WELDING FLAME-CUTTING AND OTHER HOT WORKWELDING FLAME-CUTTING AND OTHER HOT WORK

WELDING FLAME-CUTTING AND OTHER HOT WORK

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Welding, flame-cutting and other hot work operations must be conducted within the "permit-to-work" system and procedures as described in the ship's safety management system documentation (see chapter 4), whenever carried out in a non-workshop location.

Equipment operators should be competent and familiar with the equipment to be used and should inspect it before use.

Equipment operators should be given careful instructions if special precautions need to be taken.

Harmful fumes may be produced and oxygen depleted during operations. Special care should be taken during operations in enclosed places and enclosed space procedures (see chapter 10) should be used where necessary to ensure safe operations. Compressed gas cylinders must not be introduced into confined spaces.

The precautions provided in chapter 24 should be followed for hot work aboard tankers.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The equipment operator and other persons involved in the work process should wear clean and approved personal protective equipment.

The operator should normally wear:

1. a welding helmet and suitable eye shield:

2. leather working gloves;

3. a leather apron when appropriate; and

4. any other appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, e.g. safety boots.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE, EXPLOSIONS AND NON-LIFE SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTS

Before any operation begins, inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that there are no combustible solids, liquids or gases at or in any compartments adjacent to the work area which might be ignited by heat or sparks from the work. An assessment of the task in the context of other work being done on board must be completed. The assessment to be undertaken by a responsible officer.

All surfaces to be welded, or upon which hot work is to be conducted, should be free of oil, grease or any flammable or combustible material