SECTION 5.17  HOT WORKS

Subsection 5.17.1.  Application

Application

5.17.1.1.  This Section applies to hot works that use open flames or produce heat or sparks, including cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, adhesive bonding, thermal spraying and thawing pipes.

Same

5.17.1.2.  The installation, operation and maintenance of hot work equipment shall comply with CAN/CSA-W117.2, “Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes” and meet the requirements of this Section.

Subsection 5.17.2.  Use and Maintenance of Equipment

Fuel gases

5.17.2.1.  The operation of acetylene generating systems and the storage and generation of hot work fuel gases shall comply with NFPA 51, “Standard for Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes”.

Piping

5.17.2.2.  Acetylene gas shall not be piped through copper or high copper content alloy, tubing, piping or fittings.

Cylinder storage

5.17.2.3.  Cylinders stored inside buildings shall conform to the requirements in Section 5.6.

Cylinder caps and valves

5.17.2.4.  Gas fuel cylinders, whether full or empty, whose valves are not in a recessed or protected location shall have their caps in place and their valves tightly closed when not in actual use.

Damaged equipment

5.17.2.5.  Torches, regulators, hoses and other oxyacetylene hot work equipment which have been damaged shall not be used.

Equipment inspection

5.17.2.6.  (1)  Hot work equipment shall be inspected daily or prior to use for defects by personnel in charge of the equipment.

(2)  Hot work equipment shall be tested monthly for leaks with a leak test solution.

(3)  Leaks or defects found in hot work equipment shall be repaired prior to use.

Equipment not in use

5.17.2.7.  Valves shall be closed and lines bled when equipment is not in actual use.

Lubrication

5.17.2.8.  Oil or grease shall not be used for lubrication of hot work equipment.

Subsection 5.17.3.  Prevention of Fires

Location of operations

5.17.3.1.  (1)  Hot work operations in buildings shall be carried out in areas that

(a)   are free of combustible and flammable contents, and
(b)   have walls, ceilings and floors of noncombustible construction or that are lined with noncombustible materials.

(2)  When it is not practical to undertake hot work operations in areas described in Sentence (1), combustible and flammable materials shall either be kept at least 11 m from the work area or otherwise protected against ignition by sheet metal, asbestos blankets or other noncombustible material.

(3)  Any process or activity that produces flammable gases or vapours, combustible dusts or combustible fibres in quantities sufficient to create a fire or explosion hazard shall be interrupted and the hazardous conditions shall be removed before any hot work is carried out.

Work adjacent to piping

5.17.3.2.  When hot work is to be carried out near piping containing flammable gas, the section of the piping located within 1 m of the torch shall be covered with wet noncombustible insulating material 6 mm thick.

Work on containers

5.17.3.3.  (1)  Hot work shall not be performed on containers, equipment, or piping containing flammable liquids, combustible liquids or flammable gases unless

(a)   they have been cleaned and tested with a listed gas detector, such as one conforming to CSA C22.2 No. 152, “Combustible Gas Detection Instruments”, to ascertain that they are free of explosive vapours, or
(b)   safety measures are taken in conformance with good engineering practice.

(2)  Hot work operations shall not be undertaken on a totally enclosed container.

(3)  At least one portable extinguisher conforming to Section 6.2 shall be provided in the hot work area.