nga_hot_work_program.pdf

April 3, 2006 1

Hot Work Program

RISK

MANAGEMENT

Program Outline Page

1 Overview 1 2 Covered Operations 1 3 Responsibilities 2 4 Required Precautions 3 5 Permit Process 3 6 Training 7 Violations 5 8 References 5 9 Sample Permit 6

1 Overview

Operations producing sparks, flame or heat are a significant potential source of fire loss to the Gallery and its collections. All such hot work operations performed on Gallery premises by employees or contractors must comply with this program and the applicable codes and standards in Section 7 – References.

2 Covered Operations

This procedure covers the following hot work processes performed by Gallery employees or contractors anywhere on the premises (including outside):

• Welding (all types, electric and gas)

• Brazing

• Flame cutting or burning

• Metal sawing or grinding

• Flame soldering (not electric)

• Thawing pipe

• Torch-applied roofing

• Gasoline-powered equipment (used inside)

It also includes any other operation producing sparks, flame or heat. However, it does not include operations in any location permanently designated for hot work to be regularly performed, such as the AFM machine shop, DCL laboratories where small open flame burners may be used, or food service cooking operations.

Operations anywhere on Gallery premises are covered, including those outside, at the Pavilion, the Warehouse/Production Center and offices at 601 North and South.

Permits will only be issued where there is clear line of sight for the area of operations.

Operations involving larger areas must be broken down into observable smaller areas where the Operator doing the work and the fire watch can directly observe the area.

Hot Work Program NGA Risk Management

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Permits are normally issued for one day only. In certain circumstances where the work is being performed in a tightly controlled environment, permits may be issued for up to five days at the discretion of the Office of Protection Services Risk Management staff.

Hot work conducted in permit-required confined spaces must be identified at the time the hot work permit is requested, and must be inspected by AOP-RM before the permit is issued.

The use of gasoline- or propane-powered equipment is specifically prohibited in any indoor use in any NGA facility without the express permission of AOP-RM.

3 Responsibilities

NGA Supervisor/Project Manager Responsible

• For work done in-house, this would likely be an AFM manager, supervisor, or engineering technician.

• For work done by a contractor, it would likely be a project manager or COTR representing AFM, AOCP, AOAS, or DID.

• Instruct operator on the NGA hot work program and Required Precautions.

Provide a copy of this program if appropriate.

• Obtain permit for all hot work operations.

• Assist operator in compliance with Required Precautions related to NGA issues.

Operator

• This is the NGA employee or contractor employee performing the hot work, not the operator’s supervisor or foreman.

• Comply with all Required Precautions listed below and personally sign the permit acknowledging that all Required Precautions are in place.

AOP Risk Management (AOP-RM)

• Review the planned hot work with the NGA supervisor/project manager responsible.

• Approve the request for the hot work permit.

• Conduct random inspections to assure that the Required Precautions are being followed.

• Provide training on hot work procedures for Gallery employees, and briefings for contractor management/operators at pre-construction or other meetings.

• Maintain a log of all hot work violations.

• Complete an AOP Incident Report for any significant violation of Required

Precautions, with copies to affected department heads and the Administrator’s Office.

• Conduct inquiry meetings on repeated or egregious violations.

AOP Senior Security Officer on Duty

• If an AOP-RM representative is not on the premises, and the work must be performed within 24 hours, the Senior Security Supervisor on duty may sign the form for AOP-RM.

NGA Risk Management Hot Work Program

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AOP Security Officers (including escorts)

• Respond to problems generated by hot work.

• Monitor compliance with the Required Precautions.

• Stop hot work immediately and notify AOP-RM and the NGA supervisor/project manager responsible in any situation where there is a question of the Required Precautions not being followed.

• Complete an incident report on violations.

AOP Security Command Center

• Monitor alarms potentially affected by hot work and take appropriate action to shunt or otherwise manage alarms.

• Document the call-in and call out by the operator doing the work on the Pink copy of the Permit.

• If call out is not received within 30 minutes following scheduled time, dispatch security officer to investigate.

• Dispatches security officers as appropriate for fire alarm response.

4 Required Precautions

• Place at least one 10 lb. ABC extinguisher within 35 feet of work (20 feet is preferred). For certain operations, two extinguishers may be appropriate. The extinguisher should be placed on the natural “exit” path from the work area. If taken from a wall-hung location, replace the extinguisher after use. Contractors are expected to provide their own extinguishers.

• Remove all combustibles (cardboard, plastic, oil, lumber, etc.) within 35 feet.

• Protect wall and floor openings, including ducts) with non-combustible covers

(welding pads, blankets or curtains meeting FM Approval Standard 4950) to assure that hot material, sparks, etc. don’t travel to adjacent areas where their impact might not be immediately known.

• Protect combustible flooring and other non-movable combustibles with non-combustible shields (welding pads, blankets or curtains meeting FM Approval Standard 4950).

• Have adequate ventilation for the operator and to minimize odors in adjacent areas.

• Watch for people entering work area, especially where flames or sparks may cover a wide area.

• Do not work outside the area or description of work covered by permit.

• Do not cover sprinkler heads or smoke detectors without prior specific approval of AOP-RM.

• Do not use defective equipment. Take such equipment out of service and tag it out.

• Do not perform any hot work alone. Assign a qualified fire watch; continue during breaks and lunch and 30 minutes after hot work is completed. Only after the fire watch is concluded should the all clear call be made to the Security Command Center.

• Know the location of the nearest telephone, fire pull station, or NGA employee with a radio. If there is an escort, he/she should be the one to call for assistance as needed. If there is no escort, the operator should know to call 6911.

• Call the Security Command Center emergency number (x6911) at any time when there is an uncontrolled incident.

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5 Permit Process

Keeping the permit process effective and efficient requires the cooperation of all involved. Permits should be requested at least one day before the work is to be performed (2-3 days is preferred). A typical permit process is as follows:

Supervisor/Project Manager completes form

Form to AOP-RM for approval

Gold copy to

AOP-RM

Pink Copy to Security

Command Center

Supervisor/PM reviews Required Precautions with operator, obtains signature

Green Copy to Supervisor/PM

White Copy posted at jobsite

Is Hot Work involved?

Yes

Is pre-inspection needded?

Consult with AOP-

RM

No

Yes

Yellow Copy to

AOP-RM

AOP-RM

On-site inspection

SCC monitors alarms

No further action

No

NGA Risk Management Hot Work Program

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6 Training

Training will be provided as needed by AOP-RM to the following groups:

• NGA Supervisors/Project Managers

• AOP Security Officers/Escorts

Briefings on the Gallery’s program requirements are also available for contractor management teams at the request of the Project Manager/COTR. Training of contractor employees is the responsibility of the contractor.

7 Violations

Any Security Officer or member of the AOP-RM staff has full authority to stop hot work operations until the violation is corrected. An AOP incident report will be completed on every significant violation, with appropriate distribution.

Repeated or egregious violations will result in hot work being suspended pending an inquiry meeting called by AOP-RM. This meeting will examine the reasons for the violations and develop a course of corrective action. Attendees include the Division Manager of the affected NGA department, the NGA supervisor/project manager and, for contractors, a senior manager of the contractor, and the NGA Contracting Officer.

Repeated or egregious violations are considered in continuing the award of contracts. A formal report of findings is submitted to the Administrator.

8 References

Applicable Codes and Standards (current editions automatically apply)

• NFPA 51B – 2003, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work, National Fire Prevention Association

• ANSI Z49.1:2005, Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes, American National Standards Institute/American Welding Society

• 29 CFR 1910.251-255, Welding, Cutting, and Brazing, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• FM Approval Standard 4950 - 2002, Welding Pads, Welding Blankets and Welding Curtains for Hot Work Operations, FM Approvals

All references are available from AOP-RM.

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9 Sample Permit

Approved:

James J. Lucey Chief, Office of Protection Services March 3, 2006