Work at Hazardous Locations

& Work Permit System

M.G. Joseph,

Work in Confined Space

Confined space means an enclosure having limited means of
access and poor natural ventilation, which may contain hazardous
contaminants or be oxygen deficient.
Eg: Storage tank, pressure vessel, boiler, annular space, turbine
condenser, pipeline, duct, sewer, underground utility vault, tunnel,
pit.

Preventive measures

Classification of confined spaces

Classification
Oxygen
Flammable
Gases
Toxic Gases
Hazard IDLH

Class - A
<16%
>20% LEL

Class - B
Class - C
16-19%
>19%
10-20% LEL <10%LEL

50-100 TLV
Dangerous

Precautions

Rescue
procedure
required

>TLV
Potential
Hazard
Rescue
procedure
required

<TLV
Potential
Hazard
Normal work
procedure

Preparations to enter a tank.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Drain the tank of contents

Wash with water/steam
Provide ventilation
Test the atmosphere for:
- Oxygen content
- Explosive/flammable gases
- Toxic/asphyxiating gases

Preparations to enter a tank.

5.
6.

Arrange 24V electrical equipment

First aid attendant with rescue and resuscitation
equipment.
7. Fire brigade with PFE
8. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
9. Communication arrangements.

Safety Requirements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Permit to work
Personal Protective Equipment
24 Volt electrical equipment
Artificial ventilation
Planning and preparation for emergencies
Measurement of atmosphere
Non sparking tools

Pre Conditions
* A permit is issued by designated persons.
* The persons to whom WP is issued is identified.
* Permit is issued to persons who have knowledge of
the activity being carried out (Holder)
* Permit/copy to be sent to safety section for
approval/information.

Work Permit System

A written procedure to carry out hazardous
work
It states
(a)

The task involved.

(b)

Identifies hazards.

(c)

Precautions to be taken

(d)

Responsibilities of agencies involved.

Procedure for WP Issue

1.

Work supervisor (Holder) applies for permit to

the permittee.

2.

The permit is sent to shift in charge in case for

approval/isolation - Process industries.

3.

Safety Engineer visits the spot for assessment.

4.

Safety Engineer mentions hazards and

precautions to be taken.

5.

List all PPE to be used and monitoring

requirements.

6.

Holder signs and accepts the WP.

Limitations

Permit by itself does not make work safe.

Permit is no substitute for effective

supervision and precautions.

Working environment needs periodic

monitoring.

GAS WELDING

Oxy- Acetylene welding

C2H2 + O2 - CO2 + H2O ( 32000 C)

Gas cylinder - Pressure gauges Pressure

regulator - torch
Fuel gases- Red colour - LH Threads for
regulator & gauges.
Oxygen - Green/Black - RH Threads for
regulators
& gauges.
Do not grease or oil hoses- Cause deterioration of
hoses. Discard defective loses.

SAFETY OF GAS WELDING

Requirements
High Pressure gauge on cylinder
Reducing valve with regulator
Safety relief devise
Low pressure gauge on the torch.
Move the work to safe locations where possible.

 Close openings below, remove all combustibles

Do not cut or weld drums/barrels/tanks -unless cleaned
thoroughly
Gas cylinders- not to be taken inside confined areaventilation required.
O2 cylinder pressure

- 2200 Psi

C2H2 cylinder pressure 250 Psi

O2 pressure >> C2H2 pressure
Back fire - Indication of defect in blow pipe.

CLOSING DOWN THE EQUIPMENT

Close acetylene on blow pipe & then Oxygen.

Close acetylene & Oxygen cylinder valves
Open acetylene & Oxygen valves on torch and
release gas
Release the regulator adjusting screw.
Disconnect hose from blow pipe
Disconnect lose from regulator.
Remove the regulator & replace protective caps.

BACK FIRE & FLASH BACK

Back Fire is caused by return of
flame into blow pipe.
Flash back is returning of flame
into the blow pipe - to hose -in to
regulators.
It can reach the fuel cylinder also.

Causes

Nozzle blockage
Leaking of Control Valve
Incorrect pressure setting
Feeding of high pressure gas in to
low pressure line

ARC WELDING
Electrode

+ve

Work
-ve
Welding arc is a steady state condition
maintained at the gap between the electrode and
the work
Welding current - 5 - 200 A
Welding Voltage - 30-100 V

HAZARDS
Electric shock
IR & UV Radiation's
Metal fumes/ Fire
Working area to be dry
Well insulated & dry cables.
UV rays heat up eyes and tissues.
Metal fumes & ozone.

Personal Protective Equipment

Welding goggles. (Shades 1-14)
Welding gloves (leather/asbestos)
cover arms and forearms
Face Shield
Welding apron- flameproof(leather/asbestos)
Welders helmet
High heeled boots

Welding

Welding

Welding

Welding

Welding

Welding

Thank You