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General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning

General Requirements ยป Pressure Vessels, Drums and Containers
Worker injuries can be caused by the rupture of vessels under pressure. Precautions must be taken to prevent over-pressurization and the vessels must meet the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) guidelines of design and construction. [1915.172] Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Ship Repair: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. 

Portable Air Receivers and Other Unfired Pressure Vessels
Potential Hazards:

Worker injuries from flying debris or fluids may be caused from rupturing pressure vessels such as:
  • Abrasive blasting hoppers
  • Air compressor holding tanks
  • Air receivers
  • Air surge tanks
  • Paint pots
  • Pressurized water tanks
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Portable, unfired pressure vessels must be designed and constructed to meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Hydrostatic testing must be conducted and a record maintained. [1915.172(a), (b), and (d)] Relief valves must be set to the safe working pressure. [1915.172(c)]

     
 		 Abrasive blasting pressure vessel
Figure 1: Abrasive blasting pressure vessel.

 Pressurized tanks with relief valve
Figure 2: Pressurized tanks with relief valve.
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Drums and Containers
Potential Hazards:

Worker injuries from flying debris, fluids, and fire and explosions may be caused from rupturing drums or containers.

Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Shipping drums and containers must not be pressurized to remove their contents. [1915.173(a)]
  • Temporary pressurized piping systems conveying hazardous liquids or gases must be provided with a relief valve and bypass to prevent rupture. [1915.173(b)]
  • Pressure vessels, drums, and containers containing toxic or flammable liquids or gases must not be stored or used near ignition or heat sources. [1915.173(c)]
  • Pressure vessels, drums, and containers containing flammable or toxic liquids or gases must be  stored in safe areas to prevent physical damage. [1915.173(d)]
  • Containers of 55 gallons or more containing flammable or toxic liquid must be protected by dikes or pans. [1915.173(e)]
  • Fire extinguishers adequate in number and suitable for the hazard must be provided. [1915.173(f)]
 		 Proper storage of compressed gas cylinders
Figure 3: Proper storage of compressed gas cylinders.
 
Safe storage of flammable and toxic chemicals
Figure 4: Safe storage of flammable and toxic chemicals.
 
 Storage of 55 gallon drum in pan to contain leaks
Figure 5: Storage of 55 gallon drum in pan to contain leaks.
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