Welding, flame-cutting and other hot work

• Pages: 52-54

52

13. Welding, flame-cutting and other hot work

13.1. General provisions

13.1.l. Welding, flame-cutting and other hot work operations should be conducted

within the "permit-to-work" system (see Chapter 4), whenever carried out in a non-

workshop location.

13.1.2. Operators should be competent and familiar with the equipment to be used,

which should be inspected by a competent person before use.

13.1.3. Seafarers should be given careful instructions if special precautions need to

be taken.

13.1.4. 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.

13.1.5. An assistant should be in continuous attendance and be instructed in

emergency procedures.

13.1.6. The precautions provided in Chapter 24 should be followed for hot work

aboard tankers.

13.2. Personal protective equipment

13.2.1. Clean and approved personal protective equipment should be worn by the

operator and other persons involved in the work process.

13.2.2. The operator should normally wear:

(a) a welding helmet and suitable eye shield;

(b) leather working gloves;

(c) a leather apron when appropriate; and

(d) other appropriate personal protective equipment.

13.3. Precautions against fire, explosions and non-life-supporting

environments

13.3.1. 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.

13.3.2. 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.