University at Albany: Environmental Health and Safety




	Office of Environmental Health and Safety Title: Hotwork Policy Effective Date: 7/97 Policy Number: OS-4 / Revision: 1 - 3/07 / Number of Pages: 4 Purpose: The intended purpose of this Policy is to provide a safe work/learning environment in University buildings where temporary hot work may be performed. Potential health, safety and property hazards can result from the fumes, gases, sparks, hot metal and radiant energy produced during hot work. These, and other hazards, can be reduced through the implementation of effective controls as outlined in this Policy. Scope: This policy applies to all University @ Albany employees, contractors and Union Hall hires involved in welding, cutting or braising of metals, in areas other than those designated specifically for that purpose even outside work). Responsibilities: It is the responsibility of each University employee engaged in hot work to implement controls that will eliminate or greatly reduce the hazards generated by their work, for the protection of other University employees, students and visitors. It is the responsibility of each supervisor, whose employee(s) engage in hot work, to insure that the guidelines in this Policy are implemented and hazards are controlled so as not to present an exposure to University employees, students and visitors. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to insure the employee(s) they designate to perform hot work, utilizes the necessary procedures and equipment, so as to minimize that employee's own exposure to the hazards generated. It is the responsibility of the University at Albany to provide the necessary equipment to control the hazards generated by hot work, when University employees perform the work. It is the responsibility of the Environmental Health and Safety Office to provide their professional expertise to supervisors and University staff involved in the preplanning of a job that requires hot work. Further more, it is the responsibility of the Environmental Health & Safety Office to issue permits to outside contractors performing hot work on University premises. Program Description: General Cutting and Welding Controls If possible, perform the hot work in designated shops, only. In the event this is not possible, then areas where hot work is to be done should be properly prepared prior to work commencement. The following controls should be implemented: Cutting and welding operations are restricted to properly trained and authorized individuals only. Move combustible materials at least 35 feet from the work site. If this is not possible, then protect combustible items with metal guards or flame proof curtains or covers. (Ordinary tarpaulins or cloths are not acceptable protection). Cover floor and wall openings located 35 feet or less to the work site, to prevent hot sparks from entering walls or falling beneath floors to a lower level. Use fire resistant curtains and/or tinted shields to prevent fire, employee burns and ultra-violet light exposure. Ventilation and Atmospheric Testing Hot work should not be conducted in the presence of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts (where an explosive concentration can develop). Atmospheric testing prior to work commencement, and periodically there after, should be conducted if the atmosphere in the work area has the potential to become hazardous. (Refer to the University Confined Entry Policy) Ventilation of the work site, either through local or general exhaust ventilation, should be adequate for the work performed. The vent terminator of a local exhaust system must not be located near operational air intakes to any University building. Fire Protection A person , other than the operator, should perform fire watch duty. This duty includes remaining on the work site for at least 30 minutes after hot work operations have ended. In addition, the following steps should be taken: A fire extinguisher rated not less than 2-A:20-B:C must be available in shop areas where hot work is performed. A fire extinguisher rated not less than 2-A:10-B:C must be attached to all portable cutting and welding carts. If a building or area is equipped with a sprinkler system, then that system must be operational when the hotwork is performed. (If there is a question about the fire detection system, then refer to the EH&S office). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE specifically designed for hot work should be provided to and utilized by employees performing the hot work. Supervisors should consult the EH&S Office if they have a question regarding employee exposure and the PPE necessary to protect them. Hot Work in Confined Spaces Any hot work done in confined spaces, whether designated Permit Entry or non-permit entry will follow Permit Entry Required procedures for confined spaces. The very nature of hot work in a confined space makes the atmospheric hazards of that space a danger to employee health. Consult EH&S before conducting hot work in any confined space (labeled or otherwise). Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Handling The safe storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders is an important part of cutting and welding operation. The following steps should be followed: Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders should be stored separately with the protective valve caps in place. Except when in use, oxygen and fuel gas cylinders should be stored at least 20 feet apart or separated by a noncombustible wall at least 5 feet high. Cylinder carts equipped with a cylinder restraint, such as a chain or strap, must be used for the transporting of all compressed gas cylinders. All cylinders must be secured, when stored or in use. Securing devices in storage should prevent the tipping over of the cylinder. When in use, cylinders should remain on a welding cart and be secured to that cart. All cylinders not in use must have their protective valve cap in place. Regulators must be compatible with the cylinder and its contents. Regulators are gas specific, so make sure the correct regulator is used. Hot Work Permits No hot work can be done without the issuance and posting of a hot work permit, except in those shops that have areas dedicated to hot work. There are two types of hot work permits that can be issued, In-House Hot Work Permit and the Outside Contractor Hot Work Permit. The Hot Work Permit procedure is as follows: In-House The EH&S Office will issue the In-House Hot Work Permit to the supervisor overseeing the work. The supervisor is responsible for giving the permit to his/her own employee(s) performing the work. Each permit is job specific. The supervisor is then responsible for notifying Power Plant Base, having the date and time of the job put in the problem log book, prior to commencing work . At the end of the job, the supervisor is to send the expired permit to the EH&S Office - Chemistry B73. This permit will be kept on file for a period of not less than one year. The employee(s) assigned to perform the hot work must hang the Hot Work Permit at the job site. Outside Contractor Access to the University at Albany Hot Work Permit Policy should be provided to all outside contractors that will engage in hot work on campus. Prior to beginning any hot work on University property, the contractor's representative should contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and arrange for the issuance of a hot work permit. Once issued, the permit must be displayed on the job site. The contractor's personnel are expected to adhere to all the guide lines set forth in this Policy and make a reasonable effort to insure the health and safety of University employees, students and visitors. Training It is expected that any University employee engaged in hot work has received training and developed the skills necessary to work in a safe and professional manner. The Environmental Health and Safety Office will train and consult with any employee, at the request of their supervisor, on the topic of personal and fire safety as it relates to hot work. The Environmental Health and Safety Office will train all supervisors, whose employees perform hot work, on this policy. For More Information Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 442-3495. References available: Refer to the University at Albany's Confined Space Entry Policy Handbook of Compressed Gases, Compressed Gas Association Welding, Cutting and Brazing, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q Personal Protective Equipment, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I Permit Required Confined Spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146

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