HOT_WORKS_AND_WELDING_POLICY_(SD-026).pdf

Risk Management

Occupational Safety and Health Manual

Subject:

SD-026

Hot Works and Welding

Effective Date: August 15, 2021

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this directive is to provide proper work practices and procedures for ensuring a safe environment while performing Hot Work or Welding at City of Tucson facilities or properties.

2.0 SCOPE

This directive assists in identifying and complying with OSHA Regulations (1910.252), NFPA Standards (51B), and Tucson Fire Department requirements. In all cases where there is a difference between specific OSHA regulations, NFPA Standard, or this directive, the strictest shall apply.

3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Hot Work: Work done outside of designated welding shops which involves open flames or produces heat and/or sparks that could become a fire hazard. This includes but is not limited to: Soldering; flame cutting, such as oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane; brazing; oxy-acetylene welding; conventional arc welding or cutting; MIG welding; TIG welding; Plasma arc cutting; grinding; thawing pipes; and torch-applied roofing.

Hot Work Operator: The employee assigned to perform the hot work. This employee will also ensure that safety precautions have been met prior to beginning the hot work and ensure that the area is monitored during the hot work and for at least 30 minutes after the work is completed. The hot works operator shall be trained in the use of fire extinguishers and knows how to sound the alarm in case of fire.

Hot Work Supervisor: A supervisor of the shop performing the hot work that is responsible for managing hot works activities and who authorizes hot work and has received the City of Tucson Hot Works training. The Hot Work Supervisor makes certain that all employees under his supervision receive Hot Works training and are properly equipped to safely perform hot work.

Fire Watch Monitor: An employee designated to work alongside the hot work operator and maintain a constant vigil during the hot work for such things as sparks ignition or other fire hazards. The Fire Watch Monitor is trained in the use of fire extinguishers and knows how to sound the alarm in case of fire. The Fire Watch Monitor remains in the area for at least 30 minutes after the hot work is completed to check for smoldering fires.

Subject:

SD-026

Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere which by reason of being explosive, (including excess dust) flammable, poisonous, corrosive, oxidizing, irritating, oxygen deficient, toxic or otherwise harmful, may cause death, illness or injury.

4.0 HOT WORKS AND WELDING

A. Permit System

Permits are available from the departmental or divisional Hot Work Supervisors and from Risk Management.

B. Permit Procedure

All hot work done outside of designated welding shops must be preceded by a properly completed and authorized hot work permit. The permit designated precautions to be followed. These policies apply at all City Facilities and properties, regardless of whether work is performed by City employees or outside contractors.

C. Fire Protection

Available sprinklers, extinguishers and other fire abatement equipment or suppression systems must be in service and operable. The employee performing Hot Work shall have a portable fire extinguisher (Type A:B:C) readily accessible, within 30’ from where hot work is performed. The portable fire extinguisher intended for use shall not be removed from the wall mount of the facility and used by the employee performing

Hot Work.

D. Welding/Cutting Equipment

Hot work equipment shall be in good repair. Cutting torches shall be equipped with anti-flashback devices.

E. Hot Work Control Zones

Fire watchers shall be required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or any of the following conditions exist:

1. Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than

35’ (10.7m) to the point of operation;

2. Appreciable combustibles are more than 35’ (10.7m) away but are easily ignited by sparks;

Subject:

SD-026

3. Wall or floor openings within a 35’ (10.7m) radius expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors; or

4. Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation.

Requirements within 35’ of hot work:

1. Flammable liquids, dust, lint, and oily deposits removed;

2. In areas where an explosive atmosphere may be present, the Supervisor of the division performing hot work shall monitor (sample) the atmosphere for explosive gases and, if present, eliminate the explosive atmosphere through ventilation prior to hot work and re-test;

3. Floors where combustible materials such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers are on the floor shall be swept clean;

4. Combustible floors wet down, covered with damp sand or fire resistant sheets;

5. Remove other combustibles where possible, otherwise protect with fire-resistant tarpaulins or metal shields;

6. Cover all floor and wall openings;

7. Fire resistive tarpaulins suspended beneath elevated work; and

8. Close all regular and fire doors to prevent sparks from escaping.

9. Any battery charging station.

F. Work on Walls or Ceilings

Ensure that construction is non-combustible and without combustible covering or insulation or protect accordingly and ensure that combustibles on either side of walls are removed.

G. Work on Enclosed Equipment

Enclosed equipment is cleaned of all combustibles and containers purged of all flammable liquids or vapors.

H. Prohibited Areas

1. In areas not authorized by management;

2. In sprinklered buildings while such protection is impaired;

3. In the presence of explosive atmospheres (mixture of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air), or explosive atmospheres that may develop inside uncleaned or improperly prepared tanks or equipment which have previously

Subject:

SD-026

contained such materials, or that may develop in areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts; and

4. In areas near the storage of large quantities of exposed, readily ignitable materials such as bulk sulfur, baled paper, or cotton.

I. Fire Watch/Hot Work Monitoring

Fire watch shall be provided during and for at least a half hour after work is completed, including any coffee or lunch breaks. Fire watch monitors shall be equipped with suitable extinguishers/charged hose line and shall be trained in the use of this equipment and in sounding the fire alarm.

If circumstances warrant, additional fire watch monitors shall be posted in adjoining areas, above, or below for at least a half hour after the final completion of any hot work.

J. Hot Work Permit Termination

At the end of the monitoring period the completed time will be recorded on the permit by the hot work operator. The top copy (designated Part 1) of the permit shall be returned to the hot work supervisor who authorized the work which required the hot work permit. The bottom or hard copy of the permit shall be posted at the work area for 48 hours as required by the Tucson Fire Department. The carbon or soft copy of the hot work permit are to be kept on file and available for inspection by TFD or Risk

Management for a period of 1 year.

K. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Employees shall wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long trousers made from a close-weave material that is unlikely to ignite. Leather aprons, jackets, chaps and gloves provide acceptable protection. Pants should be without cuffs. No synthetic fabrics shall be worn.

2. Eye protection of the proper type, for the specific task to be done, shall be worn by those performing, observing or supervising the hot work or any grinding or similar related work which accompanies the process.

3. Appropriate shaded eye protection is required for Oxyacetylene welding.

4. Appropriate shaded eye protection for arc welding is required.

5. Gold or Silver lenses are prohibited.

6. Hearing protection shall be provided and worn where required.

Subject:

SD-026

7. Respiratory protection in the form of local exhaust ventilation or proper respirator shall be utilized.

L. Hazardous Atmospheres

No hot work shall be performed where oxygen-enriched atmospheres (containing

22.5% or more oxygen) or other hazardous atmospheres exist, or could reasonably be expected to exist, until such worksites have been properly tested and it has been determined that such hazards do not exist. In cases where it is appropriate, continuous monitoring should be performed by a qualified person to ensure that such a hazard does not develop during the hot work period.

M. Soldering

Soldering shall be performed under localized fume hood exhaust or in well ventilated areas. In areas where localized exhaust or ventilation may not be available, the employee shall wear respiratory protection.

Smoking, eating, drinking or applying cosmetics or lotions while handling lead-containing products is prohibited. Employees shall wash hands and face after working with lead.

The use of lead-containing solders when installing or repairing any part of a potable

(drinking) water supply system is prohibited. If any employee is using lead-containing solder in their work area should have training on its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for understanding of the potential hazards described in the Hazard Communication

Program.

N. Hazardous Containers

Containers such as drums, cylinders, pressure vessels, cans and tanks which have held flammable or explosive liquids or vapors (or unknown contents), shall not be subjected to hot work. The danger of explosion and fire is severe.

O. Compressed Gas Cylinders

Employees shall chain welding gas cylinders in place except when they are in a properly designed and maintained mobile cart. Valve caps shall be in place when equipment is not in use. Cylinders shall be upright and secured in a manner to prevent

Subject:

SD-026

fall. All gas cylinders shall be stored upright. Transport of flammable gas cylinders in an enclosed vehicle or vehicle trunk is prohibited.

Employees shall not utilize compressed air to blow debris off skin or clothing, and shall not allow grease, oil, or other petrochemical products to come into contact with oxygen fittings.

Employees shall stand to one side when operating valves and ensure that cylinders and regulators are kept in good physical condition. Cylinders shall not be exposed to mechanical damage or exposed to excessive heat or electrical arcs. Cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested at required periods by the suppliers and employees shall check date stamps on all compressed gas cylinders.

Prior to attaching regulators to cylinders, employees shall “crack” the valve momentarily to blow out any dust or debris that may have accumulated.

Employees shall follow this procedure when changing torch lines:

1. Release the pressure adjusting screw on the regulator to its limit – turn counter-clockwise until it is loose;

2. Open the cylinder valve slightly to let the hand on the high pressure gauge rise slowly. On oxygen cylinders, open the valve to its full limit, otherwise it may leak due to design. On fuel cylinders, open the valve about three-quarters of a turn.

This is enough and it will allow for speedy closure should the need arise. Never exceed 15 psi working pressure for acetylene gas; and

3. Use soapy water to test for leaks. Inspect the hoses for damage.

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Department Directors

It is the responsibility of each department director to designate trained supervisors responsible for authorizing hot work in areas not specifically designed for such processes as is responsible for the general administration of the department’s Hot

Works Program.

The director shall ensure that supervisors whose shops are performing hot work are provided with the training and authority to assess and immediately remedy any hazards occurring at the job site and ensure that all hot workers, fire watches, and their employees are properly trained and equipped to safely perform their work and comply with all applicable standards, codes and regulations.

Subject:

SD-026

The director shall also ensure that the city representatives overseeing contractor work which includes hot work activities be adequately trained in City of Tucson Hot Works program and equipped to assess hazardous conditions on city job sites and stop contractor work when necessary.

B. Hot Work Supervisor

It is the responsibility of the supervisor whose shop is performing hot work to ensure that all aspects of this program are instituted and followed by all employees. The supervisor shall issue Hot Work Permits and ensure compliance with all items on the required precautions checklist. All affected supervisors will participate with Risk

Management in coordinating appropriate training for employees covered by the program, including all levels of supervision.

The supervisor whose shop is performing hot work shall perform and document periodic audits of the Hot Work Program, ensuring that the necessary equipment, supplies and materials are available for the implementation of this program. The supervisor whose shop is performing hot work shall investigate all property damage, injuries, incidents and complaints related to fire safety and hot work. Copies of all required hot work permits shall be filed with the Department for a period of one year.

Copies shall be scanned, emailed and forwarded to Risk Management for reviewing of accuracy. Supervisors shall provide contractors with a copy of this program and ensure that contractors have been made aware of any flammable materials or other hazardous conditions that may exist in the area where they will be working.

C. Employee

Each employee shall be responsible for complying with all provisions of this program and properly employ the required personal protective equipment and shall immediately report to supervision all discrepancies, incidents or observed potential problems at their work site.

6.0 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The fire watch monitor and any person performing hot work shall receive training in the use of fire extinguishers. This hands-on training will need to be obtained from an entity that can safely perform live-fire portable fire extinguisher training. Departments are to coordinate and ensure employees receive appropriate training on the Hot Work Permit process.

Subject:

SD-026

7.0 RECORDKEEPING

A. Departments

Departments shall retain Hot Work permits according to OSHA and the Arizona

Retention Schedule. Department’s shall develop a process to document training attendance and retain on file according to the Arizona Retention Schedule.

B. Risk Management

Risk Management shall review reports and the Hot Work Program periodically for completeness and retain a copy of the inspection report according to the Arizona

Retention Schedule.

8.0 APPENDICIES

None.

9.0 REFERENCES

NFPA 51B Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Regulations and Standards

OSHM: Hazard Communication Program

10.0 REVIEW RESPONSIBILITY AND FREQUENCY

Risk Management will review this directive annually, based on date of publication, and revise as needed.