Articles

Hot work and complacency do not mix

 

October 5, 2024

 

Hot work like welding, cutting, and grinding are everyday tasks for many blue-collar workers. It's easy to fall into a routine and forget about the hidden dangers. But neglecting safety during hot work can have tragic consequences.

 

Hot work accidents are more common than you might think. These incidents often involve fires and explosions triggered by sparks or heat igniting flammable vapors, and they can happen in various industries, not just oil and gas[5].

 

Take the case of an explosion at a crude oil terminal in Texas. Contractors were welding a pipe that still contained residual oil, creating an explosive atmosphere. When the welding torch ignited the vapors, it caused a flash fire and explosion that injured seven workers[3].

One of the biggest dangers is the presence of flammable vapors, which are often invisible and difficult to detect without proper equipment. The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) emphasizes the use of combustible gas detectors. These devices are essential for identifying and monitoring flammable atmospheres before and during hot work[3][5].

 

Even when gas monitoring is performed, it needs to be done correctly. A CSB safety video highlights an incident at DuPont where initial testing didn't detect flammable vapors, but the atmosphere inside the tanks was at dangerous levels. This led to an explosion when welding began[4].

 

Key lessons to prevent hot work accidents

 

The CSB emphasizes several important points to keep you safe:

 

  1. Always prioritize safety and treat hot work with caution, even if it seems routine.

  2. Perform a comprehensive hazard assessment before starting any hot work. This includes identifying potential sources of flammable vapors, even in equipment not directly involved in the job.

  3. Use combustible gas detectors to monitor the atmosphere before and during hot work.

  4. Continuously monitor for flammable vapors, especially when temperatures fluctuate.

  5. Eliminate all potential sources of flammable materials in the work area.

  6. Use a written permit system that outlines the work, necessary precautions, and requires testing the atmosphere inside tanks.

  7. Ensure you receive proper training on the hazards of hot work and follow established safety procedures[3][5].

 

Protecting yourself on the job

 

As a blue-collar worker, your safety is extremely important and something we shall not get complacent with. Here are some additional tips to keep yourself safe:

 

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

  • Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

  • Know your company's safety policies and ask questions if needed.

  • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like protective gloves, safety goggles, and hard hats[1].

 

Remember, even experienced workers can make mistakes. Always use all available resources to gain as much knowledge and training as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions or use your stop work authority! 

 

 

Resources:

 

[1] https://www.ruttermills.com/resource/workers-comp-info/safety-at-work-for-the-blue-collared-worker/

[3] https://www.lion.com/lion-news/september-2022/key-lessons-for-hot-work-safety-from-us-csb

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqskpvPejeU

[5] https://www.csb.gov/recommendations/hot-work/

 

Citations:

 

[1] https://www.ruttermills.com/resource/workers-comp-info/safety-at-work-for-the-blue-collared-worker/

[2] https://silentbeacon.com/why-blue-collar-workers-need-a-safety-device/

[3] https://www.lion.com/lion-news/september-2022/key-lessons-for-hot-work-safety-from-us-csb

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqskpvPejeU

[5] https://www.csb.gov/recommendations/hot-work/

[6] https://inspectioneering.com/news/2014-08-06/4077/csb-emphasizes-existing-resour

[7] https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21908874/csb-issues-safety-bulletin-on-hazards-of-welding-hot-work

[8] https://www.kellerinsurance.com/safety-first-protecting-blue-collar-workers-in-hazardous-environments/