API RP 2009:2002 pdf download

API RP 2009:2002 pdf download.Safe Welding, Cutting, and Hot Work Practices in the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries.
5.2 PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Many of the hazards present in the normal workplace exist in the welding environment. Normal use of workplace PPE and precautions against slip/trip/fall hazards are the same, and are not addrusscd here. Similarly, if work is done at heights, the facility (or organization) fall protection procedures and equipment should be used. Arc welding requires electric power. and work in confined spaces needs lighting. Suitable clectrical work practices should be followed for whatever electrical equipment is in use, especially in wet or moist conditions (including perspiration) where there is potential for contact with metal parts which are “electrically hot” (see 5.11).
In the welding environment, especially in confined spaces. the work area is often congested because of the number of cables, hoses and lines required. While normal procedures arc applicable, it is good to review the placement of equipment to reduce exposure to tripping hazards.
Because hot work and welding are heat-generating processes, there should be care to use appropriate protective clothing to avoid thermal hums. Injuries have occurred due to sparks or hot metal falling into pockets, folds of rolled up sleeves, pants-cuffs or work boots. Frayed clothing is more easily ignited.
Eye and face injuries can be caused by flying particles. molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, or chemical gasses or vapors. Safe work practices should protect persons against falling sparks, chips and slag when working below welding being done at elevation.
5.3 POTENTIAL ACUTE HEALTH HAZARDS AND RISK REDUCT1ON
Acute health hazards affect people during or shortly after exposure. The effects may be transient or longer lasting. Typically these short-temi exposure effects are reversible when removed from exposure. Examples are irritation of’ the eyes or respiratory system caused by inhalation exposure over a short time to vapors, gases or from welding f’umes. Although transient, these efkcts are undesirable and should be avoided.
Other materials used or stored in the hot work environment may represent acute hazards (such as hydrogen sulfide. chlorine or ammonia) which could be released and reach personnel. Even without this potential, the welding operation itself can create acute health hazards. Are flash (ultraviolet radiation) can cause eye imtation or burns. Fumes from vaporized zinc (such as created while welding galvanized steel) can cause “metal fume fever.” Work in hot environments can cause heat stress, and oxygen deficiency from any source can have acute effects.
5.4.2 Other Toxic Substances
Atmospheric testing and monitoring requirements should he determined by the job safety analysis. Results of monitoring should satisfy each safely need through job design. engineering controls, procedural controls or other safeguards. such as personal protective equipment. Appropriate measures should he implemented to keep personnel exposures below OSI-IA PF.Ls and/or ACGIH TLV®s. Persons evaluating atmospheres should consider both fire hazards and health hazards, using appropriate limits for each. Specialiied monitoring and testing for health hazard materials are required if possibilities exist for exposures above the relevant limits. Personnel doing this testing should recognize that health-related personnel exposure limit concentrations are several orders of magnitude lower than lire safety concentrations.
5.5 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, VAPORS, SOLIDS, OR DUSTS
Normally. the work area should be hydrocarbon vapor and gas free. Hot work should not be permitted:
a. While adjacent equipment that contains flammable liquid. vapor, solids, or dust is connected (without isolation) to the equipment on which welding is being done, or
b. Where adjacent equipment is being opened. disassembled. steamed, ventilated, or flushed of sediment without considering how such actions might affect the hot work,
Attention should be given to drums or other portable containers holding flammable or combustible materials. Hot work performed in areas where tanks arc receiving flammable liquids or gases should be continuously monitored to ensure that the atmosphere is safe. In areas where hot work is approved, process operators should he made aware of the work in process and take necessary precaution to prevent release of flammable liquids or vapor until the hot work has stopped.