This video demonstrates the lengths some will go to “get it done”. We can see two workers with fire extinguishers, positioning themselves on both sides of the pipeline as if they know what’s going to happen. These are NOT Hot Work “fire watches”; these workers are there to do just what they expected: put the fire out once it ignites. Doing that hot work in a trench, dealing with a flammable that has vapors heavier than air and this is their solution to do this work is simply INSANE. It violates the most fundamental Hot Work practice…
1910.252(a)(2)(vi) Prohibited areas. Cutting or welding shall not be permitted in the following situations:
1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(A) In areas not authorized by management.
1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(B) In sprinklered buildings while such protection is impaired.
1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(C) In the presence of explosive atmospheres (mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air), or explosive atmospheres that may develop inside uncleaned or improperly prepared tanks or equipment which have previously contained such materials, or that may develop in areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts.
1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(D) In areas near the storage of large quantities of exposed, readily ignitible materials such as bulk sulfur, baled paper, or cotton.