Shipbuilding
ยป Hot Work - Welding, Cutting and Heating
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Hot work includes welding, cutting, burning, abrasive blasting, and other
heat-producing operations. Hot work presents an increased risk of fire and explosion
hazards because it is most often performed in confined and
enclosed
spaces. [1915.51,
1915.53,
1915.54,
1915.55,
1915.56,
and 1915
Subpart P]
Accidents may occur during hot work due to the structure of vessels, where hot
work in a space can cause fire or explosion in an adjacent
space that has not been evaluated safe for hot work. Special precautions
must be taken in adjacent spaces as well as confined and enclosed spaces.
Note:
During shipbuilding operations, the need for testing by a SCP
and CMC will depend on the progress of the vessel construction.
Until there is a potential for a hazard, such as after the introduction
of flammable liquids, testing may not be required.
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Shipbuilding: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.
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Steps for safe hot work include:
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Up to 25 percent of fatalities in
shipyards result from fires and explosions caused by hot work.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) |
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Test Yourself: This interactive enhancement asks such questions as "Which
spaces need to be checked by a marine chemist before hot work?"
and "Who can approve the hot work?"
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