API 2009 Safe Welding, Cutting, and Hot Work practices in the Petroleum an Petrochemical Industries Flashcards
- What is meant by the term “competent person?” (API 2009-2002, Section 3.3)
A person identified by the employer as being capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surrounding or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to personnel, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them
- What is meant by the term “lower flammable limit?” (API 2009-2002, Section 3.11)
The concentration of vapor in air (or other oxidant) below which propagations of flame does not occur on contact with an ignition source. The lower flammable limit is usually expressed as a volume percentage of the vapor in air. Also know as Lower Explosive Limit (LEL is how it is abbreviated)
- What is meant by the term “exposure limit?” (API 2009-2002, Section 3.5)
For chemical agents a measure of the maximum airborne concentration limits for toxic substances to which workers may be exposed without protection (Respirators) Exposure limits are usually expressed in parts per million or milligrams per cubic meter. MSDSs from manufacturer or supplier of the material should list exposure limits
- What is meant by the term “confined space?” (API 2009-2002, Section 3.4)
An enclosure with known or potential hazards and restricted means of entrance and exit, that is not normally occupied by people, and is usually not well ventilated.
- What is meant by the term “hot work?” What are some activities usually considered to be hot work? (API 2009-2002, Section 3.8)
An operation that can produce enough heat from a flame, spark, or other source of ignition with sufficient energy to ignite flammable vapors, gases, or dust
What must be done if the object on which hot work is to be performed cannot be moved and if all the fire hazards cannot be removed? (API 2009-2002, Section 4.1)
Protective guards or shields must be used to confine heat, sparks and slag.
A barrier to prevent sparks form reaching combustible materials.
A Designated fire watch must be present to monitor fire risks
fire extinguishers that are appropriate for type of hazard
hot work permit outlining specific precautions
What are seven precautions that should be taken to prevent electrical hazard exposure for personnel? (API 2009-2002, Section 5.11)
Wear PPE
Use Lock out /Tag out
Avoid damaged equipment
unplug equipment properly
avoid contact with power lines
inspect electrical equipment and use insulated tools
keep water and liquids away
Many flammability meters require oxygen levels to be at a minimum of what percent in order to provide proper readings? (API 2009-2002, Section 7.2)
19.5 %
What precautions should be taken before welding or cutting is performed above or near oily surfaces? (API 2009-2002, Section 9.3)
If hot work is to be done there should be 0% detectable flammable concentration. Any source of detectable flammable vapors should be found and eliminated prior to hot work beginning
- Except in inert spaces, what should the concentration of flammable vapors be in order to permit entry into a confined space? (API 2009-2002, Section 9.3)
Less than 10% of the Lower Flammable Limit regardless of the type of respiratory protection required in order to permit entry
- What hazards to personnel might welding or cutting operations create inside a confined space? (API 2009-2002, Section 9.4)
Toxic fumes and gases
Fire or Explosion
Oxygen Issues
Physical hazards
Electric shock
Radiation and heat problems
Other - noise, slick wet surface
If SCBA respiratory protection is not required, within what range must the oxygen content of the confined space be when personnel are present? What must the concentration of toxic vapors and gases be? (API 2009-2002, Section 9.4)
Oxygen 19.5% and 23.5%
Toxic vapors or gases must be below established permissible exposure limits of that specific substance
Under what circumstances is a fire watch person required? What equipment should fire watch personnel have readily available? (API 2009-2002, Section 6.5)
Properly trained and equipped fire watch personnel shall be required whenever a permit is required for hot work
- When should a hot work permit be obtained? (API 2009-2002, Section 8.2)
Except in areas specifically designated as safe for hot work, a hot work permit shall be obtained before starting any work that can involve a source of ignition
- What information and conditions should be included in a hot work permit? (API 2009-2002, Section 8.2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
A) the equipment on which work is to be preformed and location
B) Identification and location of relevant MSDS
C) Type of work to be preformed
D) Protective equipment and measures including rescue equipment
E) Standby fire protection equipment and or Personnel
What must the concentration of flammable vapors be in order to allow hot work to occur? (API 2009-2002, Section 9.3)
Flammable vapors must be below 10% of the LEL
An “inspection of internals” should be conducted prior to beginning hot work. What is the purpose of the inspection? What areas should be inspected? (API 2009-2002, Section 10.3)
Inspecting internals purpose prior to hot work is to identify fire risks and ensure workers are safe. Inspection should include checking for flammable materials, assessing environmental conditions, Evaluating equipment, checking for personal protective devices, inspecting fire suppression systems
At the highest points in the tank bottom, drill and tap holes for 1/2 in pipe T
