IMS9.4.6.18 Hot Work Procedure

1.0   PURPOSE

To ensure that SeaLink has a procedure to meet the requirements of conducting Hot Work, either within a Confined Space or Open Area.

2.0   Scope

Relevant to SeaLink employees, Contractors, Sub-Contractors and Visitors. The procedure sets out operational steps to protect all persons, equipment and property from fire through hot work. Included within this Instruction are the requirements for hot work in a Confined Space.

3.0   REFERENCES

• Client provided technical/ manufacturer’s repair manual.

• Client provided specifications and work instructions.

• IMS9.4.6.3 Confined Space

4.0   DEFINITIONS

Company - SeaLink

Supervisor - A designated employee responsible for the running, planning and supervision of a work site, job and or area.

Tradesman - Suitably qualified welder/boiler maker or other person designated by the Company to carry out Hot Work.

Live - Any valve, line or system under pressure, or in a liquid system application, which is currently in use, or in pipelines which may contain toxic, harmful, pressurised or explosive liquids.

Hot Work - Is the process of cutting, heating, welding, grinding or other potential sources of ignition?

Confined Space - Is defined as “an enclosed or partially enclosed space” which:

• Is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy.

• Is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work.

• May have restricted means for entry and exit, and may:

• Have an atmosphere, which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant.

• Not have a safe oxygen level, or

• Cause engulfment.

5.0   REQUIREMENTS

5.1   This procedure is not applicable to designated “Hot Work Areas” or workshops where hot work is normally conducted.

5.2   Prior to commencement of any work, the supervisor must first obtain in written the exact scope of work to be carried out by the Company. This is to include the testing specifications to be employed by the Company during the scope of work.

5.3   Before allocating any personnel to commence the assigned scope of work, the supervisor is to ascertain if a competent fire watch is available before commencing work.

5.4   Before commencing any hot work, the supervisor and the tradesman are to conduct a full survey of the work area and adjacent areas to ascertain if any fire hazards are located immediately within the radiant heating area of where the hot work is to be conducted. They are also to determine that:

5.4.1 Combustible material has been cleared from adjacent heating areas.

5.4.2 Complete inspections have been carried out to ensure all electrical cables are clear.

5.4.3 Supply Thermal Mats (Fire blankets) to fixed equipment to provide protection from hot work.

5.4.4 Adjacent area checks including pipes are free of combustibles. Particular note is to be taken of Rubber lined pipe work, chutes and screens.

5.4.5 A Confined Space Entry permit IMS9.4.6.3 Confined Space permit has been raised.

5.4.6 Intentionally left blank

5.4.7 Whether there is adequate supply or exhaust ventilation in the area.

5.4.8 Whether or not warning notices are required.

5.5   Before commencement of hot work, the fire sentries/ watches are to be briefed in the immediate action to be taken in the event of an emergency arising. They are not to have any reading material in their possession or be distracted in any way when employed as a sentry.

5.6   Oxy cutting or welding in a situation where molten/hot slag can fall onto either people or places suggests barricading and exclusion zone may be required and/or working at heights procedures looked at. In addition, there needs to be monitoring of the area where the cutting or welding slag is falling to ensure that there is no fire resulting. The risk assessment of the area needs to take into consideration fire hazards, weather conditions e.g. wind, proximity to personnel / property etc.,

5.7   Suitable charged water hose and/or fire extinguishers are to be close at hand for all sentries and tradesmen prior to conducting the Hot Work.

5.8   If pipe work or a system is to have hot work commenced on it, the supervisor is to inspect the pipe work and associated systems to ascertain if the system is live or not.

5.9   Once hot work has commenced the sentry is to remain vigilant at all times conducting regular checks within his area of responsibility and is not to vacate the area at all.

5.10   On completion of hot work the tradesman is to physically check all adjacent areas for signs of residual heat, which could radiate into a potential ignition source.

5.11   Fire watch to remain in the immediate heating area until the hot work being conducted becomes cool to the touch.

6.0   EXHIBITS

Nil.