Revision Date: March 2020 Print Date: March 2020
Approved By: Greg Sandoz COO Revision #: 4.1 Pandemic
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PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
GULF SOUTH SERVICES, INC. has developed a company program to inform employees of steps to be taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as well as to protect themselves and other employees. This plan is to be implemented in any declaration of a pandemic. This plan can be modified or changed when more extreme methods are required or suggested from the CDC.
A. OBJECTIVES
To set an expectation of responsibility of all employees to use all tools and information to prevent contracting or spreading infectious diseases during a recognized pandemic.
To designate responsibilities of management to implement this plan
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Management is responsible for ownership and implementation of the Plan. The Senior Management team shall inform the HSE team of any upcoming work in new or unusual locations in other states or countries. The Senior Management team is responsible to facilitate the direction of employees to participate in any required training that is determined by the HSE team. The Senior Management team shall provide resources needed to complete required training.
The HSE Manager or Safety Coordinator is responsible to advise management of any known government warnings and or changes to possible pandemics. This should include when potential work is being planned out of local areas, out of state, or in foreign areas. The HSE Manager or Safety coordinator is further responsible to work with Senior Management to develop specific plans to execute the work that would include any required vaccinations, specific required PPE, and any specific training on hygiene requirements. The HSE Manager or Safety Coordinator shall set up any needed testing and direct any required quarantines.
The Supervisor is responsible for executing the plan on site or office levels. The Supervisor is further responsible to provide training to employees and to monitor the site for potential employees that could be an exposure or that have been exposed. The supervisor is responsible to report all potential infected employees to the HSE team.
Revision Date: March 2020 Print Date: March 2020
Approved By: Greg Sandoz COO Revision #: 4.1 Pandemic
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C. General Plan
1) Proper personal hygiene should be practiced at all times. Employees should wash their hands regularly. It is the responsibility of the company to provide all employees access to clean restroom and lunch room facilities. All employees shall have access to areas to wash hands.
2) Drinking water will be provided and individual single use cups shall be provided for all employees. Employees assigned to prepare drinking water shall be screened for exposure and must be trained on proper procedures for water preparation. Bottled water is preferred in these situations.
3) Hand Sanitizer will be placed in all common areas for employees to use at their discretion. EPA approved disinfectants will be provided in all restrooms and common areas. Industrial type clean wipes or disinfecting wipes shall be available to all employees in all common areas.
4) Employees shall receive training prior to being dispatched to any areas where there is a known or potential pandemic. Office employees shall receive training on general hygiene and prevention of spread of diseases annually and in any declared pandemic. This training shall be tracked on form 16a.
5) Any employee that has been exposed to the particular illness or who has been diagnosed with the particular illness must not return to work until they have received a return to work from a licensed physician. In extreme situations, non-essential employees may be laid off or moved to part time status. Essential employees that can perform their duties remotely may be asked to work from home.
6) Field employees being dispatched to areas of known pandemics must take all required immunization prior to dispatch. All office employees will be strongly encouraged to take proper immunization in pandemics.
7) GSSI will maintain our 24 hour on call service. All essential employees will maintain communication via mobile and email. Senior management will set periodic meetings to discuss updates and plans to maintain projects as well as changes in recommendations from the CDC or other government agencies. Action Items from these meetings will be distributed via e-mail.
8) Operations will maintain communication with clients through e-mail, GSSI call in service, and the 24 hr. on call scaffold line.
9) GSSI will not facilitate and will cancel any large group gatherings or company events in any declared pandemic. Groups of employees will be limited to the required amount for the specific task and or project. On large projects, employees will be asked to refrain from any physical contact (hand shaking) and social spacing during safety meetings.
10) All common areas shall be cleaned daily and after each use using an EPA approved disinfectant or sanitary wipes. Door handles and entry areas shall be cleaned daily. Employees shall disinfect their work stations daily.
11) This plan shall be monitored by Senior Management and the HSE team as the pandemic progresses. Changes will be evaluated by the Senior Management
Revision Date: March 2020 Print Date: March 2020
Approved By: Greg Sandoz COO Revision #: 4.1 Pandemic
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team. After the event the Senior Management Team will review the effectiveness of the plan and recommend any needed changes. This plan can be revised as new knowledge or technology is provided. This program shall be reviewed at least annually.
Pandemic Preparedness
Safety Alert 54 – Dropped Object
Safety Alert 54 – Dropped ObjectSafety Alert 54- Dropped Object
What: Dropped Object
Where: Noble Paul Romano- Port Aft ROV Deck
When: April 10, 2017
What
Workers were dismantling a hanging scaffold. In the process of dismantling the scaffold one of the workers unpinned a bar that was adjacent to the leg and bar that he was working from. When the bar was unpinned the adjacent leg and bar swung as it was only attached to the rig with a swivel clamp and a tube. When the leg swung loose the leg was taken out of the bind it was in. This allowed the swivel clamp to loosen and the tube slipped through the clamp. This resulted in the 7 ft. leg, 7 ft. bar, tube, and swivel clamps to fall overboard into the water. Luckily, no one was on this portion of the scaffold and no one was injured during the incident.
Why
The scaffold was improperly built. This created an unsafe condition for the crew dismantling the scaffold, who were not present during the build. There were no right angle clamps used to attach the opposing legs to a structural member of the rig. The legs were supported only by the swivel clamps and tube, which allowed it to swing freely upon being disconnected. The leg was in a bind because it was slightly being pulled away from the swivel clamp. This makes it difficult for the clamp to fully tighten around the tube. When the bind that is put on the leg releases, it can cause the clamp to slightly loosen and the tube to not be adequately secured. There was also no safety clamp to prevent the tube from sliding in the event that this happened. The scaffold still would have shifted, but with a safety clamp the tube could have been caught and prevented it from falling into the water.
Although it did not contribute to the incident there were a few other issues identified with the scaffold. The swivel clamp and tube were attached to a handrail instead of a beam or other structural member. There were several legs that were hanging from bars without being attached or having a 45° brace within 12 inches of the beam clamps. Many of the scaffolds, including this scaffold, did not have any toe boards installed.
Corrective Measures
• The Noble Paul Romano and Globetrotter require that all materials that are to be handled over the water be tie-off when erecting or dismantling hanging scaffolds until they are adequately secured.
• Hanging scaffolds must be properly secured using right angle clamps and should not be supported solely using swivel clamps.
• All tubes used for support must be equipped with safety clamps to offer a secondary device to prevent tubes from slipping through clamps.
• Whenever beam clamps and tubes are used to secure legs to a structure either the right angle or a 45° support must be located within 12” of the beam. Handrails are only required to support 200 lbs. of force and are not adequate supports for a scaffold.
• Toe boards are required on all scaffolds.
• If you did not build a scaffold and are required to come back later and tear it down, be sure to double-check all connections and plan the safest approach to dismantle the scaffold. Step back, identify all support points, assess all the possible hazards, and develop a plan to eliminate or control the identified hazards. This should be part of the JSA process.
• Supervisors must ensure that the above corrective actions are being followed. When inspecting scaffolds, you must get on the scaffold and thoroughly inspect it to identify hazards. If any of the above mentioned requirements are not followed the scaffold must be fixed immediately. Be sure to communicate these corrective measures and controls with your crews during your next pre-tour safety meeting.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.
OSHA Fact Sheet – Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat
OSHA-Heat Stress
OSHA Fact Sheet
Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat
At times, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat illnesses can occur and may result in death. It is also important to consider that hot work environments may exist indoors. This fact sheet provides information to employers on measures they should take to prevent worker illnesses and death caused by heat stress.
What is Heat Illness?
The following are illnesses that may result from exposure to heat in the workplace.
Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 104°F). This is a medical emergency that may result in death! The signs of heat stroke are confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Workers experiencing heat stroke have a very high body temperature and may stop sweating. If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, get medical help immediately, and call 911. Until medical help arrives, move the worker to a shady, cool area and remove as much clothing as possible. Wet the worker with cool water and circulate the air to speed cooling. Place cold wet cloths, wet towels or ice all over the body or soak the worker’s clothing with cold water.
Heat Exhaustion is the next most serious heat-related health problem. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than 100.4°F. Workers with heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot area and given liquids to drink.
Cool the worker with cold compresses to the head, neck, and face or have the worker wash his or her head, face and neck with cold water. Encourage frequent sips of cool water. Workers with signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion should be taken to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. Make sure that someone stays with the worker until help arrives. If symptoms worsen, call 911 and get help immediately.
Heat Cramps are muscle pains usually caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Workers with heat cramps should replace fluid loss by drinking water and/or carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat Rash is the most common problem in hot work environments. Heat rash is caused by sweating and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Heat rash may appear on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts and elbow creases. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid work environment. The rash area should be kept dry. Powder may be applied to increase comfort. Ointments and creams should not be used on a heat rash. Anything that makes the skin warm or moist may make the rash worse.
Prevention Made Simple:
Program Elements
Heat Illness Prevention Program key elements include:
• A Person Designated to Oversee the Heat Illness Prevention Program
• Hazard Identification
• Water. Rest. Shade Message
• Acclimatization
• Modified Work Schedules
• Training
• Monitoring for Signs and Symptoms
• Emergency Planning and Response, Occupational Factors that May Contribute to Heat Illness
• High temperature and humidity
• Low fluid consumption
• Direct sun exposure (with no shade) or extreme heat
• Limited air movement (no breeze or wind)
• Physical exertion
• Use of bulky protective clothing and equipment
Designate a Person to Oversee the Heat Stress Program
Identify someone trained in the hazards, physiological responses to heat, and controls. This person can develop, implement and manage the program.
Hazard Identification
Hazard identification involves recognizing heat hazards and the risk of heat illness due to high temperature, humidity, sun and other thermal exposures, work demands, clothing or PPE and personal risk factors.
Identification tools include: OSHA’s Heat Smartphone App; a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) which is a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight that takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun and cloud cover; and the National Weather Service Heat Index. Exposure to full sun can increase heat index values up to 15°F.
Water.Rest.Shade
Ensure that cool drinking water is available and easily accessible. (Note: Certain beverages, such as caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration.)
Encourage workers to drink a liter of water over one hour, which is about one cup every fifteen minutes.
Provide or ensure that fully shaded or air-conditioned areas are available for resting and cooling down.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is a physical change that allows the body to build tolerance to working in the heat. It occurs by gradually increasing workloads and exposure and taking frequent breaks for water and rest in the shade. Full acclimatization may take up to 14 days or longer depending on factors relating to the individual, such as increased risk of heat illness due to certain medications or medical conditions, or the environment.
New workers and those returning from a prolonged absence should begin with 20% of the workload on the first day, increasing incrementally by no more than 20% each subsequent day.
During a rapid change leading to excessively hot weather or conditions such as a heat wave, even experienced workers should begin on the first day of work in excessive heat with 50% of the normal workload and time spent in the hot environment, 60% on the second day, 80% on day three, and 100% on the fourth day.
Modified Work Schedules
Altering work schedules may reduce workers’ exposure to heat. For instance:
• Reschedule all non-essential outdoor work for days with a reduced heat index.
• Schedule the more physically demanding work during the cooler times of day;
• Schedule less physically demanding work during warmer times of the day;
• Rotate workers and split shifts, and/or add extra workers.
• Work/Rest cycles, using established industry guidelines.
• Stop work if essential control methods are inadequate or unavailable when the risk of heat illness is very high.
Keep in mind that very early starting times may result in increased fatigue. Also, early morning hours tend to have higher humidity levels.
Training
Provide training in a language and manner workers understand, including information on health
effects of heat, the symptoms of heat illness, how and when to respond to symptoms, and how to prevent heat illness.
Monitoring for Heat Illness Symptoms
Establish a system to monitor and report the signs and symptoms listed on the previous page to improve early detection and action. Using a buddy system will assist supervisors when watching for signs of heat illness.
Emergency Planning and Response
Have an emergency plan in place and communicate it to supervisors and workers. Emergency plan considerations include:
• What to do when someone is showing signs of heat illness. This can make the difference between life and death.
• How to contact emergency help.
• How long it will take for emergency help to arrive and training workers on appropriate first-aid measures until help arrives.
• Consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional in preparing a plan.
DTSEM FS-3743 08/2014
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
Engineering Controls Specific to Indoor Workplaces
Indoor workplaces may be cooled by using air conditioning or increased ventilation, assuming that cooler air is available from the outside. Other methods to reduce indoor temperature include: providing reflective shields to redirect radiant heat, insulating hot surfaces, and decreasing water vapor pressure, e.g., by sealing steam leaks and keeping floors dry. The use of fans to increase the air speed over the worker will improve heat exchange between the skin surface and the air, unless the air temperature is higher than the skin temperature. However, increasing air speeds above 300 ft. per min. may actually have a warming effect. Industrial hygiene personnel can assess the degree of heat stress caused by the work environment and make recommendations for reducing heat exposure.
Additional information
For more information on this and other issues affecting workers or heat stress, visit: www.osha.gov/heat; www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress; andwww.noaa.gov/features/earthobs_0508/heat.html.
For more information about workers’ rights, see OSHA’s workers page at www.osha.gov/workers.html.
Safety Alert 55 – Preventing Accidents
Safety Alert 55 – Preventing AccidentsSafety Alert 55
5/24/2017 from the desk of Chris Detillier- HSE Manager
What Preventing Incidents
Where All Facilities and Departments
When At all times
There are many factors that can lead to workplace incidents. Some of the most common factors are haste (rushing), complacency, lack of focus, and lack of knowledge or understanding. It is important as a company that we understand the impact that these situations and identify when these risk factors are present.
Haste (rushing)- haste can be caused by deadlines to get projects completed, push by clients or supervisors, or trying to complete too many tasks or projects at a time. Even though it is important to get jobs done in a timely manner, that should never come at the expense of safety. Many times, being in a hurry leads to unsafe acts and short-cuts, which are not acceptable. If you feel that you do not have enough time to complete a project in a safe manner, you must report it to your supervisor in order to come up with a safe solution.
Complacency– this happens when we get used to performing the same tasks again and again and become over confident that nothing will go wrong. What we fail to realize is that many of the tasks we perform will always have a new or additional hazard due to the surrounding environment. Protect yourself from complacency by being sure to thoroughly complete JSAs and look for additional hazards specific to the job, have someone new to the location or job give ideas (a fresh set of eyes can see things that you have been missing), and do not assume that because you have been doing something for a long time without an incident that nothing will happen.
Lack of focus– this can be caused haste and complacency, as well as other distractions whether on the job or at home. If we are not 100% focused on what we are doing we are putting ourselves at risk of an incident. Ensure that you are mentally prepared to perform your job. Inform supervisors if there are any distractions that may affect your focus and take your attention off of the task at hand.
Lack of knowledge– Many times pride takes over and we do not want to ask questions or admit that we do not know how to something. If we are not sure of how to do a specific task or the hazards, how are we supposed to do it safely? The worst thing that we can do in this situation is to not speak up and get our questions answered. If you are not sure about a task that is given, information about the facility, or the hazards associated with a particular task it is extremely important that you find out any questions that you have. Failure to do so will put yourself or others at risk of injury.
By focusing on these risks factors, we will encourage and provide a safe working environment for Gulf South employees as well as other companies at the facility. These items should be brought up at pre-tour meetings to remind workers to be aware of these risks. Supervisors and foremen need to communicate with their crew to ensure that the above factors are not present. If any are identified, they need to come up with a solution to mitigate these hazards. Supervisors must also ensure that JSAs are completed and communicated thoroughly to everyone on the crew and that crew members are allowed to give feedback. If you feel that any of these factors are causing an unsafe working condition we must speak up and let someone know. This is a Gulf South policy. Remember that we all have stop work authority and if we do not speak up, we are allowing unsafe acts to occur. “Silence is Permission”
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT 53! General Safety Rules
Safety Alert 53- General Safety RulesGULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT!
3/15/2017 from the desk of Chris Detillier- HSE Manager
What General Safety Rules
Where All Job Sites, all crafts need to be aware of these general rules.
Please be aware of the following general safety rules and requirements:
• Vapor Cigarettes- Be aware that vapor cigarettes are not allowed at Anadarko facilities and may not be allowed at other facilities because they may be considered a fire hazard. Please check with your supervisor before traveling to an offshore location to determine if they will be allowed at the location.
• Cell Phones- Cell phones are not allowed to be used during working hours, unless they are being used for work purposes. If you are on tour you should not be on your cell phone. This is company policy and needs to be enforced by supervisors.
• Scaffolding- at least two boards are needed to work from when erecting or dismantling scaffolds. Scaffold bracing must also be installed on the scaffold is being erected, not once the scaffold is completed. This is a company policy.
• General Health/Hygiene- Your health is important. Be sure to take steps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Wash hands frequently and inform your supervisor if you are sick prior to being sent offshore. Ensure that you are in good health by taking advantage of wellness visits. Alert supervisors of any medications or health issues that may affect your work performance or be necessary for them to know in the event of a medical emergency.
• Incident Reporting- Report all injuries to your supervisor. Even if the injury seems minor or the cause is not known. Supervisors must fill out an incident report on all incidents that are reported even if they are minor in nature and those reports must be turned in to the safety department. This is a company policy and failure to report an incident can result in termination.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT! Safely Performing Hot Work on Hollow or Enclosed Structures
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT!
2/8/2017 from the desk of Chris Detillier- HSE Manager
What Safely Performing Hot Work on Hollow or Enclosed Structures
Where All Job Sites, all crafts need to be aware of hazards of Hot Work at the facility.
Hollow or Enclosed Structures
Hollow or enclosed structures are objects on which employees work, but that are not large enough for them to enter. These structures are not vented to the atmosphere. Hollow or enclosed structures come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Examples include, but are not limited to, drums, vessels, inaccessible voids, piping, crane pedestals, railings, vents, and container frames.
Explosion and Fire Hazards
During hot work on hollow or enclosed structures precautions must be taken to protect workers from exposure to a range of hazards such as flammable or toxic gases, liquids, or residues; combustible preservatives; solvents, degreasers or cleaning chemicals; and high-pressure or vacuum effects due to fluctuating temperatures.
Sources of Flammable or Explosive AtmospheresSafety Alert 52- Safely Performing Hot Work on Hollow or Enclosed Structures
Flammable or explosive atmospheres in hollow or enclosed structures can result from many sources, including:
• Cargo containers may contain various types of chemicals. The structure of the
container or the container coating can absorb chemicals and emit toxic gases.
• Rusting metals caused by oxidation can create an explosive atmosphere due to
the release of hydrogen gas.
• Carbon monoxide gas released when welding on a hollow or enclosed structure
can accumulate to a high enough concentration to become explosive.
• Flammable gas may enter a hollow or enclosed structure, an explosion can occur
when an ignition source such as welding is present.
Control Measures
Workers involved in hot work operations need to be trained on the fire hazards of hot work, the
use of firefighting equipment, and the hot work permitting process. All structures must be cleaned, vented, and the atmosphere must be tested by a designated person to determine is not hazardous. Be sure to open hollow or enclosed structures to release pressure that builds up during heat application. Always wear appropriate PPE when performing hot work.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.
SAFETY ALERT 48 – Medical First Aid- Struck by Hammer
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT!
What Medical First Aid- Struck by Hammer
Where Ship Shoal 193A
When 10-26-2016 Safety Alert 48- Medical First Aid-Struck by Hammer
What
A Gulf South employee was in the process of tightening some nuts on the flare boom
with a sledge hammer and about a 1 1/16” hammer wrench when he struck the web of
his hand between his thumb and pointer finger with a sledge hammer. The impact of
the hammer caused the worker to receive a laceration on his hand. He was brought in
and the laceration was treated as a medical first aid case.
Why
The employee failed to use proper hand placement by putting his hand within close-proximity of the striking area of the hammer wrench. When the employee struck the hammer wrench this did not give him much contact area and he struck the web of his hand, as well as the handle.
Corrective Measures
Employee was counseled on the importance of proper hand and body placement. When using hammer wrenches or in any situation where pinch points or struck by another object is possible, use mechanical means of holding or securing the equipment. When using hammer wrenches, hammer wrench holders should be used to eliminate the possibility of hand injuries. If these are not available, tie a rope to the hammer wrench and having someone hold pressure on the wrench from a safe distance. This will allow the worker to strike the wrench without having the holder’s hands be in a dangerous location. The employee was wearing impact gloves which helped to reduce the severity of the injury. Anytime you are using striking tools be aware of hand location. If your hands are in an area where there is the potential to be hit or pinched look for safer ways to perform the task.
For questions or concerns, please contact GSSI’s HSE Manager at (985)709-3239 or chris@gssimail.net.
SAFETY ALERT 51 – Preventing Worker Illness
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT 51!
What Preventing Worker Illness
Where All Job Sites
When All times
It is that time of year, more and more workers are becoming ill with the common cold and flu. Illness in the workplace is an important concern. Illness negatively affects the employee’s mood, thinking, reactivity, strength, and body. Not only will this affect the employee directly but it may also require family members to lose work time to provide care for the ill employee, incur additional medical costs, and/or cause the illness to spread to other family members.
Not only does employee illness affect the employee and their family but it can have a significant impact in the workplace. While working, there are many opportunities for people to interact, many times within close proximity of one another. This increases our chances of spreading illness. Employee illness can lead to loss of productivity, reduced quality of work, absenteeism, poor morale, and the spread of the illness throughout the workplace. This can lead to an unhealthy workforce and can negatively influence workplace operations.
In order to help prevent worker illness and limit the spread of germs:
- Get Vaccinated- get the flu vaccine to prevent seasonal flu.
- Avoid close contact- keep your distance from those who are sick.
- Stay home if sick- If possible, stay home if you are sick. If you are scheduled to go offshore notify your supervisor prior to going to an offshore facility. There are many people on offshore facilities and illness can spread easily. One person can cause the entire crew to become ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose- cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. This is especially important after using the restroom, coughing or sneezing, handling any type of raw food, or before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.
Safety Alert 50 – Safe Welding, Cutting, and Grinding Practices
GULF SOUTH SAFETY ALERT! 50
What Safe Welding, Cutting, and Grinding Practices
Where All Job Sites
When While performing Hot Work or Fire Watch
Hot work is a common practice in the oil and gas industry and is also a major component of Gulf South Service’s business. Hot work can create many hazards which can result in severe consequences if they are not properly controlled. Hot work must always be performed safely and it is our obligation to use our Stop Work Authority if we observe hot work being performed in an unsafe manner. To ensure safety when performing hot work the following safe work practices must be followed:
- Permit/Fire Watch- Hot work must not be performed unless a hot work permit has been issued, the area is free of combustible materials and the atmosphere has been monitored, and a fire watch is on duty. The fire watch must remain on duty for at least 30 minutes after hot work has been completed.
- Proper Ventilation- Proper ventilation must be established to prevent exposure to welding fumes; this is especially true in confined spaces.
- Electrical Hazards- Inspect all electrical components and replace any equipment with damaged insulation, exposed wiring, or missing safety guards. Do not use electrical equipment in wet environments.
- Equipment- All equipment must be inspected prior to use and any damaged equipment must be taken out of service. Hoses and cylinders must be free of leaks and welding leads must not have damaged insulation. When running leads and hoses run them in locations that are not heavily trafficked and in a manner that does not create a tripping hazard. Equipment must be disconnected and stored properly when not in use.
- Cylinders- Cylinders in storage must have the valve caps in place, be secured from movement, and fuel/oxygen cylinders must be stored 20 ft. apart unless in use. Cylinders should be kept upright at all times, should only be lifted in approved racks, and must be transported with the valve cap in place.
- Proper PPE- Proper PPE includes hard hat, steel toed boots, FRCs, safety glasses, welding hood with appropriate lens, and leather welding gloves. If necessary respiratory protection may be needed.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Detillier at 985-354-4043 or chris@gssimail.net.