The 2015 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) introduces how hot work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks shall be carried out and the requirements are quite specific. And for those of you working in states that have adopted the 2015 IFC as your state fire code, I have posted ALL of the HW requirements from this code, with a special emphasis on the requirements for hot work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks.
CHAPTER 35 WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
SECTION 3501 GENERAL
3501.1 Scope
Welding, cutting, open torches and other hot work operations and equipment shall comply with this chapter.
3501.2 Permits
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.
3501.3 Restricted areas
Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designed or authorized for that purpose by the personnel responsible for a Hot Work Program. Hot work shall not be conducted in the following areas unless approval has been obtained from the fire code official:
- Areas where the sprinkler system is impaired.
- Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids or vapors are present.
- Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust or loose combustible materials.
- On board ships at dock or ships under construction or repair.
- At other locations as specified by the fire code official.
3501.4 Cylinders and containers
Compressed gas cylinders and fuel containers shall comply with this chapter and Chapter 53.
3501.5 Design and installation of oxygen-fuel gas systems
An oxygen-fuel gas system with two or more manifolded cylinders of oxygen shall be in accordance with NFPA 51.
SECTION 3502 DEFINITIONS
3502.1 Definitions.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
HOT WORK
HOT WORK AREA
HOT WORK EQUIPMENT
HOT WORK PERMITS
HOT WORK PROGRAM
RESPONSIBLE PERSON
TORCH-APPLIED ROOF SYSTEM
SECTION 3503 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3503.1 General
Hot work conditions and operations shall comply with this chapter.
3503.2 Temporary and fixed hot work areas
Temporary and fixed hot work areas shall comply with this section.
3503.3 Hot work program permit
Hot work permits, issued by an approved responsible person under a hot work program, shall be available for review by the fire code official at the time the work is conducted and for 48 hours after work is complete.
3503.4 Qualifications of operators
A permit for hot work operations shall not be issued unless the individuals in charge of performing such operations are capable of performing such operations safely. Demonstration of a working knowledge of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute acceptable evidence of compliance with this requirement
3503.5 Records
The individual responsible for the hot work area shall maintain “prework check” reports in accordance with Section 3504.3.1. Such reports shall be maintained on the premises for not less than 48 hours after work is complete.
3503.6 Signage
Visible hazard identification signs shall be provided where required by Chapter 50. Where the hot work area is accessible to persons other than the operator of the hot work equipment, conspicuous signs shall be posted to warn others before they enter the hot work area. Such signs shall display the following warning:
CAUTION
HOT WORK IN PROGRESS
STAY CLEAR
SECTION 3504 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
3504.1 Protection of combustibles
Protection of combustibles shall be in accordance with Sections 3504.1.1 through 3504.1.9.
3504.1.1 Combustibles
Hot work areas shall not contain combustibles or shall be provided with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting exposed combustibles.
3504.1.2 Openings
Openings or cracks in walls, floors, ducts or shafts within the hot work area shall be tightly covered to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent combustible areas, or shielded by metal fire-resistant guards, or curtains shall be provided to prevent passage of sparks or slag.
3504.1.3 Housekeeping
Floors shall be kept clean within the hot work area.
3504.1.4 Conveyor systems
Conveyor systems that are capable of carrying sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded or shut down.
3504.1.5 Partitions
Partitions segregating hot work areas from other areas of the building shall be noncombustible. In fixed hot work areas, the partitions shall be securely connected to the floor such that no gap exists between the floor and the partition. Partitions shall prevent the passage of sparks, slag, and heat from the hot work area.
3504.1.6 Floors
Fixed hot work areas shall have floors with noncombustible surfaces.
3504.1.7 Precautions in hot work
Hot work shall not be performed on containers or equipment that contain or have contained flammable liquids, gases or solids until the containers and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned, inerted or purged; except that “hot tapping” shall be allowed on tanks and pipe lines where such work is to be conducted by approved personnel. Hot work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks shall be conducted in accordance with Section 3510.
3504.1.8 Sprinkler protection
Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off while hot work is performed. Where hot work is performed close to automatic sprinklers, noncombustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of each workday. The fire code official shall approve hot work where sprinkler protection is impaired.
3504.1.9 Fire detection systems
Approved special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.
3504.2 Fire watch
Fire watches shall be established and conducted in accordance with Sections 3504.2.1 through 3504.2.6.
3504.2.1 When required
A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities and shall continue for not less than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The fire code official, or the responsible manager under a hot work program, is authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed.
Exception: Where the hot work area has no fire hazards or combustible exposures.
3504.2.2 Location
The fire watch shall include the entire hot work area. Hot work conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to fire watches to ensure that exposed areas are monitored.
3504.2.3 Duties
Individuals designated to fire watch duty shall have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment. Individuals assigned to fire watch duty shall be responsible for extinguishing spot fires and communicating an alarm.
3504.2.4 Fire training
The individuals responsible for performing the hot work and individuals responsible for providing the fire watch shall be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.
3504.2.5 Fire hoses
Where hoselines are required, they shall be connected, charged and ready for operation.
3504.2.6 Fire extinguisher
Not less than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be readily accessible within 30 feet (9144 mm) of the location where hot work is performed.
3504.3 Area reviews
Before hot work is permitted and not less than once per day while the permit is in effect, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing hot work operations to ensure that it is a fire safe area. Information shown on the permit shall be verified prior to signing the permit in accordance with Section 105.6.
3504.3.1 Pre-hot-work check
A pre-hot-work check shall be conducted prior to work to ensure that all equipment is safe and hazards are recognized and protected. A report of the check shall be kept at the work site during the work and available upon request. The pre-hot-work check shall determine all of the following:
-
- Hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair.
- Hot work site is clear of combustibles or combustibles are protected.
- Exposed construction is of noncombustible materials or, if combustible, then protected.
- Openings are protected.
- Floors are kept clean.
- No exposed combustibles are located on the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings or floors.
- Fire watches, where required, are assigned.
- Approved actions have been taken to prevent accidental activation of suppression and detection equipment in accordance with Sections 3504.1.8 and 3504.1.9.
- Fire extinguishers and fire hoses (where provided) are operable and available.
SECTION 3505 GAS WELDING AND CUTTING
3505.1 General
Devices or attachments mixing air or oxygen with combustible gases prior to consumption, except at the burner or in a standard torch or blow pipe, shall not be allowed unless approved.
3505.2 Cylinder and container storage, handling and use
Storage, handling and use of <i>compressed gas</i> cylinders, containers and tanks shall be in accordance with this section and Chapter 53.
3505.2.1 Cylinders connected for use
The storage or use of a single cylinder of oxygen and a single cylinder of fuel gas located on a cart shall be allowed without requiring the cylinders to be separated in accordance with Section 5003.9.8 or 5003.10.3.6 when the cylinders are connected to regulators, ready for service, equipped with apparatus designed for cutting or welding and all of the following:
-
- Carts shall be kept away from the cutting or welding operation in accordance with Section 3505.5 or fire-resistant shields shall be provided.
- Cylinders shall be secured to the cart to resist movement.
- Carts shall be in accordance with Section 5003.10.3.
- Cylinder valves not having fixed hand wheels shall have keys, handles or nonadjustable wrenches on valve stems while the cylinders are in service.
- Cylinder valve outlet connections shall conform to the requirements of CGA V-1.
- Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is finished.
- Cylinder valves shall be closed before moving the cart.
3505.2.1.1 Individual cart separation
Individual carts shall be separated from each other in accordance with Section 5003.9.8.
3505.3 Precautions
Cylinders, valves, regulators, hose and other apparatus and fittings for oxygen shall be kept free from oil or grease. Oxygen cylinders, apparatus and fittings shall not be handled with oily hands, oily gloves, or greasy tools or equipment.
3505.4 Acetylene gas
Acetylene gas shall not be piped except in <i>approved</i> cylinder manifolds and cylinder manifold connections, or utilized at a pressure exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa) unless dissolved in a suitable solvent in cylinders manufactured in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR Part 178. Acetylene gas shall not be brought in contact with unalloyed copper, except in a blowpipe or torch.
3505.5 Remote locations
Oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders and acetylene generators shall be located away from the hot work area to prevent such cylinders or generators from being heated by radiation from heated materials, sparks or slag, or misdirection of the torch flame.
3505.6 Cylinders shutoff
The torch valve shall be closed and the gas supply to the torch completely shut off when gas welding or cutting operations are discontinued for a period of 1 hour or more.
3505.7 Prohibited operation
Welding or cutting work shall not be held or supported on compressed gas cylinders or containers.
3505.8 Tests
Tests for leaks in piping systems and equipment shall be made with soapy water. The use of flames shall be prohibited for leak testing.
SECTION 3506 ELECTRIC ARC HOT WORK
3506.1 General
The frame or case of electric hot work machines, except internal-combustion-engine-driven machines, shall be grounded. Ground connections shall be mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current.
3506.2 Return circuits
Welding current return circuits from the work to the machine shall have proper electrical contact at joints. The electrical contact shall be periodically inspected.
3506.3 Disconnecting
Electrodes shall be removed from the holders when electric arc welding or cutting is discontinued for any period of 1 hour or more. The holders shall be located to prevent accidental contact and the machines shall be disconnected from the power source.
3506.4 Emergency disconnect
A switch or circuit breaker shall be provided so that fixed electric welders and control equipment can be disconnected from the supply circuit. The disconnect shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70.
3506.5 Damaged cable
Damaged cable shall be removed from service until properly repaired or replaced.
SECTION 3507 CALCIUM CARBIDE SYSTEMS
3507.1 Calcium carbide storage
Storage and handling of calcium carbide shall comply with Chapter 50 of this code and Chapter 9 of NFPA 51.
SECTION 3508 ACETYLENE GENERATORS
3508.1 Use of acetylene generators
The use of acetylene generators shall comply with this section and Chapter 6 of NFPA 51A.
3508.2 Portable generators
The minimum volume of rooms containing portable generators shall be 35 times the total gas-generating capacity per charge of all generators in the room. The gas-generating capacity in cubic feet per charge shall be assumed to be 4.5 times the weight of carbide per charge in pounds. The minimum ceiling height of rooms containing generators shall be 10 feet (3048 mm). An acetylene generator shall not be moved by derrick, crane or hoist while charged.
3508.3 Protection against freezing
Generators shall be located where water will not freeze. Common salt such as sodium chloride or other corrosive chemicals shall not be utilized for protection against freezing.
SECTION 3509 PIPING MANIFOLDS AND HOSE SYSTEMS FOR FUEL GASES AND OXYGEN
3509.1 General
The use of piping manifolds and hose systems shall be in accordance with Section 3509.2 through 3509.7, Chapter 53 and Chapter 5 of NFPA 51.
3509.2 Protection
Piping shall be protected against physical damage.
3509.3 Signage
Signage shall be provided for piping and hose systems as follows:
- Above-ground piping systems shall be marked in accordance with ASME A13.1.
- Station outlets shall be marked to indicate their intended usage.
- Signs shall be posted, indicating clearly the location and identity of section shutoff valves.
3509.4 Manifolding of cylinders
Oxygen manifolds shall not be located in an acetylene generator room. Oxygen manifolds shall be located not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) away from combustible material such as oil or grease, and gas cylinders containing flammable gases, unless the gas cylinders are separated by a fire partition.
3509.5 Identification of manifolds
Signs shall be posted for oxygen manifolds with service pressures not exceeding 200 psig (1379 kPa). Such signs shall include the words:
LOW-PRESSURE MANIFOLD
DO NOT CONNECT HIGH-PRESSURE CYLINDERS
MAXIMUM PRESSURE 250 PSIG
3509.6 Clamps
Hose connections shall be clamped or otherwise securely fastened.
3509.7 Inspection
Hoses shall be inspected frequently for leaks, burns, wear, loose connections or other defects rendering the hose unfit for service.
SECTION 3510 HOT WORK ON FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID STORAGE TANKS
3510.1 General
Hot work performed on the interior or exterior of tanks that hold or have held flammable or combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Section
3510.2 and Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 of NFPA 326.
3510.2 Prevention
The following steps shall be taken to minimize hazards where hot work must be performed on a flammable or combustible liquid storage container:
- Use alternative methods to avoid hot work where possible.
- Analyze the hazards prior to performing hot work, identify the potential hazards and the methods of hazard control.
- Hot work shall conform to the requirements of the code or standard to which the container was originally fabricated.
- Test the immediate and surrounding work area with a combustible gas detector and provide for a means of continuing monitoring while conducting the hot work.
- Qualified employees and contractors performing hot work shall use an industry-approved hot work permit system to control the work.
- Personnel shall be properly trained on hot work policies and procedures regarding equipment, safety, hazard controls and job-specific requirements.
- On-site safety supervision shall be present where hot work is in progress to protect the personnel conducting the hot work and provide additional overview of site-specific hazards.