1

FACT SHEET Do you know the dangers of hot work activities?

Hot work activities, such as welding and flame cutting, involve the use of heat. The flames, sparks and heat produced during the hot work are ignition sources that can cause fires and explosions in many different situations. For example, sparks produced during hot work can land on combustible materials, and cause disastrous consequences such as fires and explosions. Hot work performed on tanks and vessels with residual flammable substances and vapours can also cause the tanks to explode. The dangers of hot work activities must be recognised by all workers. The lack of awareness and effective supervision when performing hot work activities can result in fatalities and/or serious injuries. Case study 1 A used oil drum exploded when a worker was cutting it with an oxy-acetylene gas torch. The worker suffered serious head injuries from the explosion and died two days after the incident. The drum was previously filled with waste oil, and the vapour from the residual waste was ignited during the hot work process.

Case study 2 A flash fire occurred in the pump room of a tanker which was undergoing repair. The worker was using an oxy-acetylene torch to cut a hole in the cargo/flush pipe. The flash fire occurred as the hole was being cut and the liquid content was released from within the pipe. The cargo/flush pipe was not purged to empty it of its contents before the commencement of the hot work.

Recommendations 1. Risk Assessment:

The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations require a risk assessment to be carried out before starting any work: Through the risk assessment, employers and workers would need to identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions so as to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. Control measures and safe work procedures must be established, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of the workers involved.

2. i.

Environment Maintain good housekeeping, ensure that flammable or combustible materials are well segregated and not within the vicinity of the hot work activity. Ventilate the work area well. Do not use oxygen to ventilate. Disconnect any pipeline or connections to the drum or vessel. Ensure used drums, tanks and any other containers are properly rendered free from flammable materials such as through cleaning, purging or steaming before the hot work activity.

ii. iii. iv.

Hot works should never be performed on containers which contain flammable substances. Containers should be rendered free from flammable residue and vapour before commencing any hot work activity. v. Vent all hollow spaces, cavities or containers before performing any hot work activity. Purging with an inert gas is recommended. After cleaning, use a gas detector to check that all residual contents have been removed. Ensure that the equipment used for the check is safe for use in a flammable atmosphere. Ensure there is a hot work permit.

vi.

vii.

3. i.

Equipment Visually examine all equipment before its use. For example, hoses must be checked to ensure they are free from cracks and other defects. Shut off the gas supply at the regulators before changing any part. Purge the hoses individually to remove any flammable gas. Gas cylinders are to be kept in a vertical position and located at a safe distance from the heat source. The gas torch is to be immediately shut off after use.

ii. iii.

iv.

4. i.

Personnel Operators should be trained and competent before performing the task. They should understand the dangers of the potential hazard related to the work and adhere to all onsite safety requirements.

ii.

Operators should wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times during the hot work task, such as protective clothing, fire resistant leather gloves and safety goggles. Operators should be familiar with the proper way of wearing and removing the PPE.

iii.

5. i.

Fire prevention Maintain the necessary fire protection and fire fighting systems (for example, fire extinguishers) and they should be located near the area where the hot work is to be performed. Ensure quick access to the fire fighting equipment. Fire exits, alarms and other emergency equipment and sprinkler heads should be free from obstruction. Establish an inspection programme for the emergency response equipment and systems. Train and educate employees on fire fighting, safety-related operations and procedures, such as, use of emergency equipment, activation of alarms and the communication system.

ii.

iii. iv.

For more information, please refer to the following resources: 1. Singapore Standard SS 510 : 2005 Code of Practice for Safety in Welding and Cutting (and other operations involving the use of heat) Singapore Standard CP 84: 2000 Code of Practice for Entry and Safe Working In Confined Space. Risk Assessment Guidelines. http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/workplace_safety_and_heal th/maintaining_a_safe_workplace/occupation_safety/risk_management.html U.S. Chemical Safety Board. CSB Issues Case Study on Fatal Partridge-Raleigh Oilfield Explosion in Mississippi; Recommends OSHA Program to Inspect Oil and Gas Production Facilities. http://www.csb.gov/newsroom/detail.aspx?nid=191 WSHC. Videos. WSH Exhibition Accident Case Studies Animation. Fire and Explosion Hazards. http://app.wshc.gov.sg/cms/WSHGallery/Videos/tabid/132/Default.aspx. OSH Alert. Oil Drum Explosion Kills Worker. 16 August 2007.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/workplace_safety_and_heal th/OSHD_News_Alerts_Archive.html 7. MOM. Occupational Safety and Health Circular. Technical Advisory on Safe Use of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Equipment. March 2007. http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/mom_library/Workplace_Safety/bc_machi nery_and_equipment.Par.66921.File.tmp/Safe%20Use%20of%20Oxygenfuel%20Gas%20Equipment.pdf WSHC. ProBE Technical Advisory for Flammable and Hazardous Substances. http://app.wshc.gov.sg/cms/Portals/0/WSHC/downloads/Resources/Flammable%20Hazar d_final03.pdf MOM. Industrial accident at Jurong Shipyard. http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/press_room/press_releases/2004/2004101 2-IndustrialAccidentAtJurongShipyard.html

8.

9.