing entry. Note:
Fall protection must be installed after testing for initial entry.
 Figure 3: Hot work on rudder
Potential Hazards:
Hot work performed outside confined or enclosed spaces also presents potential fire and
explosion hazards if adjacent spaces are not properly prepared.
- Welding on hollow
structures or containers also presents a hazard.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Ensure that precautions are taken in adjacent spaces when performing hot
work. [29 CFR 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. [29 CFR 1915.54]
-
Warning: Do not
use oxygen for ventilation or cleaning.
[29 CFR 1915.51(b)(1)(vi)]
-
Ventilate (blow down) or inert hollow structures as necessary before hot work is
performed. [29 CFR 1915.54]
Back to Top |
Fall Hazards |

Figure 4: Deck edges guarded by temporary clamp-on guardrail.
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, scaffolds, and aerial lifts are often serious,
even fatal. Workers also risk falls from open deck edges.
Potential Hazards:
Deck Openings and Edges
- Falls from deck edges
- Falls from deck openings
- Falls into open holes
Scaffolds
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from scaffolds
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Personal Fall Protection
- If fall hazards are identified through the Hazard Assessment
required in 29 CFR 1915.152(b), employees must be protected from falls by
the use of personal fall protection equipment.
[29 CFR 1915.152(a)]
- Guard rails may be used in lieu of personal fall protection, even though they are
not required in shipbreaking. For guard rail specifications, see 29 CFR 1915.71(j).
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be
used when working on scaffolds 5 feet above surfaces. [29 CFR 1915.71(j)]
For more detailed information, review Use of Personal
Fall Protection Systems.
Back to Top |
PPE Requirements |
Potential Hazards:
In most cases, respiratory protection requirements are less
restrictive in locations other than confined or enclosed spaces,
due to the natural ventilation available. However, other
workers may be performing work nearby and may expose others:
- 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 UV shielding for welding when practical. If not
practical, UV filter lenses must be worn by employee at
risk. [29 CFR 1915.56(e)]
- Use appropriate PPE for welders and helpers.
- Use airline respirators when welding on beryllium
containing base or filler metals. [29 CFR 1915.51(d)(3)]
For more specific information, see PPE Selection: Hot Work.
Back to Top |
|
|
|