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gether on identifying the hazards and con- trolling them. Also, if there is a potential for ignitable gases in the area, some companies may require testing in the area with a gas meter to check for any atmospheric ignit- able sources, to ensure the area is suitable to perform hot work tasks.
Once we have a fire watch in place with all of the proper tools required, then we are good to commence work. Once the work area is cleaned up and hot work is com- plete, the fire watch should stay in the area for at least 30 minutes to scan for any hot spots or rekindling of potential fires.
It Takes a Team Partnership
In order to create a zero incident hot work project, it takes a team from start to finish. It takes several different members—main- tenance; operations; on-site contractors; engineering; environmental, health and safety department; and any other parties needed to ensure we take the proper steps to have a successful hot work operation.
■ It starts with the proper planning: maintenance planners, operations, and engineering communicating about what needs to be cut and replaced, for example.
■ Some companies may require the use of a Positive Line Identification policy to supplement as a communication tool. The Positive Line Identification policy should be detailed on where a cut may ex- actly need to be and have the proper people involved in the process.
■ Contractors or company personnel needed and verifying it is the right contrac- tor or person for the job.
■ It is up to the maintenance and operations teams to have a clear line of communication to make certain they are working on the right piece of equipment, where the cut is being made, for example; the equipment is depressurized or de-ener- gized, locked out/tagged out; and all other procedural steps have taken place before hot work begins.
■ A Job Hazard Analysis is the most critical part of the job—this gives us an op- portunity to go in the field with operations and review, recognize, and control hazards at the job site or in the area. Operations should review anything safety-related in the area, such as wind direction, location of the nearest evacuation shelter, safety eyewash/ showers and fire extinguishers, and ensur- ing all combustibles are out of the area.
■ The fire watch has the most signifi- cant role during hot work activities; he or she is accountable for ensuring no fires take place. The fire watch should have a fire ex- tinguisher that is the correct type and large enough to mitigate an incipient stage fire.
There is the potential for hazards to change in a matter of seconds, and any- thing can happen, so everyone must stay vigilant and keep their head on a swivel at all times. If we take the proper steps on recognizing our hazards in the beginning, then we are already heading in the right direc Going through these processes may take longer than the hot work job itself, but our goal should be zero incidents. By tak- ing the proper time to identify, plan, and manage our risks prior to performing hot work, we can reach that goal together.
There Is Always Room for Improvement
In an article from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), they investigated incidents involving deaths during hot work in and around industrial storage tanks. There were a lot of improve- ment opportunities and hazards that could have been mitigated, but we want this to be about the lessons learned and how we can improve going forward in our industry. Here are seven key lessons from recent hot work accidents from the CSB:
1. Use alternatives—Whenever pos- sible, avoid hot work and consider alterna- tive methods.
2. Analyze the hazards—Prior to the initiation of hot work, perform a hazard assessment that identifies the scope of the work, potential hazards, and methods of hazard control.
3. Monitor the atmosphere—Conduct effective gas monitoring in the work area using a properly calibrated combustible gas detector prior to and during hot work activities, even in areas where a flammable atmosphere is not anticipated.
4. Test the area—In work areas where flammable liquids and gases are stored or handled, drain and/or purge all equipment and piping before hot work is conducted. When welding on or in the vicinity of stor- age tanks and other containers, properly test and if necessary continuously monitor all surrounding tanks or adjacent spaces (not just the tank or container being worked on) for the presence of flammables, and elimi- nate potential sources of flammables.
5. Use written permits—Ensure that qualified personnel familiar with the spe- cific site hazards review and authorize all hot work and issue permits specifically identifying the work to be conducted and the required precautions.
6. Train thoroughly—Train personnel on hot work policies/procedures, proper use and calibration of combustible gas de- tectors, safety equipment, and job-specific hazards and controls in a language under- stood by the workforce.
7. Supervise contractors—Provide safety supervision for outside contractors conducting hot work. Inform contractors about site-specific hazards, including the presence of flammable materials.
(U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Inves- tigation Board, Feb. 2010, No. 2009-01-SB).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to industrial fire safety and hot work in our industry, it is impor- tant to start the process of engaging with positive interactions and making good decisions together. Before any hot work begins, any consideration of potential hazards and control measures should take place, and we should be asking ourselves, how are we going to safely and efficiently manage our risks?
Jeremiah Q. Varner is a Rescue Crew Chief & Industrial Emergency Response Instruc- tor for Priority One Safe-T, LLC, an emer- gency response and standby rescue services and training firm for industrial and manu- facturing companies. He is also a safety and emergency response professional in the chemical and manufacturing industry. His educational background is in Fire Science, Occupational Safety, Health and Emergen- cy Management, and he holds numerous certifications and training in tactical emer- gency response and rescue, Incident Com- mand and Leadership. He began his safety and emergency response career as a Volun- teer Firefighter/EMT in Wichita, Kansas, and has nearly 10 years of experience in in- dustrial safety and emergency response. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and a Certified Emergency Medical Tech- nician. He earned his master’s in Safety, Health & Environmental Management and bachelor’s in Occupational Safety & Health from Columbia Southern University.
www.ohsonline.com
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